Marine Corp friends...

[Sabeking]

Hello everyone! We haven't chatted for awhile; how's the training going?? I'm very excited :yay: it is supposed to be 69 degrees here in North Cac-A-Lac-EE (Carolina) this Tuesday and I'm going to try and get in a 20 miler!! Wish me luck! Hope everyone elses training is coming along :goodvibes

[syko]

pixiedust: for tuesday pixiedust:

[KeenHo]

Best of luck on the LR! I am just in from 6 miles this morning.

Howard

[Sabeking]

pixiedust: for tuesday pixiedust:

Thanks; I'll need it!

Anybody know of a great pick me up besides the goo packs? :confused3

[K80K]

I got my 18 in this weekend and it went better than I thought it would. I am ready for the temps to break. Fall back week next week as I tackle the VB RnR Half. Good luck with your long runs this week everyone.

[Sabeking]

I got my 18 in this weekend and it went better than I thought it would. I am ready for the temps to break. Fall back week next week as I tackle the VB RnR Half. Good luck with your long runs this week everyone.

How many more long runs will you do before the race??

[K80K]

I have 3 more long runs with two half marathons squished in with them.

[syko]

Sabeking Let us know how it went today!!!!

[Sabeking]

Hello! I did all 20 miles and had a decent time!!:banana: It's amazing how the weather has such an effect on my time and energy. It's funny when friends say, "what did you do today?" and I think, well I ran. It's time consuming isn't it?

Wow Katie (I'm assuming that's your name :goodvibes) you are really going to be prepared, that's awesome! I was thinking about doing maybe 2 more 18's and be done with it. It was so good to get that 20 behind me today. That is the most I ever did before the Chicago marathon.

I wonder where the rest of the Marine Corp group is hiding??

[Sabeking]

Best of luck on the LR! I am just in from 6 miles this morning.

Howard

Keenho are you running this race as well?

[syko]

Congrulations Sabeking :woohoo:

[K80K]

Since my training runs have been right at 14 min/mile I am trying to make sure I get a couple 20s under my belt before race day, just for my own self confidence. The cooler weather we are having right now is PERFECT. Wish it could be like this when I run my 20.

[KeenHo]

Quote:
Originally Posted by KeenHo
Best of luck on the LR! I am just in from 6 miles this morning.

Howard

Keenho are you running this race as well?

Yes, I am running MCM. I ran it last year and had a pretty good race. I could have done better, that's why I am back at it this year. I ran it in 4:10:39 last year. I am having a very different year than last year. I've had to deal with Plantar Faciitus last fall into winter, a stress fracture of my third metatarsal in my left foot from March through May and now a intermittent MCL pain in my right knee. I guess I'm getting old. :confused3

Best of luck in your training!

Howard

[Sabeking]

Wow Howard that's a lot to deal with. I am afraid I would have taken the couch on this one. I guess it's that addiction to running that makes us keep on keeping on!

I have a question; I was wondering if the participants in this race are all military folks that are going to leave me laying on the side of the road!! :rotfl: I'm a little intimidated! Was there a supportive crowd there last year??
Thanks!

[syko]

Don't the Marines say "no man left behind"??

I can not for one minute think that you would be left at the side of the road, and if you where then a WISH'er would come a pick you up.:hug:

I have heard that last year pepole where offering to push the wheelchairs up the hills!!!!:scared1:

I would have said that most people in this race do have some conection to the military, after all this race was started so that active marines could have a local race to BQ!!!

I'm not from the military, and have had fantastic support from the MCM with help for my SD.:thumbsup2

My DH is going to be given an escort from the start to the finish line, with a place to wait, he has even had contact from his escort!!!!

I wish all other race directors where this helpfull, as most don't want a SD anywhere near.

[K80K]

Sabeking: My plan right now is to barely avoid the sweeper, which means I will be behind you and I will pick you up and take you with me. :)

I have heard that few races compare to the support you get at the MCM.

[KeenHo]

Wow Howard that's a lot to deal with. I am afraid I would have taken the couch on this one. I guess it's that addiction to running that makes us keep on keeping on!

I have a question; I was wondering if the participants in this race are all military folks that are going to leave me laying on the side of the road!! :rotfl: I'm a little intimidated! Was there a supportive crowd there last year??
Thanks!

I have definitely been "taking the couch" reluctantly and trying to incorporate biking into my routine also. I am not giving up without a fight!

I think that MCM is one of the better supported Marathon races that I've run. There is great support at various parts of the course, not so much in others. The area around the Mall and near the Capital Building in Washington D.C. and start/finish are probably the best. The Mall allows supporters to see you, then cross and see you again on the other side.

In my opinion, there is not a predominantly military running population in this race, at least they are not recognizable that way. There are some retired Marines, Airmen, active duty, etc. but it is not (by far) the greatest percentage. I had heard a rumor that Marines ran it and dropped at every mile marker to do push-ups. I saw none of that last year at all. I did see a few Marines in full field pack in boots doing the distance though (just a couple).

There was always great support for the wheeled athletes going through the crowd of runners I was part of as well as with the crowd along the roads.

I hope that answers your questions.

Howard

[Sabeking]

That sounds good Howard! Thanks!

Syko, ditto from me:hug: I would be glad to pull you in my little red wagon if need be! Keep me up on how your runs go. Did you say you were doing the Virginia Beach 1/2? I did it last year and the course was great but the weather stunk!!!Too hot :eek:

[syko]

Thank for the offer.:thumbsup2 if the hills are that bad you might find me at the side of the road waiting for you!!!!!!!!

I've never looked at the Vrginia Beach 1/2, if it's not at Disney I would not travel out of state for a 1/2. I only look at races that are BQ's.

Still not training, my wheels are now being made, they said I shoud have them the end of the month,:banana: and we have all the other parts,:cool1: I just need my DH to put them together!!!(he's trying as I type):scared1:

My race schedule so far is: (but subject to change!!)

2009:


WDW Race for the Taste
Columbus
Marine Corps Marathon
NYC
Celebration Founders Day 5 & 15K
Space Coast Marathon
Palm Beach Marathon

2010:

WDW Marathon Weekend: Dopey
Ocala Marathon
Tallahassee Marathon
Sarasota Marathon
A1A Marathon
WDW Disney Princess ½ Marathon
Boston Marathon (If qualified)
LA Marathon
Keys 100 miles
DL ½ Marathon
US Air Force Marathon
Nike Woman Marathon
Chicago Marathon (if HC category is opened to non vets in 2010)
Marine Corps Marathon
New York Marathon
Space Coast Marathon

[syko]

50 days to go!!!!:scared1:

[Sabeking]

Does anyone want to meet for a little bit on maybe Saturday?? We are staying at the JW Marriott. I would love to meet you 3 and your families and anyone else interested in this group!

Andrea

[Sabeking]

Thank for the offer.:thumbsup2 if the hills are that bad you might find me at the side of the road waiting for you!!!!!!!!

I've never looked at the Vrginia Beach 1/2, if it's not at Disney I would not travel out of state for a 1/2. I only look at races that are BQ's.

Still not training, my wheels are now being made, they said I shoud have them the end of the month,:banana: and we have all the other parts,:cool1: I just need my DH to put them together!!!(he's trying as I type):scared1:

My race schedule so far is: (but subject to change!!)

2009:


WDW Race for the Taste
Columbus
Marine Corps Marathon
NYC
Celebration Founders Day 5 & 15K
Space Coast Marathon
Palm Beach Marathon

2010:

WDW Marathon Weekend: Dopey
Ocala Marathon
Tallahassee Marathon
Sarasota Marathon
A1A Marathon
WDW Disney Princess ½ Marathon
Boston Marathon (If qualified)
LA Marathon
Keys 100 miles
DL ½ Marathon
US Air Force Marathon
Nike Woman Marathon
Chicago Marathon (if HC category is opened to non vets in 2010)
Marine Corps Marathon
New York Marathon
Space Coast Marathon



You go girl!!!:woohoo:

[syko]

Does anyone want to meet for a little bit on maybe Saturday?? We are staying at the JW Marriott. I would love to meet you 3 and your families and anyone else interested in this group!

Andrea

We would be, but I don't arrive until saturday morning.

I hoping to get sign in done quickly so that we can see the constitution and the white house. I also don't know if I have any "team" things that I have to do.

We're staying at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn @ Key Bridge, Arlington, the team always stay there.

[Sabeking]

Maybe as we get a little closer we can see if we may all be in the same general area on Saturday and can meet. If not I will be cheering you all on in spirit!

[syko]

You can print up your conformation card: https://www.doitsports.com/confirm/card-MCM.tcl If you can get it to work!!!!!!......I can't.

[KeenHo]

I'd enjoy meeting all of you. We most likely won't get down to D.C. until close to 5 or 6 PM on Saturday, then we are going straight to the Expo, then out to carb load. The best bet is meeting up on Sunday AM before the race near one of the UPS bag-drop trucks. Last year we met up at the truck that was for the "W's".

We are missing part of a Bar Mitzvah for a very, very close friend's family. We will be going to temple on Saturday, and seeing him but will miss the blow out party on Sunday. It is poor timing, we'll really miss being there.

I printed my confirmation, it worked for me. Thanks for posting the link.

I ran 15 miles today. It was my longest run since the Walt Disney World Marathon in January. The closest was 7.21 miles on June 24.

Have a great week!

Howard

[syko]

Mine would not work as I don't have an offical conformation number, I was given a late entry in, so I will call tomorrow.

[syko]

I love how the MCM work, I call and a few mins later its sorted!!!!!

My bib is: 30835.

[K80K]

My bib number is 6400.

[Sabeking]

Way to go on your run Howard :cool1: Meeting Sunday sounds good to me! I have a question for you Howard. I'm a little curious about the elevation chart. The first 8 miles look kind of hilly:scared1: Are these gradual hills or just straight up and down? Were you exhausted last time after the beginning hills? Also, I'm kind of surprised at the number of water stations. In Chicago there was one almost every mile. I was hoping not to have to wear my fuel belt but now I think I may not have a choice. What are your thoughts??

Thanks, Andrea

[KeenHo]

Andrea:

Hi, thanks for the questions. I hope I can help. I carried some Powerade with me but found myself running past several water stops early on. I bought a smaller fuel belt with multiple small bottles for this year. Last year I had a couple of small bottles in the belt.

As for the hills, my recollection at the early stages of the race were that they did not slow me down too much. I went out really fast (one of my big downfalls) and burned up some energy I should have saved for later on. I took the hills slow and steady and walked where I had too, mostly to catch my breath. The earliest hills are gradual. Gradual uphills and a long downhill early on. The hill near the river is very steep. I remember running it towards the morning sun and being so fogged up (glasses) that all I could see was sun glare and the feet in front of me. Not a good feeling.

The temperature last year at the start was cold. I remember standing there teeth chattering and shivering with my WISH friends. However, once you start, things warm up quickly. Take something to discard or hand it off to a support person if you can.

I'll take a look at the course online and post some more thoughts. I remember looking at a YouTube video last year of the course. I recommend that to all to get a visual of the course.

Here is a good link for the elevations... I've seen the old and new course. This is the 2008 (New) Course:

http://mappery.com/maps/Washington-DC-Marine-Corps-Marathon-Course-Map-2008.pdf

Howard

[Sabeking]

Thanks Howard!! It's funny I was thinking about the race after I got my number today and my stomach was in knots!! I've done it before but it is amazing how every race I get totally worked up; which is crazy considering my only goal is to make it across the finish line. It's not like I'm racing the Kenyans or anything :rotfl:

I do worry about the weather! Chicago was 90 degrees and Virginia Beach was 87 and humid!:eek: Folks were dropping like flies!! That's one good thing about training in tons of humidity here in NC. I can't imagine from somewhere like Seattle and coming to the south to race with the weather being dicey.

[syko]

I got cold at the Princess 5K and did not warm up until I had finished!!!
I'm taking both hot & cold gear with me to wear.

[KeenHo]

Post race last year was cool and breezy/windy... it didn't take long to cool down after finishing.

My wife, Cam, and our WISH friend Mike (Optimator) and his lovely wife Kathy walked up to 5 Guys (burgers) after the marathon for dinner. That was a great meal after banging out 26.2. We caught a cab back to our hotel from there.

[syko]

As soon as I finish we will be driving home....my dd has class the next day.
There is a whole foods near our hotel so it will be a case of running in and getting something to eat in the car.

[Sabeking]

Yummy, love some 5 guys; especailly after the race. Nothing like a big pile of beef to soak up the hunger!!!!

[syko]

40 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can sign up to track your runner: http://live.activeresult.com/msg/MSG-signup.tcl?event_id=32

[KeenHo]

40 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!: :scared1:

I ran a 7 miler yesterday evening in 1:06, 9:26 pace. This weekend I have a training run (that's what I'm calling it), the Philadelphia Distance Run (Half Marathon). Wish me luck!

[syko]

Howard you will have a great run.


Has any one had an email asking them to confirm there finish time for MCM?????
I just did and thought it was odd.

[K80K]

No, I haven't gotten one.

[KeenHo]

I have not received a confirming email about my projected finish time either.

[K80K]

Of course I am turtle slow, so they probably don't care about my finish time, lol.

[syko]

I thought it was odd as it went on about having to know times for bib numbers.
We allready have our bib numbers!!

[K80K]

Wow that really is wierd. :/ Almost sounds like fishing? Did they ask for any personal info?

[syko]

No personal info.
I sent them a email back saying the time I put on my entry.....but I don't think that I will get anywhere near it!!!!!!

[K80K]

I don't even remember what I put on my app. My goal is just to beat the bridge. After that I may be either crawling or being dragged to the finish line, lol.

[KeenHo]

I finished the Philadelphia Distance Run in 2:03:25 (Chip Time) and now my sights are set on the Ridgefield (CT) Half on October 4. Another run in training for MCM.

[syko]

Great time Keenho :thumbsup2

The race program is up on line.....I have 78 in my cat.....so I know what number i'll finish.....78!!!!!!!!

[KeenHo]

Hi everyone! I hope your training is going well. It's almost here!

I completed the Ridgefield (CT) Pamby Half Marathon this past Sunday morning in 2:04:09, 9:28 pace.

It was only 41 seconds after my time at the Philadelphia Distance Run a little over two weeks ago.

Looking forward to the Race For The Taste this weekend and then MCM!!!!


Howard

[syko]

Only 10 days to go :scared1: