Marine Corps Marathon - October 26, 2008 (NEW PHOTOS!)
- Thread starter KeenHo
- Start date
groovygirls
Mouseketeer
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Where are people staying? We will be in Rosslyn- hopefully I can figure out how to get to the start!
Weather is looking better- fingers and toes crossed.
Friday we are going to the zoo- the gang is looking forward to seeing the pandas. It will be the highlight of the trip for them.
Weather is looking better- fingers and toes crossed.
Friday we are going to the zoo- the gang is looking forward to seeing the pandas. It will be the highlight of the trip for them.
skfulkers
I bleed Black and Gold......Go Steelers!
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Krista, Carter and I will be at my SIS and BIL's house in Falls Church, VA. We don't have any time that we "have to" be at the expo, so whatever works best for all of you.
Sunday morning, our plan is this: I'm going to hop on the metro (station is about 1/2 mile from my SIS's place) about 5:00am and head to the Pentagon station. Krista will be leaving with my SIS and BIL to go to the race a little later. Not sure how much later, probably 6:something. I'm not sure if they're driving in or taking the metro. We're going to yield to their expertise of the area to decide whether to drive or not. Their plan is to scream team, they're not sure where or when on the course since they're not familiar with it. Krista just told me she really wants to hook up with all of you to scream team, but she wanted me to add this caveat--she doesn't want my SIS and BIL to feel left out, so she wants to scream team with them as well. So as long as it all works out for all of the scream teamers at the various locations, she is thrilled to be meeting up with everyone. Obviously, since Howard and others are so much faster than me, she may have to split up from a couple of you if she has to wait for slow old me to pass a certain point.
So what time are we doing the expo Saturday? And where does everyone plan to be pre-race on Sunday morning? I would be thrilled to hook up with you guys at the start line. I don't know anything about the area, so where would be a good place to meet?
Steve
Sunday morning, our plan is this: I'm going to hop on the metro (station is about 1/2 mile from my SIS's place) about 5:00am and head to the Pentagon station. Krista will be leaving with my SIS and BIL to go to the race a little later. Not sure how much later, probably 6:something. I'm not sure if they're driving in or taking the metro. We're going to yield to their expertise of the area to decide whether to drive or not. Their plan is to scream team, they're not sure where or when on the course since they're not familiar with it. Krista just told me she really wants to hook up with all of you to scream team, but she wanted me to add this caveat--she doesn't want my SIS and BIL to feel left out, so she wants to scream team with them as well. So as long as it all works out for all of the scream teamers at the various locations, she is thrilled to be meeting up with everyone. Obviously, since Howard and others are so much faster than me, she may have to split up from a couple of you if she has to wait for slow old me to pass a certain point.
So what time are we doing the expo Saturday? And where does everyone plan to be pre-race on Sunday morning? I would be thrilled to hook up with you guys at the start line. I don't know anything about the area, so where would be a good place to meet?
Steve
CynthiaCindy
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Matt and I will be at the expo in the early afternoon on Saturday if anyone is also planning on going at that time.
As for Sunday morning, I'd love to wish all you marathoners good luck before I go off to do my little 10k. I think the best place to meet up would be the area where the port o potties and the baggage trucks are (its a little bit of a walk to the start from that point). It's always nice to chat while waiting in the port o potty line!
I'd also love to try to meet up with the scream teamers after I finish the 10k!
As for Sunday morning, I'd love to wish all you marathoners good luck before I go off to do my little 10k. I think the best place to meet up would be the area where the port o potties and the baggage trucks are (its a little bit of a walk to the start from that point). It's always nice to chat while waiting in the port o potty line!
I'd also love to try to meet up with the scream teamers after I finish the 10k!
We will be hitting the expo Friday morning and I haven't seen anyone say they are going then.
Cindy, do you remember how the baggage trucks are set up? Were they alphabetical or by bib#?. The porta-pot area is really big and it would be good to be able to narrow down a congregation point a little bit.
I'm a little fuzzy on the recall, but last year we got to the Pentagon Metro stop around 5:45 or so, waited a few minutes and was lucky enough to catch everyone else as they were getting off.
It's a long walk from the Metro to the porta-pot/bag check area and then a little ways to the start.
My one piece of unsolicited advice for the start for those shooting for a specific time is to get yourself to the correct area for your pace. There aren't any corrals as such but the predicted finishing times are marked with some big banners along the start. It is a whopping big crowd and it's easy to get lulled/trapped in the group pace for quite a few miles. Too fast or too slow can really mess with your time.
I'm anxious to see how the new course plays out.
The biggest hills (not too bad IMHO) still come in the first quarter of the race. Last year, Hains Point, the loneliest, longest, most remote section of the race came somewhere around mile 15 through 20. It was a tough bit of the race. Now that section is before half way and the National Mall, with all the energy from the crowd, comes in the later parts.
That should help some but then you've got the long run across the 14th St. Bridge back into Virginia, through Crystal City with more huge crowds and past the Pentagon.
It looks like they have eliminated the cruelty of making you run past the finish line for a little out and back
but you still have the steep uphill to the finish at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
One of my most vivid memories from last year's race is shuffling up that hill to the finish, seeing the two timing mats, and thinking "I hope to God that the first mat is the official finish because I don't think I can make it the extra 5 feet to the second one!"
Wow, this turned into quite the lengthy narrative. Sorry. I must be getting excited or something.
Cindy, do you remember how the baggage trucks are set up? Were they alphabetical or by bib#?. The porta-pot area is really big and it would be good to be able to narrow down a congregation point a little bit.
I'm a little fuzzy on the recall, but last year we got to the Pentagon Metro stop around 5:45 or so, waited a few minutes and was lucky enough to catch everyone else as they were getting off.
It's a long walk from the Metro to the porta-pot/bag check area and then a little ways to the start.
My one piece of unsolicited advice for the start for those shooting for a specific time is to get yourself to the correct area for your pace. There aren't any corrals as such but the predicted finishing times are marked with some big banners along the start. It is a whopping big crowd and it's easy to get lulled/trapped in the group pace for quite a few miles. Too fast or too slow can really mess with your time.
I'm anxious to see how the new course plays out.
The biggest hills (not too bad IMHO) still come in the first quarter of the race. Last year, Hains Point, the loneliest, longest, most remote section of the race came somewhere around mile 15 through 20. It was a tough bit of the race. Now that section is before half way and the National Mall, with all the energy from the crowd, comes in the later parts.
That should help some but then you've got the long run across the 14th St. Bridge back into Virginia, through Crystal City with more huge crowds and past the Pentagon.
It looks like they have eliminated the cruelty of making you run past the finish line for a little out and back
but you still have the steep uphill to the finish at the Iwo Jima Memorial.One of my most vivid memories from last year's race is shuffling up that hill to the finish, seeing the two timing mats, and thinking "I hope to God that the first mat is the official finish because I don't think I can make it the extra 5 feet to the second one!"
Wow, this turned into quite the lengthy narrative. Sorry. I must be getting excited or something.
Hey Guys 
Just wanted to pop on here and wish you all the best of luck at MCM 2008 in case I don't get to post much next week
.
I've been training with a bunch of great folks from my local running group here in northern NJ and we have a big contingency running MCM this year. So if you see the shirts...give a smile and cheer....Sparta Runners is their name.
I know you all will do awesome...I really want to run this race one of these years.
Have a good final week of taper and run like the wind!!!!
Just wanted to pop on here and wish you all the best of luck at MCM 2008 in case I don't get to post much next week
.I've been training with a bunch of great folks from my local running group here in northern NJ and we have a big contingency running MCM this year. So if you see the shirts...give a smile and cheer....Sparta Runners is their name
.I know you all will do awesome...I really want to run this race one of these years.
Have a good final week of taper and run like the wind!!!!
Mouse Skywalker
<font color=green>The Force is strong with this Po
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Hey Everyone: I just wanted to pop in and WISH you all luck for the MCM this weekend. Have a great time.
CynthiaCindy
DIS Veteran
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I'm 100% positive that they were by bib# last year.
I'll add my unsolicited advice to Mike's. The starting line is set up on both sides of the street with a grass median in the middle. Last year the left side was much less crowded, I'm guessing because you come to the area from the right and have to walk through the right to get to the left (and all the pace groups were also set up on the right last year). So, when the start gun went off, the people on the left moved to the start line much more quickly than those on the right, meaning people lined up by the 4:30 time on the left may have crossed the start line with those lined up by the 4:00 time on the right. It is really crowded, so if the same thing happens again, this could make a difference in how many people you have to weave through.
skfulkers
I bleed Black and Gold......Go Steelers!
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Question for all of you who were there last year: the official website says the best way to get to the course and/or around to the various areas (for spectators) is via the metro. Is this really the case? Im trying to figure out if Krista and my Dsis/BIL drove to Arlington, could they park close enough to make the trek to the start line on foot manageable? Or is it really best for spectatos to take the metro to Arlington station and get off their? Im going to take the metro regardless to get to the runners start area, but Krista will have a stroller and an infant car seat, so if they can drive to the start, it would make it that much easier on them.
Thought anyone?
Steve
Thought anyone?
Steve
CynthiaCindy
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Steve - Unfortunately, there really aren't many good options for parking and walking to the start. The only place I can think of (and this would still be a really long walk) is the Pentago City Mall parking garage (I'm also not entirely sure about the hours that one can get into the garage). There are also lots of issues with street closures.
Technically, one could probably also walk from Rosslyn to the start (again - not a short walk) but there aren't that many parking garages in Rosslyn and lots of streets will be closed around there (for finish festival and race).
Sorry I don't have any better suggestions. As much as I hate to say it, Metro probably is easiest.
Technically, one could probably also walk from Rosslyn to the start (again - not a short walk) but there aren't that many parking garages in Rosslyn and lots of streets will be closed around there (for finish festival and race).
Sorry I don't have any better suggestions. As much as I hate to say it, Metro probably is easiest.
momoftwogirls
Mouseketeer
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Steve/Krista -
I took the Metro with Mike to the Pentagon, we met up with the other WISHers there at the Metro station - then the runners made their LONG walk to the start line and Tracy and I took the Metro back to the Arlington station. We watched the start from a bridge that was right outside the Arlington Metro stop. It is really hard to spot an individual runner at this location because of the huge mass of runners. We were lucky enough to spot the WISH runners (I think Tracy's WISH shirt helped them spot us too)
I'm going to take a closer look at the race map this week and decide where I will be going. I'm thinking of maybe skipping the start and heading to mile 1 in Rosslyn instead - not sure yet though.
Metro is definitely the way to go - too many road closures,etc for driving into Arlington or DC. I know it will be difficult for Krista with the stroller and all the baby gear but Metro is the best choice. The trains were VERY crowded all day. They were standing room only and people were body to body. I wasn't close to any of the poles or hand grips to hold onto to - but it didn't matter because I wasn't going anywhere with all the people around me.
Mike and I get on Metro in Vienna - a stop before Falls Church. This is the orange line train. You have to transfer to a blue line train to get to the Pentagon. Last year Mike paid for a round trip fare card and I bought an all day pass. This let me get on and off the Metro as many times as I wanted for the entire day.
Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Kathy
I took the Metro with Mike to the Pentagon, we met up with the other WISHers there at the Metro station - then the runners made their LONG walk to the start line and Tracy and I took the Metro back to the Arlington station. We watched the start from a bridge that was right outside the Arlington Metro stop. It is really hard to spot an individual runner at this location because of the huge mass of runners. We were lucky enough to spot the WISH runners (I think Tracy's WISH shirt helped them spot us too)
I'm going to take a closer look at the race map this week and decide where I will be going. I'm thinking of maybe skipping the start and heading to mile 1 in Rosslyn instead - not sure yet though.
Metro is definitely the way to go - too many road closures,etc for driving into Arlington or DC. I know it will be difficult for Krista with the stroller and all the baby gear but Metro is the best choice. The trains were VERY crowded all day. They were standing room only and people were body to body. I wasn't close to any of the poles or hand grips to hold onto to - but it didn't matter because I wasn't going anywhere with all the people around me.
Mike and I get on Metro in Vienna - a stop before Falls Church. This is the orange line train. You have to transfer to a blue line train to get to the Pentagon. Last year Mike paid for a round trip fare card and I bought an all day pass. This let me get on and off the Metro as many times as I wanted for the entire day.
Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Kathy
aladdinsgirl
She's a rebel. She's a saint.
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Kathy and Cindy--Thank you so much for all the tips you've given me! I'm a little nervous about scream teaming in a city I'm unfamiliar with on a course I don't know at all. Thankfully Brenda and Andrew are familiar with DC, but unforunately they are unfamiliar with marathon spectating. Sunday should be pretty interesting!!
Kathy and Cam--I'll be scream teaming with Stephen's sister and her husband, but if you don't mind hanging out with 2 people you don't know, I'd love to see you guys and cheer with you. Unfortunately, I'm not going to know a game plan until we get to their apartment and have time to look at the course map Saturday afternoon and I'm not taking the laptop with me, so I can't check in with anybody Saturday evening. Maybe we'll have an idea as to what is going on before the Expo. Cam, you and I can talk about it then. I'm sure we'll watch the start or watch from mile 1, so hopefully we'll bump into each other along the way. I don't plan on wearing anything Wish on Sunday, but you will recognize me by my big 'ol honkin' stroller.
Cindy--Off topic (sort of), but I've been lurking on the Philly thread and I have to give you a huge
for all the miles you have put in lately. You are amazing!!
Kathy and Cam--I'll be scream teaming with Stephen's sister and her husband, but if you don't mind hanging out with 2 people you don't know, I'd love to see you guys and cheer with you. Unfortunately, I'm not going to know a game plan until we get to their apartment and have time to look at the course map Saturday afternoon and I'm not taking the laptop with me, so I can't check in with anybody Saturday evening. Maybe we'll have an idea as to what is going on before the Expo. Cam, you and I can talk about it then. I'm sure we'll watch the start or watch from mile 1, so hopefully we'll bump into each other along the way. I don't plan on wearing anything Wish on Sunday, but you will recognize me by my big 'ol honkin' stroller.
Cindy--Off topic (sort of), but I've been lurking on the Philly thread and I have to give you a huge
for all the miles you have put in lately. You are amazing!!
Mouse Skywalker
<font color=green>The Force is strong with this Po
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You've been lurking on the Philly thread? Why didn't you say HI?
BTW, Carter is very, very cute in his Steelers jersey. Have a great time in DC this weekend. I really enjoyed the race last year, and have really fond memories of my Dad being able to be there watching me run. My best to you and Steve.
keenercam
Loves Mickey!
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I am so excited about seeing everyone this weekend. I am totally game for hanging out with whomever can tolerate me. Maybe those of us going to the Expo Saturday can pick a time to meet there and generally powwow on a plan? Missing all of you -- I am terribly in need of a WISH fix. 
CynthiaCindy
DIS Veteran
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Krista - Thanks! I'm just hoping all this running pays off in November! And I must agree with Dave - that picture of Carter is adorable!
I'll throw out a time for the expo - Matt and I will plan on being there around 2.
I'll throw out a time for the expo - Matt and I will plan on being there around 2.
aladdinsgirl
She's a rebel. She's a saint.
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