Hey Everyone,
First off, I know
Cindy was busy and didn't have time. But she definitely didn't do herself justice. She had a rockin' great race! Well, I thought it was a great race. I hope she is happy with the time.
Cindy - Fabulous race! And what's up with Matt? Holy crap! Did you promise him a special reward to run that fast?
Lou - Nice job getting your 20 done. Not much fun for sure. Not that you asked or anything, but a month before a marathon might not be the best time to be trying to drop weight. I mean, if you can't eat what you want when running big miles, what's the point?
Colleen and
Sara - I hope you enjoyed your games.
O.K., now for my little race report. Sorry in advance, but I always enjoy reading everyone elses', so I'll probably get a little lenghty.
We got to porta-pot/bag drop village around 6:45. That must have been earlier than last year because it was all kinds of dark out.
Kathy and I waited a bit for
Howard, Cam, Cindy, Matt, and
SteveOH to meet us. We chatted for a bit then
Cindy and
Matt headed one way for the 10K start,
Cam and
Kathy to the starting area to scream team, and
Howard, Steve, and I to the lined up in our desired pace areas (by way of porta-pots).
Jodi, the Brooks VIP john was half way up to the corral area and the red-carpeted line was way too long for me to peak in for you. Sorry.
We waited a bit for the howitzer gun to go off and started the shuffle.
Steve was a little behind
Howard and I and wished us good luck. It took about 4 minutes to slowly cross the line. I ran 26+ miles and was done. The end.
No just kidding.
Howard took to the shoulder and was off like a shot. I wouldn't really see him again until almost half way. It was crowded going for a heck of a long way. Lots of ups and downs for the first 8 or miles but nothing too unbearable. All the lovely scream teamers were supposed to be around mile 10 so I was on the lookout. Somehow both Howard and I ran by them without being seen
. We must have been in stealth mode. Out around Haynes point past the half way point. At this point I saw Howard jump out of line to greet someone he knew but I couldn't get over to run with him without causing a big wreck. Back to civilization and lots of spectators, past the Lincoln Memorial and onto the National Mall.
I was lucky enough to see
Kathy and
Cam at miles 18 and just before 20. I was maintaining a pretty good pace at that point but told
Kathy I got my good 20 miles in and was going to back it down from there. And that's what I did! Walked when I wanted and ran when I felt like it.
I had a couple of scares with some almost cramps but was pretty comfortable coming home. I walked a bit in anticipation of that nasty hill up to the finish then started to run when I turned up the drive to the Iwo Jima Memorial. A funny thing happend on the way to the statue. I couldn't run the whole way up that SOB. I had to walk a few hundred feet then run across the finish.
Chip time of 3:50:41.
A mass of humanity at the finish!! I finally found
Kathy, then
Howard and
Cam met us at the W (for WISH, of course) area. We milled around a bit then waited in the beer garden for a quick chat with
Denny and
M'lisse. Then
Howard, Cam, Kathy, and I walked a little over a mile to a Five Guys hamburger place for some most excellent grub. We then parted ways, the end of another great MCM weekend!
Going in to today, I pretty much had 3 goals. First, a strong 20 mile "training run". I finished 20 miles at a 8:19 mpm pace. Check.
Second, I didn't want to get carried away and set myself back for Philly training. I took the last 6.2 pretty easy and feel just fine tonight. I'll see for sure on Tuesday when I try to run again. Half-check.
Lastly, I needed a 3:50:59 to BQ my original bib owner for '09 or a 4:00:59 for '10. Official time of 3:50:41. Double check!
Sorry again for the massive post, but what the hell. You spend all day at a race, it's fun to talk about it.
Hopping a plane tomorrow and I'll be back on Monday.
. 20 miles??
Yuck. Hope your boss isn't a tool & give you the time off 
! Maybe next year! Have a blast!
.
for perfect weather!
I am literally still in my CWX tights with a pair of fleece sweats thrown on over them
. I saw the High School Musical 3 matinee with the DD's today
. I do remember when Mike and the DD's were thrilled they got to point you out to your Dad at MCM
I hope you were happy with your race overall, and are looking forward to Philly.
for everyone on this thread. I lurk here occasionally, just for the motivation you all provide.
.
