MCM in Review: by the numbers
| November 1, 2011 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
FIVE THINGS I loved about the 36th Marine Corps Marathon:
1.) The organization
21,250 runners crossed the starting line of the 36th MCM on that chilly Sunday morning. There was no wave start, no assigned corrals, yet the starting line was anything but chaotic. Runners lined up according to their expected finish time and started on two separate sides of the street.
The entire race had the same amount of expert organization. Water stops were on both sides of the street and had plenty of water/gatorade, mile markers were clearly marked, and the Marine volunteers were nothing short of amazing.
2.) The course
Maybe it’s because I went into the race with low expectations – seeing as the last marathon I ran was also in D.C., and that course was nothing to write home about. It may not surprise anyone to hear that the MCM course blew National out of the water. Yes, there were lonely times and yes, there were parts that were not so great (please refer to the next section) but overall the course was well planned out. We saw so much of Washington D.C.’s history and beauty. The only thing I regret is how much of this race passed in a blur for me.
3.) The finisher’s medal
Awesome for two reasons: a.) a very nice and attractive Marine put this around my neck after I finished and b.) this thing is solid – and it rotates! With the exception of my 2009 Boston medal, this one is my absolute favorite.
4.) Running with Dorothy
I like running alone. And before Sunday, I had never set out to run a marathon with another person, so I really wasn’t sure how this plan to run with Dorothy would go. But as soon as the race started, I knew that it was going to be perfect. Not only did we fall into pace perfectly, but we helped push each other through the middle miles. Running next to someone who has the same goal as you do is an awesome way to keep yourself motivated. And although neither of us ended up having a perfect race, the 2011 MCM will always have a special place in my heart because I ran it with #teamwatermelon.
Image via BGILL Photography
5.) The love and support I felt during the race.
From the crowd of spectators lining the course, from all of you, from my friends and family, and especially from EC and my sister – who had to deal with my pre-race craziness and yet still loved me enough to take complete care of me before the marathon, and spoil me after.
FOUR THINGS I did NOT love about the 36th Marine Corps Marathon:
1.) The shirt
The long sleeved “cotton” t-shirt all participants received has got to be the stiffest, most strange fitting shirt I’ve ever gotten from a race. That being said, I wore that thing with pride on the airplane yesterday, and will probably continue to wear it for a long time.
2.) The expo
Okay, so the expo wasn’t really bad. I ended up going on Friday, and it was well organized and not over crowded. But – it also wasn’t anything too exciting, either. Maybe my expectations were warped from going as a little kid (when my parents ran MCM) and being in heaven as I gobbled up one free sample after another. Turns out things are a little less exciting as an adult.
3.) The 14th Street bridge
That is one long bridge. Yikes. And it’s late enough in the race (between mile 20 and 21) that it’s easy to start cursing it and everything else around you.
4.) That hill up to the finish line at the Iwo Jima monument
I have never ever had a single moment in a race that sucked the wind out of my sails quite like the last .2 (or so) miles of MCM. You turn a corner and are faced with what appears to be a wall – one that you need to scale as quickly as possible on legs that are practically falling off.
Do you see how bent over I am in the picture below? I had just finished going up the steep part of the hill and was trying to “sprint” to the finish. Instead, I’m pretty sure I waddled on legs that had turned into jello.
THREE THINGS that are {almost} harder than running a marathon:
1.) Walking up and down stairs
My legs hurt worse after MCM than they have in recent race history. And I’m not exactly sure why.
2.) Putting on and tying my shoes
For two reasons – the intense pain in my legs, and this:
Yep, I just showed you a picture of a bloody toe on my blog. Good thing it doesn’t look as bad in the picture as it was in real life. And believe it or not, it’s the other (non-bloody) foot that hurts more at the moment.
3.) Waking up before 5:00 am on 3 out of the 4 days I was in D.C., including the day after the marathon.
And then going into work later that day. Focusing was nearly impossible.
TWO THINGS I’m looking forward to now that the marathon is over:
1.) Spectating at the New York City Marathon
Next weekend I get to hang out with Ali and Emily, and not have to stress one little bit about running.
2.) Taking a break from training
I’m actually very excited to start running just for the fun of it again, as well as doing other forms of activity like lifting. That way I can come back to training this winter with a vengeance.
ONE THING I know for sure after completing the 36th Marine Corps Marathon:
1.) I have a faster marathon in me
I believe with all my heart that I am capable of running sub-3:15 marathon. After finishing MCM, I’m dreaming big. It’s not going to be easy, but I will put in the training. And one day I will run a 3:10.
—
I promise that a full race recap is coming soon…once I’ve caught up on sleep enough to string coherent sentences together.
First of all, congrats on another super speedy marathon!!!!
And thank you, thank you for this post. MCM is my favorite marathon (ran it 3 times) and yes, it has its flaws but what do you expect with 30,000 runners?! You have to expect some congestion and frustration at the start line. I feel like so many people are complaining about the race and it kills me! So it’s refreshing to hear some positive words about MCM!
Kristy@RunTheLongRoad´s last post ..Smile
I actually had super low expectations going into the race (maybe that helped??) because I had heard a lot of negative things about MCM. I know it’s crowded and the fact that it attracts first-timers probably doesn’t help things, but overall I really think the organizers did a great job. And I loved how scenic the course was. I’ve done a lot of races where they have a half marathon at the same time so the first half of the course is great and the second half is awful and barren. I appreciated that MCM tried to have some scenic parts (like the National Mall) near the later miles. I would definitely do this race again!
Congrats Lauren! The marathon went by in a blur because you’re so freaking awesome and speedy!
MCM sounds like it was tons of fun. I’m so sorry about your toe though, ouch!
Jen´s last post ..Pregnancy vs. marathon training: Part 2
Awesome post! I will run MCM one day in honor of my father who passed away a couple of years ago. He was one proud Marine! I am a new reader also from New England. I am really enjoying your blog.
Thanks for reading! I’m sorry to hear about your father! Thinking about all the marines (and other members of the armed forces) who were running or being honored that day was incredibly inspiring to me as a runner during MCM.
Thanks for this post! I live in DC and saw some of the marathoners walk (er hobble) back to their hotels. I’m debating on either doing NYC or MCM next fall…right now MCM is in the lead. Hope you have a speedy recovery!
Sokphal @ Life as a Classroom´s last post ..Baltimore Half-Marathon Recap
I can’t speak for NYC (although I have heard really great things about it) but can honestly say that I’d definitely run MCM again!
I saw the recaps of a couple people who didn’t like the event (at all), so I’m glad it went well for you! I guess crowds aren’t really a problem when you are that speedy. Also, I saw on twitter that you PRed so…congrats!!
Mary´s last post ..Silver Comet Half Marathon
Your poor feet! Congrats on a new PR…you are awesome!! I’m definitely thinking of running the MCM next year. Looks like it was a great race. Excited for the full recap!
Kristen´s last post ..20
Hi Lauren! I saw Team Watermelon right where the picture you posted in point #4 was taken! You and Dorothy blew past so quickly – it was incredibly inspiring to see. Congrats on such a good race.
@megmroberts
Meg´s last post ..A Successful Army Ten Miler
Hi Meg! I’m sorry I missed you!! I had a bad case of tunnel vision on Sunday (caused by being in a good deal of pain)
Thank you so much for cheering!
CONGRATS!!! You did awesome, in my book. Bloody toe nail is bad ass.
I think you have sub-3:15 in you, too.
and omg you’re going to be in nyc?!? When are you coming down?!?
Meggie´s last post ..I’ve Become One Of “Those” People
Friday afternoon/evening. We definitely need to meet up!
Great job, Lauren!! I am so happy for you.
Brittany´s last post ..Happy, Happy Halloween!
My friend, Janae, is running in NY! And running with Dorothy – you are fast girl!!
Lindsay @ Lindsay’s List´s last post ..tuesday trainer – total body movements
I agree with everything you said…such a great race =) Congrats on the PR!
Christy´s last post ..Marine Corps Marathon Race Goals
Congratulations! I’m glad you enjoyed the marathon, I’ve seen on a few other people’s blogs that the expo wasn’t that great and that the 10K course was a little disappointing!
I hope you recovery quickly!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman´s last post ..R.I.C.E.
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa, the shirt. Yes. My friend used to work for the Marine Corps Marathon and EVERY YEAR they tried to get the RD to change the shirt, but: no. He likes mock turtlenecks so gosh darnit that is what it is going to be.
Congrats on a great race!! And yes: having an attractive Marine medal you at the end is pretty solid.
LizScott´s last post ..It’s Dorky Winter Running Hat Time!
That’s really funny!! I wouldn’t mind the shirt so much if it were a COMFORTABLE turtleneck. But the fit of the thing is just so weird…and rough.
Cute marines would definitely be a plus in a marathon. And the medal looks awesome. I can’t wait to run MCM someday.
Rena @ milehogger.blogspot.com´s last post ..Halloween
YES!!! That last point got me so excited. CONGRATULATIONS on running a solid race. You are such a champion. MCM sounds fantastic, and I didn’t realize your parents had run it, too! So cute!
Also, see you Friday, to congratulate you in person. Woo!
Ali´s last post ..Why I Run
Awesome run Lauren! Glad you had fun (save the few non-fun things about the race). Enjoy the down time! It got pretty cold here while you were away. Nothing like waking up with snow on the ground in Providence in the end of October!!
I can’t believe the storm I missed! It snowed in D.C. too but it didn’t stick, so I was surprised to come back and hear that so many people had lost power in New England.
What an inspiring post! Love it!!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life´s last post ..Should vs. Reality
Love this post & love your confidence! It’s so exciting watching you grow & learn from your races — and when you run your 3:10 I am going to be jumping up & down for you from the wild, wild west! Great job at MCM!!!
Congrats on the amazing marathon! I am sure you have many faster marathons in you too!
let me know when you are coming into town! i want to meet you!
Celia´s last post ..confidence
I’ll be coming in sometime Friday and will be around all weekend. I definitely want to meet you while I’m there!
Congrats, Lauren!! It was so fun to follow the race-day tweets. Love this post and kind of want to put MCM on my list (although the hill at mile 26 is SCARY). You are super speedy and I’m sure you will even blow 3:10 out of the water someday
I hope I get to see you this weekend!
I definitely want to see you this weekend! On and off the NYCM course
Let me know what your pre/post-marathon plans are.
I love love this! Omg stairs and bathrooms why r toilets so low?!? Shoes ugh I was late to work because I could not figure a shoe! That freaking bridge but I was determined to crush it and did but was so spent after Nd that freakin ending hill! Bah! It was so crowded when I went up it I had to elbow my way up everyone was walking and I was refusing to never do so! Anyway congrats 3:10 here u come! I am suppose to go this weekend but debatin it feels like maybe too much?
CONGRATS Lauren!!! So happy for you!! I kept thinking about you as Rhodey was being covered in snow and ice. Ugh! I remember watching my Dad run MCM and he was definitely bent over after the race. You are a serious trooper! Congrats!
Erin @ Big Girl Feats´s last post ..How To: Not Freak Out In A Waiting Room.
I saw you at the race! I recognized your pink and green outfit from the blog. I doubt you would remember, but I was the girl wearing a blue long sleeved shirt and tights at mile 8 next to Georgetown.
Congrats on the race! I’m sorry that it didn’t go exactly the way you had planned but it sounds like you had a great time anyway! I agree that the MCM course is fantastic. I ran the last 8 miles with a friend of mine who was running the race and it was incredible to be a part of that. (But I also agree that the 14th street bridge was crazy hard! It was so quiet!) It sounds like you had an awesome day and you should feel great! Enjoy the NYC Marathon this weekend.
Sarah K´s last post ..TGIF
Hi Sarah! Thanks for cheering! I wish I had known it was you! I loved running through Georgetown – there were so many people out! It’s actually one of the few spots along the course that I remember pretty clearly. A lot of the stuff before was a blur because of all the people…and after because I was in so much pain.
Ouch, ouch, ouch. Your toe has me cringeing. Hope it heals soon. There really is nothing else like that post-marathon soreness.
Congrats on a great race, and on resolving to run a sub-3:15 marathon — I am in awe!
Lauren´s last post ..Race report, and wine (of course)
Congratulations on the excellent race. I was watching my brother run MCM — his first marathon (3:38, way to go little bro) — and let out far too half-hearted a cheer when I saw you all run past near the Key Bridge early in the race. Thanks for the excellent blog. It’s a great read, and inspiring for a runner– it inspired me throughout my summer of training for my fall race this coming weekend in NYC.
I love how you broke down what you liked and didn’t like about the race – super helpful for those of us who haven’t run MCM before. I have heard that the last .2 is uphill and awful though – way to grit it out and PR! Excited to hear the full recap
Rest up lady and maybe see you this weekend??
Megan (The Runner’s Kitchen)´s last post ..Hard fought 60 miles
Hooray, congrats on the race, coming away with a positive attitude. You should be so proud of your performance! You rocked it. Ouch, to the toe though. I hope that gets better by this weekend so you can cheer in full form! Let me know your plans for the weekend, I’d love to meet up before/after the race.
Lindsay´s last post ..A Fresh Start
Ok so I see a blister in your picture…do you normally get blisters? Because I ALWAYS GET THEM! I’ve gotten fitted and refitted, tried all brands of socks, and saw a podiatrist! This makes me feel your pain, and better. Kinda. My blister inside my big toe is almost healed…just in time for NYC this Sunday. STAY AWAY BLISTERS!
kristin miller´s last post ..Baptism by Borough
Once again I am so inspired! Congrats on a race well-run. We also can’t wait to spectate on Sunday – it’s one of my favorite days of the year!
PS I am dying that even your SHOE is bloody!
Kate (Embarrassment of Riches)´s last post ..People-Watching on Halloween
Love this post!
Waiting (im)patiently for the full recap but I really love this post. I love hearing what you liked and didn’t like and I am beyond psyched for you on your 3:18. In talking to you before the race, it seemed that you really thought you were going to run around 3:30. But I love your determination to get the job done and PR. This is why I want to emulate your marathon running! You grind it out and never give up even when you want to give in. As always LB, you are such an inspiration. I hope next year I’ll be able to grind it out and get that sub 4!
LIZZY´s last post ..Why the New York Marathon is the Best Marathon in the World
The 14th St. Bridge totally sucks. I remember when I ran my first Army Ten Miler and hit that bridge around mile 9 and thought I was never going to finish. I didn’t run ATM this year and forgot just how long it is. I agree…very challenging part of the course. By the time I finished, though, I was just so glad to make it to the finish line I didn’t even care about the hill for the last .2. My running partner/fiance had gotten a really bad cramp in his hamstring and we had to walk a good chunk of the last 3 miles, so my legs didn’t really mind when we ran that last chunk. It was a really fun race, though, and having the marine shake my hand before giving me my medal brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure jealous you’re going to watch NYCM this weekend!
Amanda @ Running On Waffles´s last post ..Earned, Never Given
MCM is a great race…I love how it’s about the people. I often get caught up in the race and fail to look around and check out the course while I’m running. Which is a shame since there are such great sights to see! Marathons always seem like a blur…
I’m so excited for a sub-3:15 next year…and maybe 3:10?
Susan´s last post ..i survived SNOWTOBER
Loved reading this. I’m hoping to run the MCM next year. I also loved “I have a faster marathon in me.” I’m dreaming big next year too!
jill conyers´s last post ..Three Things Thursday