I guess marathon training/running is kind of like child birth and I forgot the pain enough to register for the 2009 Las Vegas Marathon. But early in the training cycle for that race I tweaked a hamstring, and while it didn't stop me from running it did stop me from running long enough to train for a marathon. I wound up dropping down to the half marathon in Vegas and completed it successfully, if not speedily.
In 2010 I had no desire to run a marathon. It didn't even cross my mind. I ran 3 or 4 half marathons, a few 10 milers, 10Ks, 5 milers, 5Ks, etc. It was probably my best running year since I started running in 2007. I set personal records times for the half marathon and 10 mile distances, and I placed in my age group in a race for the first time ever. No reason to not continue that into 2011, right?
Wrong.
I've always been intrigued by the Marine Corps Marathon. When you hear about the best organized races you hear about the MCM. When you hear about the most inspiring races you hear about the MCM. When I told someone a few years ago I was running the Baltimore Marathon as my first, the response was, "You should run the Marine Corps Marathon."
After seeing registration was opening yesterday, and after a running buddy of mine described it as a "bucket list" event, I took the plunge. Immediately I got a rush of adrenaline. And two seconds after that subsided I got a rush of panic. But now I'm in and in June (or thereabouts) I'll be getting ready. And I have proof:
See ya there!
The whining about training for a marathon will commence shortly after training commences. Ready yourself now.
Congrats on getting in! See you there--its my first MCM (second marathon) and I super pumped--for now!
ReplyDeleteWith only 30,000 crowding the start line I'm sure it'll be a breeze to find me. Make sure you do and say hi! :-)
ReplyDeleteStay pumped and good luck!
So what's your prediction of what you will hurt while training for MCM? haha
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect time to start designing the Running Moron T-shirts!!
ReplyDeleteDiana: That has yet to be determined. ;-)
ReplyDeleteTammy: Good idea. I need to find a sponsor for that!
Congrats on getting registered for the MCM! I heard registration closed in one day. Crazy how all the marathons are filling up so fast.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your signing up for the full. I ran the 10k last year and was completely disappointed. No crowd supporr whatsoever and just getting there was more exhausting then the race itself. From all the hype, I've venture to guess that the main effort go into the full--in fact, we were told as much when denied the good stuff in the finishers area. Oh, and I looked for Erin last year without success -- better luck to you! ;)
ReplyDeleteShannon: More people are just more crazy than they used to be, I guess, because you have to be a little off to run marathons.
ReplyDeleteOlivia: Now that you mention it, I remember your experience at the 10K. Funny that I've never heard anything bad about the MCM and nothing good about the MCM 10K. :-)
As for getting there, I'm way to neurotic for the week leading up to the race to not stay near the start the night before. I reserved a room down the street from the Pentagon...