Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, D.C.)
Sunday, October 27, 2002
Race report for Mila's first marathon...
Date: Tue Oct 29, 2002
Subject: One very, very long race report. (might want to print it and read it over lunch)
Well we're back and I'm anxious to get this down so I don't forget one detail of this amazing
experience. So here goes:Leading up to the race:
The two weeks leading up to the race were frought with anxiety for all of us, and I was not sleeping well, so on the Wednesday we made the decision that Chris and the girls were not going to come with me. I cancelled the flights and hotel and made arrangements to bunk with another JeansMarine, and slept very well that night. When I woke up on Thursday morning Chris told me that he thinks they caught the snipers so we quickly decided to rebook the flights and hotel. In the middle of my conversation with Air Canada (which was going nowhere) I get disconnected, I think that the guy has hung up on me, turns out that the men replacing my neighbour's fence have cut my phone line! Calmly (yeah right) I get the man's cell phone and phone Air Canada, get someone willing to help me, and manage to get us all on the same flights. By the time Olivia & I get back from a short run they have the line reconnected.We met as a group at the Running Room on Thursday evening for our clinic celebration and it was fantastic! Everyone was totally pumped for the trip and relieved about the apprehension of the snipers (several people had decided over the week not to come to Washington, including the Running Room president with his family and our trainers, then scrambled to rebook their flights on Thursday). I was ready to go!
Friday morning article in the National Post on JeansMarines widowers quoting Chris.
It took us over an hour to get through US security at Pearson (they had heightened security for Reagan airport, so all of our luggage was gone through by hand, there were some interesting looks about the white powder we had in baggies - epsom salts). We finally boarded the plane and from the moment she got on Olivia was freaking (Chris was sitting with her in the 1 bulk head seat we managed to get) after about 1/2 hour of her crying I told him to pass her back and she stopped, we figure it was because there was a stranger sitting so close to her. Anyway she hung on to me for dear life until we levelled off and then she fell asleep for the rest of the flight.
When we arrived we went directly to the packet pick up and expo (got some cheap winter
running gear) and then to the hotel.Friday evening there was a fabulous reception for JeansMarines and families at the Canadian
embassy and a marine, Captain Daniel O'Connor, gave us a very inspiring talk as did CBC White House correspondent Henry Champ.On Saturday morning Gaia ran the 1 mile Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Run at the Iwo Jima Memorial and looked very strong. We then met the group at the Smithsonian for lunch and a private tour of the Air & Space Museum. That was fabulous but very tiring so we headed back to the hotel on the Metro (very confusing 5 line system, where every trip involved at least one transfer of trains).
4:30 Saturday I realize I don't have my race Bib and Chip, the only place it could be was at the expo...so I take the train back there and sure enough someone had handed it in, whew...no more stress please!
Saturday night regular pasta dinner for the group with various celebrity speakers, after which Bob and Jean arranged for us to be serenaded by a marine corps quintet outside the hotel (totally awesome, I was teary eyed as were most of us).
When Bob asked for the hotel to arrange 8-10 cabs for us for the next morning they sent us two shuttles instead - great! The first shuttle left at about 7:00 am, and I got on the second....well, the driver didn't know Washington and with many of the roads blocked off we ended up being dropped off at the Pentagon parking lot where the race organizers had shuttles. That was at 8:00 am, race starts at 8:30, we get to the race line at 8:25, no time for stretching and no meeting up with the rest of our group. I also realize I've forgotten my watch and my sunglasses, not good, so I decide that A. I will stay with someone with a 10/1 timer or B. I will walk 1 minute every mile. It takes the 5:00 hour corral almost 20 minutes to get to the start line.
Race Report:
It was totally awesome being in a group this huge (16,000 runners). All you could see ahead of you for the first few miles was people, no road. The weather was fabulous, probable about 15 degrees celsius when we started out and sunny like I haven't seen in weeks, a beautiful day to run a marathon (maybe not without a hat or sunglasses though)! I ran ahead of my group within the first mile and decided to put plan B. in effect. I managed to do approx. 11 minute miles to mile 13. Drank gatorade for the first hour, then took a Clif Shot at hour 2, and picked up 2 more Clif Shots on the course between mile 9 & 10 (Georgetown), knowing there would be more at mile 20. Chris was at mile 11, in Rock Creek, with the girls and I threw my long shirt over to him. My aim wasn't very good and it landed on some man's shoulder, he didn't see it coming....I giggled to myself for the next mile, people must have thought I was a little cuckoo. I knew that Chris would also be at mile 13 so I decided I would see if he brought his watch, well not only did my wonderful husband bring MY watch but he also had my sunglasses and a bottle of gatorade. Because the Rock Creek portion went both ways between miles 10 -14 I saw lots of JeansMarines in this section and everyone looked really strong. I was amazed at the number of spectators, there hadn't been one section where we ran alone up to this point, they were fabulous cheering us on.Next the course went on to the National Mall, passing the White House, the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Chris and the girls were at 2 spots in this part of the course). I seemed to be gauging my energy level well and determined that I would take a Clif Shot at about mile 18 where they were giving more out, so I'd have one for the last leg if I needed it....well by the time I got to that station they were all out, uh-oh. I decided that I would stretch it out and take the last Clif Shot I had at mile 20, when I couldn't wait any longer, up until that point I felt strong. I may have waited too long. At about mile 22 just heading up to the 14th street bridge I started to feel like I was dragging my legs and that bridge was the longest part of the course for me, it was almost 2 miles long, the only part of the course with little spectator support and totally exposed to the sun, I think it took me 30 minutes to do those 2 miles. I was still dragging when I got off the bridge, but managing to do my 10/1 anyway. And then the crowd started growing....this is what got me through my last two miles, I literally got energy from that crowd. I saw the hill leading up to the Iwo Jima Memorial and wondered how long it went, but it seemed to be over within 1 minute, at this point I could hear the announcer giving the clock time (5:28) and saying he knew the people
on the hill could hear him encouraging them to get in under 5:30. This was so motivating, but the path after that hill winding around the Memorial went on forever, at some point I sprinted to get it over with, but I still couldn't see the finish. Then I saw Brenda, our leader from the Running Room, in the crowd and grabbed her onto the course with me she got me throught the last 200 yards until I saw the finish line, and started crying....I did it!...and there were Chris and the girls waiting to take my picture as I finished.The Finish and after:
Official Chip Time: 5:18:59.What an awesome experience. I cried as the Marine asked me if I was OK, hugging me with the foil blanket, I cried as the next marine put the medal around my neck, I cried as the next one asked me if he could remove my chip. In fact I cried all the way to the Memorial where I met up with the rest of the group who had finished.
What did I learn:
1. Pin your Bib and lace your chip in as soon as possible after you get it, and then know where they are at all times.
2. Don't leave your transportation to chance, use the transportation recommended/provided by the race organizers.
3. Have a check list for race morning (including watch & sunglasses).
4. Don't throw things into the crowd.
5. Don't rely on the race to provide your fuel, bring it with you.
6. Don't start out too fast & give the marathon distance the respect it deserves.
7. Go where there is HUGE support, 'cause that feeds you for the last 4-6 miles.
What Next?
Around the Bay 30K, March 30 2003. Would I do another marathon? ABSOLUTELY! This is just the beginning, I'm doing one next fall, not sure which one yet...maybe NEW YORK?Thank you
Thank you, firstly, to every one who sponsored me in this race, I did think of you when my
energy was waining at mile 22. For those of you who are still considering it, it's not too late.Thank you to my support team...JeansMarines & the Penguins.
Thank you to Bob & Jean for doing this fabulous thing for so many women (for anyone interested there will be a 2003 contingent going to the Marine Corps Marathon starting up in the new year, let me know and I will forward you info when I get it)
Lastly thank you to my family and friends for the encouragement and support you provided.
Race report for Nancy's first marathon...
Date: Fri Nov 1, 2002
Subject: Very Tired "Marathon Woman"
Well, as most of you know by now, I MADE IT OVER THE FINISH LINE, I BEAT THE BUS!!!. But leading up to and crossing the Finish Line was the most incredible journey of my life. I trained through four seasons and I’m ready to do it again. Here’s a little bit of my story. Will we go, won’t we go. That was the question that plagued all of us. Due to the sniper attacks in Washington, it was apparent that we were all anxious as to whether the marathon would go on. The idea of dodging bullets, helicopters overhead and armed marines on the course was not something that I had wanted my first marathon experience to be. However at the 12th hour the snipers were caught and the frantic packing started. Jane Hargraft, our in-house “Bunny” provided us with a packing list, pearls and all. Nothing was left to chance. I was packed and ready to go. I helped my husband put his stuff together and he went off to do a few last minute errands which turned out be longer than I wanted them to be. Finally, he got home and we ended up on the road at 1:30, Flight leaving at 3:00 sharp. This is usually the way we travel, mad rush to the airport. Refton called the Park and Fly, got the exact location and we rolled in just in time………there was a bus to the airport waiting for us. Luggage out of the car, it drove off with me frantically trying to wave it back. Still, Refton has this quiet calm demeanor that I would just love to have some of; he’s not worried about a thing. We’ve checked in, another bus rolls up and off we go. Six baggage checks later, we sprint to Gate “U” arriving at the 2:55 p.m. Could it have been much further? I feel like I’ve just run my marathon, all hot and sweaty with carry on luggage banging my knees. I’m gonna kill him next time this happens.
Finally, we’re seated and on our way. The flight is about an hour and we’re at Ronald Reagan Airport. We jump into a cab with some other Jeans Marines and off we go to our Hotel Rouge. What a place!!! It’s a cross between a bordello and a crazy eclectic 50’s hotel. Everything in the lobby is red, white, leopard skins and fur. There’s this huge red setee in the lobby which I want to fling myself on with abandon but my husband refuses to be part of that scenario. Up we go to our room which is absolutely fabulous. Red velvet drapes, red fur head board, orange dresser and tiger bath robes. So decadent and sooooooooooo fun!!!
We’re no sooner unpacked and we have to get ready for our gala cocktail party at the Canadian Embassy. I made sure that Refton had packed his GQ suit and sweaters and off we go again dressed to the “nines”.It’s when we get to the Embassy that it’s hard to recognize all these beautiful women. We hardly know each other dressed in real clothes. Usually, we’re sweaty, red-faced and panting. Who are these women of decorum I wonder. It’s us, we’re really and finally here, celebrating our training, drilling and hilling. From across the room, I see this tree of a man, Captain Daniel O’Connor our Marine for the night. He’s been invited to talk to us about the Marines, his involvement with the marathon and just set us at ease. Oh yeah, he made us cry with his stories of how he was brought up with a determined, stubborn woman who would never accept no for an answer. When I offered him a hug at the end of the evening, he lifted me up like I was a feather and hugged me back. At the end of the evening, he gave me his Marine Corps pin off his hat. He said: “I know you can do it, run well”. I was blown away.
After we left the Embassy, a bunch of us Jeans Marines ended up at this great restaurant, Gordon and Bersch. We laughed and laughed and enjoyed what would be one of the many great meals we had in Washington. Back to our hotel and nighty, night.First thing Saturday morning, we head for package pick-up. We cab it, line up, get our race kits, chips and enter the wide world of Race Expo. Shop, shop, shop. I ended up with Marine Corps socks, Cool Max “United We Run” T-shirt, run bra and a bunch of run forms and lots of other stuff. I didn’t get to see my favourite Penguin, John Bingham as he was not at the Expo at the time we were there but Refton did see him on the course the next day. He remembered Refton from his visit to the Running Room and gave him a “High Five”!!! Then we were off to the Smithsonian for lunch and escorted tours. Another lovely meal but I’m watching my food intake as I’ve been cautioned about stuffing myself. Also, Refton doesn’t want me on my feet and wandering around museums in the afternoon so we all head back to the hotel for a nap and just some quiet time.
He and Brenda go off for coffee and I try to sleep. It just won’t come to me so I decide I’m gonna sew my Marine Corps patch onto my running bra. Then I decide to cut off my new floor length t-shirt and hem it in case I want to wear it the next day. Busy, busy, trying to stave off the jitters. Finally Refton comes back to the room and I’m in a puddle of tears feeling completely overwhelmed with fear. He tells me to call my son Jason which I do and he picks up on how I’m feeling right away. He tells me I know you can do it mom, I “think you can”. Up from the background yells his girlfriend Kim, “Of course you can do it, you trained and you’re ready”. With telephone hugs and kisses we hang up and I decide to go to the yoga class scheduled for 4:00 p.m. I try to tidy up my teary face and off I go to lobby where I proceed to fall apart again. With lots of hugs and support I take some deep breaths and feel much better after my yoga class. Then off to get ready for our carbo load dinner at the Courtyard Marriott.
Another great dinner and a wonderful surprise await us in the Courtyard of the hotel just when we think we are on our way back to our hotel. A five piece band of Marines await us and play wonderful jazz whilst we all gather around with the biggest smiles on our faces. Next, in come a troupe of Marines in full dress carrying the American Flag to which the band immediately starts to play the National Anthem. Standing at attention, we salute the flag and cry again. Would we ever get over weeping in wonderment and joy. Next, the booming voice of Staff Sergeant Richard Casarez. What a voice, he had us all upright and smiling that’s for sure. He had brought another band of merry Marines to delight our sight and senses and how generous they were to answer our questions and listen to us all babble on about how great a time we were having in Washington. Then, back to our hotel and try to get some sleep. It’s tough trying to sleep with a grin on your face though.
My husband says I slept but I know I didn’t. It seemed like I was awake every hour running and running. Once the clock struck 4:00 a.m, I knew I was done, I had to get up. I crept across the room into the bathroom and took a nice long hot bath. I felt a whole lot better than I did on Saturday afternoon and knew without a doubt that I was ready and determined to the beat the bus and cross the finish line. We had shuttle buses scheduled to take us to the start and amazingly enough we got on the first bus and were at the Iwo Jima Memorial by 7:30. I walked up the hill that would be our last hurrah before the finish line and thought, hmmmmmmmmmm this doesn’t feel all that bad. I’m ready to run this thing!!!
There were a bunch of us that were scheduled to finish in the 6 hour range so according to our pre-race plans we slipped into the 4:30 corral just so we’d get across the start before the 2:15 runners got back. We sang, we chanted and generally ruined everyone’s reverie that was around us. Finally, the gun went off and we continued to wait and wait before we got our chance to move forward toward the light (or the start). It took us almost half an hour to get our mojo’s working but it didn’t take long for the crowd to thin out around us or me anyway. I felt great, I was finally running and on my way to victory or at least finishing. I’d had just the right amount of water two hours prior to the start and was glad that I didn’t have to make numerous sprints to the porta potties.
Even though this was the Marathon of Monuments I have to say that I could have been running anywhere, I was going to do my sight seeing on Monday. I rarely talk to anyone and rarely respond. When you run as slow as I do, you have to focus on every mile, step by step. Again, without a lot of dialogue, I do have to say that I stayed away from the lineups at the porta potties and improvised along the course. It was a fine mutation from civilized lady to “MARATHON WOMAN”.
The miles piled up and I was doing just fine. Finally, I had gone through the 10 mile turnaround and was in the downtown core of Washington. Someone told me that I’d have to run around the White House twice and I thought, “there is no way I can do it”. By that time I couldn’t have run around Queen’s Park twice. I think seeing the same scenery is a bit like “been there, done that”, “let’s move on”. Moving, moving one step at a time I think I was at the 5 hour mark and well past the half way mark. Suddenly, I felt the most beautiful breeze waft over me as I left the downtown core and proceed to run like hell to catch the bridge.
At mile 18, Refton was waiting for me. He’d already been back and forth, back and forth sweeping up his people and pushing them to cross the 14th Street bridge before the cut-off time. There were a bunch of Jeans Marines around me and we knew it was going to be a run for our lives. “Shut-up and run” we were told. No, it wasn’t the Marines talking, it was our drill sergeant Refton. No walking, just running. Refton was like the Ever Ready Pink Bunny, “Go, Go, Go, no stopping, you can rest when you get to the Bridge”. I thought I was going to vomit but I ran as fast as I could. I pictured telling everyone that had donated money to Give Girls A Chance that I didn’t finish. That was not an option I wanted to entertain. This girl was going to finish and get her medal.
Finally, we reach the bridge and I come to a screeching halt. I could now breathe again. This was the longest bridge I’d ever seen. It was hot and endless. But, I made it. Crossed over into the land of “finisher”. As we pulled into the last roundup, up the hill, I pulled ahead of Refton and crossed the finish line, triumphant to the end. Seconds after, he joined me in a congratulatory hug and off we went to the food tent. I gulped down the best strawberry yogurt drink I’d ever had, tasted just like liquid ice cream. I felt good, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. Good but tired and a wee bit giddy. Finally, we collected a bunch of Jeans Marines and hailed a cab to take us back to the hotel and a very, very hot bath. WHAT A DAY!!!!!
That evening, we again enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of the Marines and Captain Dan was on hand again to congratulate us for every mile run. Our injured runner Betty-Lou had hurt her knee on the shuttle bus on her way over to the start and pure guts and female courage made her our shining star of the day. Tired women, grinning from ear to ear we kissed and congratulated every one. What had started out as a troupe of out of shape, tired, listless women was now a room full of Pygmalions. We had fought the good fight and were ready to go home and think about what we had done.
PASS IT ON, “LIFE IS GOOD”.
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