I have put off writing this race report because I am not really sure what to say. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but an absolutely amazing experience. We made some mistakes in the days leading up to the race - too much time on our feet and a dinner that made me violently ill Friday night. But I went to the starting line feeling prepared and ready to go. The course is beautiful and the support on the course rivals Boston. The first 8 miles are hilly and then then it is flat until the last .2. I did very well through the hills, but my legs were tired by mile 5. I hit the half at 1:51 - right on for a 3:45. From there the next 8 miles were tough but I stayed strong and pushed through. I hit mile 21 at 3:00:00 and did bad math and thought I could finish sub 3:45...not really, this is why I do not do math while I run. I would have been around 3:47 - 3:50 and then the wheels fell off. My lower back started cramping and my legs were done. I was just trying not to fall and the walk breaks became my crutch. This is also where not driving the course and knowing what was coming up became my downfall. We were winding through Crystal City and I knew there was a water stop, but it was never there...3 miles later, I found it. When I hit the point .2 at the end, I was fine. I had trained and visualized that for so many months that I ran up the hill, slow and painful but I ran. I have spent 8 days now deciding how I feel about my time. I had nothing left when I crossed the finish line, which is good, but I am disappointed with 3:57. I know I can do better. I had gone into this race thinking it would be my last marathon for quite some time. My kids are getting busier and busier and my work is becoming increasingly demanding, so training suffers. But I am now unsure. If anyone is ever interested in running MCM, I highly recommend it. A first class race, spectacular course and amazing experience.
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