Marathon #2: Marine Corps Marathon

First things first. Another marathon finished. That leaves ONE MORE RACE to go. In two weeks, on Nov 22, I will be running the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon to complete this crazy running goal of 3 marathons in two months. $6,450 has been donated to the Gayle Ross Memorial Campership Fund. If you want to sponsor me, this is your very last reminder to get your pledge in!  Thank you gifts will go out in December along with my final fundraising update. Although I still am 26.2 miles away from my goal, I couldn't have traveled this far without your monetary support and also all the prayers and encouraging words.

To donate, send checks to Camp Lutherhoma, PO Box 1672, Tahlequah, OK 74465 or pay online by visiting: http://lutherhoma.com/Support/donationtypes.php  Scroll down to the Gayle Ross Campership Fund section and follow the link to Paypal.


Now, more about race #2. I've been putting this off. It is true that coming home to Halloween hoopla and the stomach bug circulating through our household didn't make sitting down to write this any easier, but putting this race experience into words is something I know I won't be able to do easily.

The Marine Corps Marathon is the 3rd largest marathon in the US. Over 30,000 people were at the start when the sun rose over the Washington and Lincoln Memorials on race morning. That is a lot of people running 26.2 miles! Such a big difference from race #1 in Arkansas. I loved every minute of this race from the crowd support, to the beautiful course that wound through some of my favorite DC sites, to the fellow marathoners, who were so very supportive, to the Marines that lined that last mile of the course,... I could go on. Definitely, a bucket list race. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in this very special event. I didn't capture much on film, but this video is a good overview of the amazing atmosphere on race day.

While I was in DC, my friend Carla was kind enough to chauffeur me all around the town, delivering me to visits with others, taking me to lunch, braving the lines for packet pick-up, playing tour guide, waking up early to get me to the race amid crazy road closures, making a sign and waiting for me at the finish. She and her mom made me dinner, post race lunch, and tried to feed me breakfast both mornings. ;) Thank you, Carla & Carol.

I did take a few pictures:

It was a whirlwind visit, but I finally got to meet this little guy. He was quite charming and laughed at all my jokes. I also enjoyed a nice, hot cup of tea, macaroons, and a walk to the market with one of David's dearest friends. Thanks, Blake and Edward (and Monique, too)!

I spent many evenings walking the peaceful pathways of Arlington Cemetery after work during my sometimes stressful TDY stints throughout 2001-2002. Section 60 wasn't there then. It seems to go on and on forever now.

Sunrise on race morning!

The Start line.

The race course toured some of the iconic DC monuments. I was really too tired to care much by this point.

Oh my goodness. The 'More Cowbell' guy. He was at several places during the race, and my favorite "cheerleader." He gave me a high five and made sure his belly was showing in my picture, because it made me laugh.

The Finish

 

"Mission Complete!" 2 Down!

Although there wasn't much time for touristy stuff, we did take an evening stroll down the Mall and around the White House after the race. Everything looked so pretty lit up at night.

And some things never change. Sarah and Carla still know how to get into trouble!

Making my parents proud.

My loot.

I neglected to capture my hostess on camera, but I did take a picture of a picture of us...from 10 years ago (more like 15, but shhh!) that I found at her house. It still cracks me up.

Thanks again for your support and encouragement! I can't wait to be posting, "I AM FINISHED!"

Check back soon!