Marine Corps Marathon - RunMarathon

My first marathon 2 years ago, I did just to finish, went out too fast, and hit the wall. My second, in January, was part of the Goofy Challenge and I was unconcerned about time. Around mile 20 of the last marathon (mile 33 of Goofy) I knew I had to do at least one more marathon for time, to see how good I could do with a properly paced race. As a military retiree supporting Marines in my job, I knew I had to do the MCM. Other than having to train in hot Las Vegas over the summer, my planning and training for the race went well.

At the start line, with a hurricane bearing down and threat of rain and high winds, I was prepared to simply enjoy the race as much as I could and didn't worry about time. This was a good thing, as I was able to start running at a nice easy pace and remain stress free.

I perfectly executed this race to my ability, going easy the first 10K, picking up slightly in the second 10K, running right to my ability in the third 10K, and pushing hard mentally and physically during the last 10K. Hit a "wall" about mile 24.6 but slogged through to the end, happy I was that close before everything felt slow. I took my GU and hydrated on schedule and according to plan.

I knew I needed about 1:08 10K split times to hit my PR goal and was happy to see 1:05 and 2:09 for my 10K and 20K splits. I never really sat down to do the math on just how fast I was going, I just executed each mile trying to keep just under 11 minute pace. Only at mile 22 did I actually calculate that I could probably walk to the finish and still PR... a happy moment!

I started feeling achilles and knee pain at the halfway point and it was bad enough at mile 20 that if I hadn't been on PR pace I probably would have walked a lot, but I put up with it through the end, trying not to limp or alter my stride.

Mentally splitting the race up into 4 10K segments was a perfect strategy.

Not much! I performed to the best of my abilities with no major mistakes. I can get faster if I train harder, but that's for the NEXT marathon, if there is one. Might feel nice to go out at the top of my game...

Making my way through the crowded finish line activities and to transportation took a good bit of walking which served as an excellent warm-down.


Training in Las Vegas in the summer. If I do another marathon it'll be when I don't have to train in the heat!


This has been a 'bucket list' race for me for a while, and lived up to its billing! Outstanding support from start to finish by U.S. Marines, plus tons of other volunteers and crowds from the area. Well supported with foods and fluids, great course (not too difficult, good crowd control, polite runners) and a great location. I highly recommend this race to anyone with any interest at all in running it.