Had a tough last 4 miles and lost about 2 minutes, but otherwise it was a really good run for me and almost to the second what I had as my race goal. I needed 3:30 to BQ and figured 3:28 to actually get registered, so this was a great day.

The Marines are incredible, as were the other military units who volunteered. Thank you for your service!

Get through the porta-potty lines earlier so I could get into the right corral and not waste energy trying to thread through the crowd. Although in a race this size I am not sure it's really possible. Otherwise, nutrition, pacing, and hydration were excellent.

Also I was warm and forced to toss my running club fleece around an hour into the race. Hoping the couple I handed it to shoots me an email so I can get it back (it's on the shirt).

The long long walk from the finish line to the shuttles. Walked around Old Town Alexandria before dinner.

Does being in the hotel bar until closing count? What a party!


Nothing external, to go faster I'd have to train harder. Other than that, this was my "A" race and it went perfectly.


I will do this race again. Other than the expo being held in too small of a location, this was one of the best times I've had running. The Marines did an excellent job and when off duty are pretty entertaining as well. They truly represent the very best of this country.

Everywhere you went Sunday night you'd run into other people wearing the MCM shirt and the camaraderie was instantaneous. It really lived up to it's billing as "The People's Marathon."