OORAH!

I've had a few days to reflect on the wonder that was the Marine Corps Marathon. (Whenever I write the whole name I feel like I'm doing product placement) My reflections will probably be posted over a couple of postings so you'll have to bear with me.
I can't imagine having had better race conditions. It was in the low 40s when we started out and temperatures never got above 65. It was perfect, blue skies, a light breeze at random times throughout the race. Perfect.
The race began at the Pentagon, a building that up close doesn't seem as impressive as from a distance, but it's definitely neat to stand near an important structure. The race started on time (as expected when run by Marines) and it took about 20 minutes before I was able to cross the start line. My plan was to take in as much scenery as I could, look all around at every mile, over every bridge, whenever I saw anything that looked remotely important in our national history.
Eventually we crossed the bridge into D.C. and going over the Potomac and seeing the National Capitol dome in the distance as the water glistened below was amazing. Not too far in front of me was a gentleman carrying an American flag. It took me another mile before I was able to catch up to him, but then we ran a few miles together. The photographer in me was going crazy with ideas of photos I could be taking. Here was this man with a flag, as the sun shone through the flag, the tree leaves with their magnificent fall colors and the hordes of people that surrounded us as we ran down roads that otherwise are only open to cars. As we approached mile markers Marines stood by with megaphones shouting times. Every 2 miles Marines lined the roads handing out water and powerade yelling OORAH! and any other words of encouragement they could think to holler. The weather stayed perfect and the skies maintained a beautiful blue hue.
Allegedly we ran by the White House, but I never saw it. Maybe I had too much tunnel vision about my slow pace (more on that in another posting), either way I missed it entirely. Then the mall finally started to come into view. As we rounded the Washington Monument, and turned into the mall the museums and spectators lined the streets and the Capitol building was more than just a dome in the distance. This is when I first saw the greatest husband on the planet, John Henrichs, who was cheering me on like a mad man and had the biggest grin plastered on his face. How I love that dear man.
Suddenly I was running in front of the Capitol as the sun shined right on it. And across the way the Washington Monument. And in front of the Capitol and older woman ran back and forth waving a giant U.S. Flag. That was truly the greatest memory I have of running, ever. I saw John again at mile 14 and after that knew I was on my own until mile 23. I'd have about 2 more hours of alone time, not always good at this point in the race. We round the mall and started out toward the Jefferson Memorial. First we saw it from across the river, then we crossed the bridge and came up around the back side. Another beautiful moment. Eventually the huge number of spectators petered out. We ran next to the river for a few miles and I tried to take in the beautiful scenery, but after the mall, there wasn't much left to see.
My goal at that point was just to make it to "the bridge." The Bridge was the 19 mile point, we had to make it across the bridge, which is a section of freeway before 1:15 to avoid being swept up and not being allowed to finish because the road would have to be reopened. I saw the 19 mile marker and came running up onto the freeway and knew that no matter what I could finish now. It didn't matter how long it took me, it didn't matter what I hoped my pace would be. I knew I was going to cross that finish line. At mile 20 I knew that it wasn't up to my body anymore, now it would be up to my head and heart. I saw John and my high school friend Rosie at mile 21. Their shining faces as they both jumped up and down were the inspiration I knew I needed for this race. I saw them again at 23 and their energy lifted me again. Then came the harder miles.
As we crossed over a bridge near the Pentagon I saw a Marine holding a very large gun. This is when the reality of running so near the Pentagon finally hit me. Marines with large guns can do that I guess :) And then the crowds of spectators started to increase. And I could hear the crowds cheering and the announcer calling out bib numbers and names. Only I was at mile 24. I could see the finish line. It was just up a hill and across the median. I was there, but not really. I still had a 2 mile loop to go before I could climb the hill and claim my own personal victory. I have to say it's just mean to make people run PAST the finish line. But I suppose it's also a true test of strength, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Finally I saw the last .2 mile in front of me. The tape, that at other mile markers had read: Marine Corps Marathon, now said: Beat the Hill. So I was determined to. I started to move as fast as I could, passing people on each side and suddenly the finish chute was in front of me and I just wanted to finish. Which I did. In 5:37. Not perfect, not even what I hoped for, but I finished. And that to me is an accomplishment in itself.