Marine Corps Marathon Part 2

I shot the video above on my iPod Nano, so I apologize for having my fingernail in the frame. It's hard to run and hold a Nano that's 1.5" x 3.5", tightly enough not to drop it, and still keep my fingers out of the picture. I took most of the video during the first couple of miles while I was still getting warmed up. Then I pulled it out again after crossing the finish line. Thanks to my husband David for editing all of my videos. He does it on his Mac much more easily and more effectively than I can with my meager tools - and non-existent video editing skills.

Anyway, here is a continuation of my comments about the race weekend.

I chatted at the Metro station with Minnie, a 20 something Marine stationed in Kansas. She had just returned from Kuwait where she had trained in temperatures over 100 degrees. 

Wendy got in a lot of hot water - couldn't resist that pun - for stealing . . . wait for it . . . a cup of hot water. The hotel had provided teabags and one of those coffeemakers that makes one cup of coffee at a time. We couldn't figure out how to get just hot water. Anyway, she went downstairs, thinking that most hotels provide free coffee and hot water for tea. Not this one, but she did see where they were setting up coffee and hot water for an event in a meeting room. She borrowed one of the hotel cups and filled it with hot water just in time to incur the wrath of a hotel employee. He loudly admonished her, saying, "You have to pay for EVERYTHING here!" Then another lady came over flashing a name tag as if it was a police shield, saying, "Is there a problem?" Wendy sheepishly retreated, cup in hand, only to determine when she got a good look that the cup was dirty, and she would be unable to use the water for tea anyway.

always remember what seemed like a magical hour - or two - we spent at the National Cathedral. We took a trolley tour Saturday afternoon, deciding to get off whenever we felt the urge, but keeping in mind that I needed to save my legs for the race. On seeing the cathedral, we were both drawn to it and decided to get off. That may have been the best decision we made all weekend. The whole thing was magnificent, from the lovely sound of the carillon to the Bishop's Garden to the a vivid stained glass window built around an actual moon rock. It was drizzling off and on, and that added to the impact. It was, indeed, a spiritual experience that I hope never to forget. I can still hear the overwhelming peacefulness of the sanctuary.

We discovered they're big on cupcakes in DC. We visited Red Velvet Cupcakes and The Cupcakery. Wendy gave both high marks.

The only bad part of the whole experience, and it absolutely would not deter me from doing the race again - was that after the marathon, there were just far too many people to disburse efficiently to their various hotels. Too few cabs, not enough room on the Metro, etc. All the coffeeshops, restaurants, and cafes were full, and after you run 26 miles, you really want to just relax on your bed in your comfy hotel and EAT something.

When we could see that it would take a while to wait in line for the Metro, we decided to walk a couple of blocks in the hope of hailing a cab. Then we spotted the line for taxis. There were about a hundred people waiting already. I wanted a cup of coffee almost more than I wanted to SIT. Of course, Starbucks was full, but Wendy spotted a Marriott and speculated that there was probably a Starbucks inside. Brilliant! She was right. I rested while she got us drinks and we settled in for a comfortable hour in the Marriott's bar.

By the time we returned to the Metro station the line had only gone down slightly; after all, many people were still finishing. No choice, we would have to wait in line. It didn't take too long, but it felt longer on my weary legs. That's when we met Bob.

Bob was about my age and really tall, like 6'5ish. As we waited on the platform for the Metro, he asked Wendy for directions. When we discovered he was staying at our hotel, Wendy said he could just follow us, and, relieved, he agreed. We boarded the Metro, and moments later, Bob collapsed. Fortunately, medics were nearby, and he came to, but moments later, he passed out again. As soon as we reached the next stop, we went running for a Metro official while someone else called 911. It was kind of scary, especially after hearing about the deaths in the Detroit Marathon the week before. This story has a happy ending, though. We got word later that night that Bob would be fine but would be kept overnight in the hospital.

The day after the marathon we took another trolley tour, stopping at the Museum of Natural History, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Viet Nam War Memorial. I got to stand on the spot where Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech,  and I watched a Marine stand on a ladder to do a rubbing of a name high on the Viet Nam War Memorial. I had never been to DC before and I am immensely glad I went.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Marine Corps Marathon, but with one caveat, make sure you get a room in a hotel close to the finish.