Pre-race thoughts...

From MCM FB page this morning

We had a late night arrival into DC last night, but I was happy that everything went smoothly and we didn't have any flight issues. We woke up earlier than either of us would have preferred so that we could get packet pick-up/Expo stuff done in the morning to allow me time to relax the rest of the day (while K watches football).

And, I'm glad that we did! We took the metro out to the DC Armory, and I was surprised at how long the line already was to get into the building. It was significantly worse though as we were leaving. If it took us 30 minutes, then those people were looking at an hour plus wait to get in.

This is finally happening!

As I reflect on the last 6 months of training, a few things stand out to me...

I remember talking to Bobby on Day 1 of the training season about my uncertainty about how my ankle would hold up to the hills, speed, and terrain of a formal training program with Rogue for the first time since I broke it in 2010. It was a bit of a rough adjustment in the first 1-2 weeks, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the lack of issues with my ankle since then. I actually think my ankle is in better condition now than it was before I started training. Maybe the scar tissue has finally broken up or the hardware shifted into a more natural position...I don't know. But, I do know the constant swelling has essentially gone away, and my range of motion appears improved. I know that I won't ever love hills, but at least I have the motion in the ankle to climb them again.

I have been surprisingly consistent with getting my training runs completed, despite the heat, hills, and work and other life demands. This is probably the most consistent I have been in terms of sticking to the training program for a race other than when I trained for my first marathon and 50k races. I have more long training runs in my legs than I did for my first marathon - including that epic 22-miler last month. This leaves me feeling hopeful about my potential for tomorrow...but I also do not want to put unnecessary pressure on myself to perform. The goal that I initially had at the beginning of the training program was simply to make it to the starting line healthy. Mission accomplished. Now, that goal has evolved into running a smart and strong race - whatever that may translate to on my Garmin. Do I have a time that I'd like to hit? Of course. But, I also don't really have a realistic sense of how I can run in conditions other than the oppressive heat and humidity that I have been training in all summer. I'm just hoping that I can manage my hydration intake appropriately in the cooler weather, so that I can avoid the sloshing that has been my nemesis during so many long runs this summer.

I'm really happy that I get to run my goal race tomorrow with my training buddy and new friend! Angela was the first person that I talked to at our first Sole Survivor workout way back in May. What a pleasant surprise to find out that we were training for the same race at the same general pace! I'm excited to be a part of her first marathon tomorrow. The first one is always special.

I've been on weather alert for the past couple of weeks. The forecast is warmer and windier than I would prefer, but I have to just let that go and get my mind right. I need to use my philosophy from NYC last year and run with gratitude tomorrow. That means even more for this race given all that the Marines do for this race and our country.

So, trust in your training, Frank. One foot in front of another for 26.2 miles to get here:

Official marking of MCM finish line (from MCM FB page)

I got this.