I know the entire running industry was waiting with bated breath, eagerly speculating when The Size 15 Runner would release the announcement about his next marathon. Well, the wait is over! You can rejoice because the day has finally come. I’ve officially started my training for the Marine Corps Marathon — my fifth marathon and the first one where I’ll be disappointed if I don’t run under three hours.
Until last year, the idea of going sub-three always seemed like a distant fantasy. Now, it feels like a tangible reality. It was out of reach and out of the question. But now, it’s never seemed more within my grasp. Coming off the heels of a sub-3:06 at the One City Marathon in March, I recognize I have my work cut out.
The wait is over
The Marine Corps Marathon is three years in the making for me. I was supposed to run the revered race as my first marathon on October 25, 2020. I applied on March 18, 2020 and was later notified I had been selected from the lottery to run. Then came COVID. In hindsight, I should’ve known the race wasn’t going to happen — the selection email was sent on none other than April 1st! The joke was on me — and the 30,000+ other runners.
But I truly feel it’s meant to be this year; it’s destiny! Ok, honestly, 2023 is the last year to utilize my lottery entry after deferring in 2021 and 2022. But that doesn’t make the race any less significant to me.
DC’s where the heart is
Washington, DC is my favorite city, for running or otherwise. I was lucky enough to call the “nation’s capital” home for more than six magnificent years. There, I fell in love for the first time – with my wife, to boot – started my career after college, met some wonderful people, developed closer relationships with my brothers and sisters-in-law, and grew immensely as a person. Oh, and my love of running reached new heights, exceeding even the Washington Monument. Which is ironic, because, DC’s Height Act – the rule that limits most D.C. buildings to about 13 stories — is a main reason for my infatuation with the city.
“The toxic political scene can make you feel like an outsider, but with no skyscrapers and an abundance of “pavement-pounders,” it’s the perfect city to feel like you belong as a runner.”
The 130 ft. building height limit is a key distinguishing characteristic of the city. Many cities have diverse dining options, eclectic arts and culture, lively nightlife, and a bustling live music scene, but only DC delivers each without high-rise buildings towering over. Sure, the toxic political environment is enough to make you feel like an outsider, but with no skyscrapers and an abundance of “pavement-pounders,” it’s the perfect city to feel like you belong as a runner, or as anyone. No building is too tall, and no running route is too off the grid that the city was designed on.
A true running city
There’s no better way to experience the city than on a run. Because there’s never a dull moment in DC. The cacophony of sounds from commuters to street performers to diners’ conversations on patios or rooftops all serve as the perfect soundtrack; hurried yuppies, carefree college kids, established professionals, young families, Capitol Hill staffers, clueless tourists, and adventurous runners, bicyclists, and scooter riders make up quite an interesting cast of characters; and the dazzling sights in wide-ranging neighborhoods from Dupont Circle to The Wharf, provide endless entertainment to help pass the miles. No matter where your runs take you, you’ll never be far from embassies, brownstone homes, historical buildings, museums, parks, and, yes, monuments.
Jogging my memory
Whenever I come back to visit DC, it’s like I never left. I feel right back at home when I lace up a pair and hit the National Mall, the Georgetown Waterfront, or run alongside the Potomac River. It’s quite fortunate, then, that I’ll pass each of these locations on the Marine Corps Marathon course.
I wouldn’t want any other city to serve as the setting for me to go sub-three hours in the marathon. It served as the pivotal backdrop for so many of my wonderful running memories, like completing my first marathon training block, running with my wife for our first race together, and running the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race with family, to name a few. This October, I couldn’t be more excited to make a new memory at the Marine Corps Marathon. Regardless of if I reach my sub-3-hour goal, I know the experience will be unforgettable.
I just found this blog entry—I haven’t read it before—and really enjoyed it. I love the framing of DC as the perfect place to run—especially the Marine Corps Marathon!