We stood at the start unaware of the tragedy that had occured, personally I thought we were late because the politician kept yabbering. Then the rain started, then we started.
Miles 1-4 slowly build my heart rate (planned to keep it at low150's)Around the Pentagon, saw Jay (he was looking strong).
Back out towards the start line, the spectators were great. Acrossthe Key bridge feel pretty good HR 153 taking on water at every stop. Enjoy the crowds, the runners, the scenery. Passed 10 miles in 86 mins.
Along the mall things are going quite well. My injured knee is giving me no problem. I go by 1/2 in 1:52:55 very pleased. Around the capitol back along the Mall, past 16 miles I don't really feel great. Saw Elizabeth and Jim. Thanks guys the cheering was great.
Seventeen comes and goes, I really do not feel very good; my HR has dropped to 148 but I can't seem to pick it up. We are now heading towards the Jefferson Memorial, and the dreaded Haines point and I frankly am feeling like SH.. Why, then I realise, on my long runs I have always had something to eat at 1/2 way. Now what do I do, then there, ahead a vision. Powerbars, Powerjel. I grab a hand full. I am down to a walk, but I am moving forward. Please let this be the answer. Past a water station, wash down the power bars, another mile, I realise I actually am starting to feel better.
At this point I am starting to pick things up. I am starting to move past people. I pass a guy who looks ready to walk, ``come on stay with me'' and he does; turns out he is a Marine (Chris) ``Thank you Sir!,'' he says. ``I am not a sir, I'm Mike, please call me Mike.'' ``Thank You, Sir''--What can ya' do. So the two of us are starting to move quite well. We pass 22, ``So Chris we are going to break 4:00hrs''. ``You think so Si... Mike.'' ``I sure do.''
I am feeling really good again, and I still have a power gel for the 24 mile water station. Here it comes, feed, drink, move along, HR at 160 but we are doing great. More people walking now; try to get people to join us. No takers though. Now the crowds are really vocal.
Pass DebA's family, the boys give me a high-five (thanks guys). Can see the Netherlands Carrilon. Ya-hoo we are almost home; Chris is hanging in! Up the hill and the crowds are fantastic; I got goose bumps and a s..t house grin.
``Hey Chris, only the Marines could be sadistic enough to finish a marathon on this hill.'' ``Yep'' and there it is, the finish, as someone said before, no I don't want this to end. If it does I have to return to my real life, leave these new found friends (leave them, never forget them). My watch says 3:54:01, I am very content, not that long ago I swore I would never do another marathon, yet here I am wet, cold, starting to shiver thinking so where to next.
The rest of the day has been told, so I will not rehash it. If you will bear with me I would just like to finish with a quote by Sydney Smith:
It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can.