Dan Wesier [Bib # 13067], Lancaster, PA

It is difficult to express what a fantastic experience it was not only running the MCM but meeting so many wonderful forum people.

The Friday pizza party was a perfect informal way to see everyone. Saturday morning's run (Tim $\ldots$ that really was more than 2-miles) was lots of fun $\ldots$ and finally the dinner with the Penguin's worked out nicely.

I could spend lots of time telling you about each of these people, but what was really best was how well everyone got along. It was easy to make conversation and fascinating to listen to others. And, you should see slc's pictures of where she runs, not to mention the beautiful pictures of her children.

Unfortunately, I decided to take the Metro (the subway) to the race this morning (I grabbed the first one train at 7am) $\ldots$ normally the 35-minute trip turned into an hour $\ldots$ I rushed to get my belongings stashed and finally reached the start line at 8:25 $\ldots$ five minutes before the race was scheduled to start $\ldots$ no warm-ups no stretching $\ldots$ and I missed the pre-race get together with the others.

The race started about 15-20minutes late--so I got a few stretches in, but nothing significant in the way of warming up. The rain started about 5-minutes before the howitzer blasted to get us going. It rained practically the entire race. I wore a plastic bag for the first 25-miles (got to look good at the end, you know).

I ran well, felt strong for most of the time $\ldots$ I paced well $\ldots$ ran the second half faster than the first (negative splits) $\ldots$ but I lost time getting water and doing the bushes thing $\ldots$ if you know what I mean. Final time about 4:25.

I carried a small camera with me $\ldots$ only took a few shots $\ldots$ but I did stop in front of the U.S. Capitol and asked a bystander to snap a shot of me $\ldots$ these kinds of things $\ldots$ and the throngs of spectators made the race unforgettable.

The Marines were wonderful $\ldots$ at the end of the race they even untied my shoes to remove the computer chip and then re-tied them!

Again I missed our group at the end $\ldots$ and this was the tough part $\ldots$ I was chilly and cold to the bone and had to walk about a mile to the Metro stop. NOT Fun $\ldots$ but it made the hot shower later feel all that much better.

This was going to be a short post $\ldots$ but as usual I got carried away $\ldots$ since I didn't see the other guys today $\ldots$ I can't wait to hear how they did.

Finally, thanks to everyone $\ldots$ those who showed up and those of you thinking of us. I thought of you guys also $\ldots$ and that gave me the strength to finish strong.