I carried a water bottle last year and wore a HRM, both no-nos at the Army race. In fact, I carried the water to about mile 23 before I ditched it. I find it easier to refill on the run and sip as necessary than to run with that sugary slop sloshing about. (how's that for alliteration?)

Thanks PacerChris! I have seen so many schedules and didn't know if I should do 20, 22, 24, or all 20's or go up to 26. I do have them scheduled 3 weeks apart. THANKS! Are you a pacer for the race? Do they have PACERS in this race? Just curious. I just want to cross the finish line without feeling miserable!

newMIrunner - PacerChris gave you some good suggestions but just to clarify - make sure you do your longest run one month before your marathon and then do the taper. Running the longest one too close to your marathon isn't a good idea.

I am a fan of "I've gotta run AT LEAST 24 miles so I can feel mentally okay with the race." However, physically, you don't need to run that many. That is why so many training programs only go to 18 or 20 miles at their longest distance. I'd suggest doing at least a 20-22 and at least three of them as already suggested.

By the way - they have had pacers at this race in the past so I anticipate they'll have them again this year.

FlyNhigh - this has always been a lottery in the past. I was kinda shocked when my registration went through as normal. You'll do great - just don't overdo it. A training group will be lots of fun (so I hear! ). You'll be fit enough to run the marathon if you stick with some sort of program. Don't beat yourself up over missing a day here or there or even missing a long run once in a blue moon - you'll get there and you'll be prepared - trust me!

My training doesn't officially start until June 25th (remember, I've already done a marathon this year) but I'm loving the fact that I can go out right now without training in mind and just run to my heart's content WITHOUT a watch!

Where are all of you staying while you are here? I live locally so I'll just be taking the metro in to the race that morning. However, I thought we might get a group together maybe for breakfast the day before. Thoughts?



http://This message has been edited by DCRunningDiva (edited Jun-02-2007).

I need to get my tail in gear and book a hotel for this race. Any suggestions? Should I try to get one near the finish, start, or elsewhere? Thanks for any and all advice!

The start is at Arlington Cemetary, which has a metro stop. I live a few miles outside the beltway, so i will be taking the metro there. Anyplace in Roslyn you could stay would be good i think; the finish is basically in Roslyn, and looks like it's about a half-mile from the start. Alexandria or Crystal City will probably be slightly less expensive, maybe less crowded (but I am pretty sure everywhere you go will be crowded on race weekend). Just make sure you're near a metro and you can get pretty much anywhere.

DCDiva - I live in Vienna, off of Hunter Mill; I recently moved from Alexandria.

DCDiva, I am actually a couple turns off of Hunter Mill (Crowell, to Victoria Farms). The address is Vienna, but most people probably think of it as Reston.

Training for me has been pretty good; this will be my second marathon, but the first was Richmond in 2002.

I have ran 14 marathons and feel like I'm a midpaker. If I've trained correctly, I only walk through the water stations to make sure I get the water/gatorade down and not all over my face and shirt.
If I haven't trained correctly I end up walking a lot towards the end of the marathon.
Hope that helps.

Simon