Questions for experienced MCM runners

[Anonymous]

I know the race is still several months away but I've got some questions on my mind as I'm training.

1) the web site says headphones are discouraged. Do I need to wean myself off them now or will it be ok to run with them? To give context, I started running as part of a combination of therapies to combat severe PPD. I have no delusions of grandeur and anticipate averaging 12-13 min/mile, putting me near the very end. I'm thinking the crowds of spectators will start to thin out and I'll really want the music for the second half of the race. I know headphones are frowned upon by many but not sure it'll really matter if I'm that far back.

2) will the finish area have cleared out somewhat by the time I finish or will it still be a madhouse? DH is totally unfamiliar with Arlington and not thrilled about meeting me at the finish. Is there a better nearby place to meet up?

Any other words of advice also much appreciated. Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

I haven't run it in a few years, but there will be plenty of people running a 12-13 minute mile. No it won't be as crowded, but you won't be alone and there will still be crowd coverage! Some parts will be bare, but especially the finish line will have tons of people.

I think it's important to follow the headphone rules for safety reasons. The beginning especially is very very crowded. I would wean yourself off the headphone now. Do you know anyone running it who is around the same pace? Maybe you could buddy up?

[Anonymous]

They have designated meeting areas according to your last name. If you don't want to meet him there, just pick a spot nearby like the Starbucks in Rosslyn.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you start without them and then have your DH or someone meet you in Georgetown (around mile 6) and hand them to you if you need them. I think you won't because it is such an energizing, exciting atmosphere. Or you can have them meet you later if you think you'll bonk at some point.
And no, the finish area will not clear out unless you are waaay in the back (like 5 hrs plus). Good luck! You'll have a great time and so happy that you chose to do this to overcome your PPD!

[baltimoreguy]

It is 100 percent fine to run with the headphones. Seriously - if you worry, pull up pics from last year's marathon and see what percentage of the runners are wearing them.

I agree with the finish line thing as well - just don't ask your husband to come to the finish area, I met my ride at the Starbuck's on Wilson Blvd.

[Anonymous]

I ran it last year. It was my first marathon and in general a great experience.

Regarding headphones; I wore them and am mostly glad i did. There was a long stretch ("the bridge" about mile 21?) where there was no distraction. No bands, no people on the sidelines cheering--just me and the other runners...and the other runners were starting to get tired and walk, which was pretty demoralizing for me. I was SO glad I had my music to help push me through that bridge. The only regret I have about wearing headphones--I hate the way they look in the pics!

I finished around 4.5 hours and it was a madhouse at the finish line. People from the sidelines (even little kids!) jumping in to try and run across the finish line with their runners, etc (even though they were making announcements telling people not to do it.) I seriously had to "dodge" non-runners for the last .1 mile of the marathon--maddening when you've come so far and just want to give it your all at the end!
Anyway, my husband didn't meet me right there. I finished the marathon, got my little food pack/gatorade, my medal and my pic taken...then outside that whole area was some meet up area where I called my husband and we figured out where the other was. My husband was also able to find me at several points throughout the course to cheer me on.

Good Luck in your training!

[Anonymous]

Someone will have a cell phone that you can borrow so you can text/call your spouse. When I ran it 4 years ago, there was a station near the finish line with phones you could use. Check the MCM website to see if that's available.

Good luck! Be sure to be religious about getting your long run in each week.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the input. I think I will try to start some training runs without the headphones but plan on bringing them the day of. To clarify, they are no longer prohibited (evidently they were a few years ago) just discouraged. I think I'll be ok the first half without them and maybe they'll just end up like a security blanket, but I think I'll feel better having them if I need them. Appreciate the input!

[Anonymous]

17:40 here--
Oh, about your husband not being familiar with Arlington and worried about meeting you--at the Expo for the race, they will give you a little magazine-type guidebook that will have information for spectators on the best places to view runners.

[Anonymous]

I usually do all my training runs with headphones but typically don't wear them for races. I find that the energy of the race keeps me going and I have the music in my head - as weird as that sounds. Yes, the bridge can be tough but MCM is so big that you will have plenty of people around at all stages.

The finish area is definitely crazy but they have mee-tup areas divided out by letters. Pick the letter of your last name or whatever you want ahead of time and have hubby meet you there. It can be intimidating but it isn't so bad once you're there. Another idea would be to go to the Iwo Jima area some time between now and then and you two can pick a corner or landmark to meet.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

While headphones are discouraged at almost any race, lots of people wear them.

As for the finish, not sure about the 12-13 min pace, but it's been pretty crazy in the past. Like one of the PPs said, checkout the finish map and arrange with your husband a certain meeting spot.

Good luck!!!