It's an awesome race (I've run it twice), but the weather can be brutally hot. Since you'll be training all summer, you'll be fine

For me, as a first timer, the best advice I got was to start doing long (10+) runs on the weekends starting around April/May, instead of waiting until officially 17 week plans start in July. It was much easier for me to get acclimated to mileage that way. Also, there is no bad ass feeling quite like rocking 15 miles before work or running your long run through the monuments on a Friday night just trying to get it all in. Man... I sort of want to sign up now

If you have done a half you can totally do the full. The hardest part of a marathon is the training. Because this is a fall race you need to train during the summer which means getting miles in early in the day before it gets too hot, especially long runs.

It is a great race with a lot of crowd support.

This was my first and only marathon and I loved it! Do it! Crowd is awesome. Put your name on your shirt and maybe even “it’s my first marathon” so lots of people cheer for you. They will. Good luck.

I say go for it too! Especially since you’ve done some half’s before. Once you have that base, ramping up is manageable. Also, the MCM is a great overall experience. Great runner enthusiasm, good organization, and a pretty great course. My only complaint is how tough it is to get on the metro post race...with those tired legs, the mob that is Roslyn Metro can be daunting. That said...do it!

Go for it! I trained for and ran my first marathon without having any half’s under my belt. It’s a great race with lots of crowd support.

I've run several half marathons and am debating entering the lottery for the MCM - but I'm terrified! Has anyone run this race? Any tips for a first time marathoner? Help! Have to decide by tomorrow and I'm torn!