Q: Moonshine
PAX: Moonshine
FNGs: None
COUNT: 5,100
YHC, who is NOT a runner, and historically hated running, decided earlier this year it would be a good idea to register for a Half Marathon. After months and weeks of early morning runs, the big day arrived.
5,100 runners from 48 states, the District of Columbia, and 13 states converged in Fredericksburg, VA for the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon. The artillery gun started the event at 0600. The elevation started downhill giving false hopes with brief yet steep hills at miles 2, 3, and 4. Then the mother of all hills at miles 11 adequate named “Hospital Hill” since there is a hospital at the top which most feel like they need after conquering the hill. The Navy had a medical tent set up at the top of the hill. Then thinking the worst was behind me (I was wrong) there was one final hill going over the I-95 overpass with a 12% grade. After conquering that hill around 12.5 mile marker, runners ran under a huge American Flag in the air by 2 ladder fire trucks.
Was humbling to see the hundreds of Marines handing out water, cheering runners on, shouting words of encouragement, and then placing the finishers by medals around the neck at the finish line.
I wasn’t the fastest nor first, however Ricky Bobby was wrong since even though I wasn’t first, I also wasn’t last. My neighbor who has run this Half Marathon in the past in addition to other full Marathons encouraged me earlier in the week with “Starting + Finishing = Crushing It!” The fun level varied between level 1 and 2.
Thankful to the many HIMs who kept me accountable and encouraged me in the weeks leading up to today’s event. I am grateful for each of you!