I took Thursday and Friday off of work and drove down to Virginia with one of my besties, Sanj. Thursday consisted of a great drive (we only got lost for a few minutes as we were sidetracked in Friendsville, Maryland looking for a gas station) and arrived just in time to head to dinner with Bethie and Jason - two great friends from college. We spent the evening feasting (which became a common theme of the trip) at a Mexican restaurant, playing with their Pug dog Peanut, and watching a terrible movie on TV because no one wanted to change the channel. Just like college all over again. Loved it.
Friday we picked up another friend Sam at the airport and rode the train into the city. After an uphill hike in DuPont Circle carrying too much luggage, we checked into the very posh Washington Hilton. Complementary upgrade? Yes, please - a ninth level room with a city view. We attended the Race Expo to get our gear and prep for the race. The remainder of the day we dined on both French and Italian cuisine, visited a few of the Smithsonian Institutes, made the first of many Starbucks runs, and generally enjoyed the company of one another. For a group of best friends, it can be difficult because we were so used to living together and spending every moment as a group, to shift and transition to living all over the country and only getting the chance to see one another for brief periods of time. Let's just say we savored every moment.
best friends = best memories [you can't sit with us]
(Thank goodness I invested in a quality faux fur coat -
certainly needed it to survive DC's chilly days!)
We called it an early night on Friday, and were up bright and early on Saturday morning. Dressed and to the Metro well before 6 AM, only to have to stand and wait in the freezing cold for a VERY long time. The DC transit authority decided, only weeks before the race, to postpone the Metro opening from 5 to 6 AM, with a 7 AM race start time. We could not walk as the start line was too far, and it was illogical to take a bus or cab as the streets near the race were all closed. So we huddled with the masses (there were probably close to 50 or 60 people, all runners waiting at our Metro station) for the gates to be opened so we could catch the first train. In addition to the ultra chilly weather, standing down at the bottom of the escalator waiting for the Metro gates to open was like waiting in a perpetual wind tunnel. And this girl HATES being cold. I was nervous my limbs wouldn't be able to function by the time we reached the start line! But we got there, threw our belongings at the Bag Check and dashed to the start. We missed the National Anthem and official start gun, but just hopped into the crowd crossing over the start. I gave a last wave and well wishes to my girls and then I was off!
My friends and I all love running, and we try to get together to do a major race at least once each year. But what I love about these girls is that we all know and respect one another as individuals, and recognize the fact that running is such an independent sport. We part ways at the start and promise to meet again at the finish.
The race was great! Despite almost freezing while waiting for the Metro, the cool weather definitely helped as the race progressed. It was truly awe-inspiring to run through our Nation's Capital city. It made me feel proud to be an American, and humbled to be so blessed to live in a country where I am presented with opportunities that many others may never be able to achieve. It made me feel thankful for our Founding Fathers, and all those who have fought over the years to maintain our country's freedom. The course itself took us all over DC - starting and finishing at the Armory Stadium, along the National Mall past the Capital Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, past the White House (which I totally missed and didn't realize until later!), into DuPont Circle and Adams Morgan, past Howard University and back towards the Stadium. There was great crowd support at different points throughout the race - and spectators definitely help to make the run much more exciting!
Racing is always an emotional experience for me. It seems that there is always something going on in my life and I carry that with me on race day. Inevitably I get choked up once or twice, usually at the sheer beauty of the situation, and my tears are that of pride and joy. This race got to me near the DuPont Circle area. We were racing through a darkened tunnel, with the light of day shining ahead of us. Underground, but we could hear the noise of the spectators cheering and stomping and clapping and shouting above. I noticed a man running ahead of me wearing a t-shirt with a light blue ribbon spray painted on the back. It was in remembrance of his brother, a prostate cancer survivor. Another man - a complete stranger - ran up next to him and motioned to the t-shirt. The man took out his earphones as the second man shouted, "I'm a survivor, too!" and gave the man a high-five. Then they parted ways and jogged off on their own. I couldn't help but get teary eyed and smile - my father is a prostate cancer survivor, and it is amazing runners like those two men, and my ever brave and loving father, that keep me inspired, even through my hardest miles.
The race came to an end all too quickly - and I mean that quite literally - as I finished with a new PR! I was ecstatic with my time and the race was definitely an overall success. The race was tough - there were very few mile markers which made it difficult to pace and we had to finish with a strong uphill - but the challenge was definitely worth the reward.
While my friends and I talked about and anticipated the remaining hours of our Saturday to be a day of rest, the excitement of race day carried us and gave us the spirit to tackle the town. Sam and I spent hours exploring and shopping in Georgetown (of course the only store from which I purchased anything was the fashion company for which I work ... oops ... I consider it an investment in my work wardrobe,) made yet another Starbucks run, and then walked all over the Mall visiting the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument, Executive Office Building, White House and Renwick Gallery. Then we crashed hard at the hotel for a few hours before meeting up with friends for a fabulous dinner and drinks followed by many additional drinks for a night out on the town - also like old college times.
Sunday morning came too soon, so we kicked it up with Starbucks (not surprising) and morning Mass, a quick lunch, and then ample hugs as we all parted ways with promises to call and visit again soon. We stretch across the country, from Ohio to Georgia, DC and California, and soon to be added - Texas, Seattle, and possibly South Carolina. But the miles don't separate the smiles, and when we all get back together, we just pick up right where we left off.
The weekend was fantastic - great friends, great race - what a great life. Blessed.
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