Just Finish (A Rock n Roll Marathon Recap)

Hey everyone, Ben here and before I get started here's the disclaimer.
 As a BibRavePro I was selected to run and write/promote the Rock n Roll DC Marathon in return for free entry. This fact does not change how I feel about the race and organizers and for more information about being an ambassador go here.

 So I arrived in DC the Friday before the race and immediately got lost. Apple Maps gets confused and had me going everywhere but to the hotel. I was finally able to stop and get that straight and checked in and parked my car. If you plan on staying inside the District, I would research parking, it can cost a lot if you're not careful. After unpacking and changing, I decided to run to the expo, as it was only 2 miles. The weather was chilly but sunny and I made it to the Expo at the DC Armory in about 20 minutes. Once you got through security we went downstairs and got our bibs. One feature I liked was the scanner before you went back upstairs to verify your information was correct. Back on the main floor, you got your shirt and gear check bag, and could enter the expo.

SWAG CENTRAL!!!

 Divided in 2 parts, we had the Brooks Swag area where you could get race specific merch and Section 2 where the vendors and other sponsors were located. I enjoyed walking around and talking with some product reps, especially the ones that I use but after awhile I headed out and went to the Metro stop to go back to the hotel.

But first a visit to the Smithsonian. If you've never been, go and if you've been, go again. I saw a lot of things I missed when I was here last year and love wandering the Natural History Museum.

Race night dinner was my usual pizza. I went to We The Pizza on Penn Ave and it was really good. If you get a chance check it out.

Yummy

Race morning was cold. I checked out and put my gear in my car, then walked to the start of the race which was about a mile or so. The gear drop was located about a block away from the start and was well run by UPS. The start was a long fenced in area, about 2 blocks behind the museums and corrals were well marked. One thing I didn't like were the race announcers, I know there are a lot of sponsors but you don't need to mention them every 4 minutes. The Rock n Roll kicked off about 30 minutes before the start of the race and we had the singing of the National Anthem. Then we were off. The race winds throughout the city and is mostly flat. Until mile 6 or 7 when you start up the hill to Calvert House. The Blue Mile was set up along the route here and the support and encouragement to continue was super. After that, not so much. I've done races of all different distances and this was one of the sparsest as far as neighborhood support. If you want to run miles with just your thoughts, this is the race for you.
 There is a second large hill at mile 23 in Fort Dupont Park and it was there my legs said enough. I walked the last 3 miles and jogged/limped across the finish. Somewhere along mile 15, I started feeling off and stiff so I started walking/running to rest some but I'm thinking I didn't eat enough in the days leading up to the race. That's my fault and not the races so just remember to fuel up properly before any event. I will keep it mind too.
  I didn't get to spend a lot of time at the finish area. Once you crossed the line you got your medal, and headed to the food and bag pick up. I had to get my car so I walked through quickly and headed out.

Cool Pick Shape.

Overall, the race was fun, well supported aid stations and a friendly group of volunteers. I wish I had more time to explore before and after, but that happens sometimes when you go to events out of you area. The course had music playing at every mile through the mile markers and several bands scattered about.

If your looking for a good Spring marathon on the East Coast I would give the Rock n Roll DC a try.


Lace up and get out....

Ben