Review of the Marine Corps Historic Half

So it's been a couple months since I ran the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg, VA, but I wanted to take some time to review the race and record some tips for next year.  This was a great race, very well put together and definitely challenging.  My only complaint is that it started at 7am.  Looking back, it wasn't so bad, but as a runner who prefers late nights to early mornings, it was a bit of a hurdle for me at the time.

So, here are my tips, tricks, and things to remember for next year:

1. Train hard, train for hills.

Hospital Hill is no joke, but the course itself is very hilly.  Looking at the elevation chart, I thought it would be a relatively easy course, aside from that monstrosity of a hill.  I prepared for that hill by adding steep hills at the end of my long training runs, but I was not as prepared for all of the little hills throughout the course.  Next year, I will certainly be doing more hill work to train.

2. Park at Walmart.

There is no need to park in a shuttle lot. There is ample parking at the Walmart, and in the Central Park area, so as long as you get there at least 30-45 minutes before the start time, you shouldn't have an issue finding parking.  You won't be far from the start/finish parking at Walmart.

3. Plan ahead for spectators, sign them up for Track A Runner

The parking lot of the expo center was very well organized for linking up with family and friends.  Clearly-marked alphabetical link-up areas made it very easy to find people, even when prior planning did not work out quite right.  As far as spectators go, I suggest the area before the finish line as a great place for them to look for you.  The "track a runner" feature worked perfectly, sending text-message updates of my current location and projected finish time to my family members.  They knew when to expect me, even though I slowed down a bit toward the end!  Also, it was a great motivator to run past my family when I could see the finish line just ahead!

4. Practice water breaks and food break at proper time in race

I foolishly did not look at the map to find out exactly where the water and food stations were.  I did train using "Sport Beans" on my long runs, in preparation for race day.  However, I did not look at the mile marker for the "Sport Beans" station, and on all of my training runs I stopped for water and sport beans at about 6.5 miles.  On the course, the stop was almost at mile 8.  Definitely threw me off!  Additionally, I did not drink water throughout my long runs, just at a few points during the run.  But on race day, I decided to have a drink at every water station.  This did not work well for me, especially when I accidentally drank a Gatorade when I was expecting water.  Turns out, the Gatorade tables were before the water, and with the crowds of people getting their little cups, I was not able to see the water tables ahead for the first few water points.  Also, threw me off from my routine a bit.

5. Ditch the headphones (or at least turn them down)

There was entertainment all along the course.  I was blasting my playlist, and really missed out on some great music and the wonderful atmosphere of this race.  Towards the end of the race I turned the music down and really enjoyed some of the sights along the course.  Not to mention, residents came out of their homes to cheer runners along!  All of this, combined with a great number of spectators coming out, put a certain level of excitement in the air.  I was surprised to see photos of myself smiling during the run!

My overall impression of the race was that is was planned well, executed flawlessly, and was a challenging course with a great atmosphere.  Finisher medals are handed out by Marines at the finish line, followed by a photo op with a backdrop, then post-race "hospitality" and a beer.  Does it get better than this?  It was only my second half marathon, but it put my first one to shame!  Excellent race, a definite challenge, and a great time.  Will I be signing up next year?  You bet.