Gertrude Jewell ran the the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC finishing this race in the time of 4:25:16 which was a PR of 14 minutes and 22 seconds.
Going into it as my 2nd marathon, I worried about setting my bar too high and that my training cycle had not been long enough. Also, I did most of my training on flat courses so my confidence level was low and I started questioning my decision to run another full. Signing up with RC after the September weekend ZAP fitness camp definitely was a smart decision. I finished my training cycle injury free and gradually trusted the feedback of the coaches and more experienced RC members. Building a race strategy and setting a realistic marathon pace are key. Bottom line, following my RC training plan and letting go of unrealistic ego driven expectations allowed me to race at my fitness level and finish almost 15 minutes faster than my 1st.
Madeleine Said ran her debut marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC finishing this distance in the time of 5:18:42.
I ran the MCM marathon to honor my father, who passed away this year and was a Marine in WWII. It was my first marathon and it was an incredible experience. My family came in from across the country to cheer me on and was able to connect with me 4 times on the course. As for the race itself, I had high hopes of breaking 5 hours based on my training. But for some reason, maybe the last bout of knee issues, I started the race without my usual bounce and reserve energy. I had trouble holding my planned pace even early on so I just hung in there and did the best I could. I had high points during the race when I ran past family and friends along the way and basked in the incredible crowd enthusiasm (so proud of my city Washington DC’s community spirit), the sense of patriotism and sacrifice of our armed forces which made up for the low points where it was tough to keep running and I had to walk to build energy again. And I now know at a deep level the meaning of “grueling”. 🙂 But I never had thoughts of quitting or any doubt I’d make it across the finish line. My RC training gave me the stamina and confidence to show up at the starting line and get through to the end. Thank you Coach Jamie for your confidence in me and to you and the RC community for all your support during injury bouts and good times. It’s been an amazing experience training for this race.
Tom Benoit ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC finishing the event in the time of 6:14:22.
I learned that missing two months out of a five month training cycle has an impact on performance (sarcasm intended). But seriously, I was glad I finished given I was sidelined for two months with an injury. Once it was apparent at about mile 16 that my stamina was giving out and I would be unable to break 5 hours, I figured I could shuffle along at a 14:00 or so pace, or just go with the flow, walking and enjoying the spectators and the signs. I went with the walking, and made a point to high five every kid along the way with their hand out. What I did learn is that I am going to implement the strength training for runners program now that the injury is gone and the race is over. I intend to come back with a better base and core with which to train.
MJ Llamas ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC completing this distance event in the time of 5:23:09 which was a PR.
After a grueling winter training early this year to prepare for my first marathon (Shamrock Marathon, Virginia Beach), I had to drop out 3 days before the race due to a severe case of ITBS. Out of anger I signed up for the the Marine Corps Marathon lottery and was miraculously selected. Even with months and months of training, I honestly did not know what to expect especially since this was my first full. I finished with a respectable time, however, I strongly felt in my heart that I could have done way better. Considering that I consistently logged decent times and paces during training, I felt that I was more ready. Unfortunately, between the MCM course being deceivingly difficult (with head-on strong winds on the bridge around Mile 21) and another unfortunate ITBS full-on flare up around Mile 23, I finished with the best possible time my body allowed me to do.
Tia Supari ran the Jakarta Marathon in Jakarta, Indonesia finishing this event that was in hot and humid conditions in the time of 4:55:27 which a PR by 20 minutes.
My target is to run sub-5 on my 2nd Full Marathon. And did it in a very hot weather it was 38degree celcius/98F at the finish line. Ran as planned until 30km. Bonked in 31-34km but managed to increase my pace the last 8k. Hydrate every 5k until 21k then every 3-4k, 4gels, 2 salt sticks PR by 20min is a big improvement compare to my 1st FM on March1, 2014 in Singapore.
Michael Dedekian ran the Loco Marathon in New Hampshire coming across the finish line in the time of 3:11:45 which is a PR of 3 minutes.
Qualified for Boston! Found a great running partner at mile 16 and traded pacing each other mile by mile, couldn’t have done it without him!
Jaron Brown raced the Atlanta 10 Miler in Atlanta, GA finishing in the time of 1:14:27 which was his first race of this distance.
This was a tune-up race for my upcoming half marathon on Thanksgiving Day. I knew this course would very hilly, similar to the half marathon, so it served as a good test of my current fitness. I went in with a goal of 1:15:00 (7:30 min/mile). I ended up besting my goal by a little over 30 seconds (7:27 min/mile), so I am very satisfied with results. This resulted in PR only because this is the first time I’ve run a race of this distance. After this race, I’m feeling very good about where my fitness is (and will be) for my goal race on Thanksgiving Day.
Stacy Thomas ran the Haunted Hustle 10K in Middleton, WI coming across the finish line in the time of 50:13 which placed her 3rd in her age group.
Effort-wise it was a PR, but the windy weather prevented it from being an official PR. I ended up 3rd in my age/gender group. The hardest race mentally, but I finished strong after struggling in the middle.
Nikki Summers ran the Michelob Ultra 13.1 Dallas in Dallas, TX finishing this race with the time of 1:49:30 which is a by of 15 minutes and 30 seconds!
Best Half I’ve ever ran! Made my goal of 1:50, PRd 15 minutes! Came in at 1:49:30 I am very happy with it! Thanks Jamie Dodge!!!!
Siobhan Donegan ran the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth, MA finishing in the time of 3:30:27 which was a PR of 2 minutes and 21 seconds.
I was more nervous than usual before this race and wondered what that was about. I think it was because this was my third time running this course and I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to do my best. It was also a beautiful sunny day, mid 60’s and breezy – so I wanted to make the most of this “gift” of near ideal conditions. With my RC coaching I was able to shave 2 minutes and 21 seconds off of my PR. I think the RC prescribed hill work, interval training and speed work especially helped me out…as much as I would dread doing some of those things! The RC community support and strong emphasis on personal accountability have also been enormously motivating to me through this training cycle. Looking forward to powering down and resting up through the holidays but then getting focused on a spring marathon in the new year.
Dan Lauing ran the The Great Race 5K in Clinton, MS finishing this race in the time of 21:13.
First 5k in at least 2 years. I trained hard, but I fell short. The temperature was around 55 degrees and I’m used to running in 90+. I think I waited too long to “turn up the juice.”
Tony Malinauskas competed in the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championship which is a 8.8 mile Obstacle course race and completing it in the time of 3:46:37.
This was the inaugral OCR World Championship; it is a mud race with very difficult obstacles on rugged trails in forest badlands. All contestants were qualified and included at least one Navy Seal (in my age group, no less!), and a few regulars from American Ninja Warrior. I finished in 19th place in the 50+yrs Males age group (out of 33 runners). Not terrific placement, but not bad since this is only my 2nd year into the sport, and I learned a lot that I’m sure will help me for next time.
Russell Friedberg ran the Rock n Roll Los Angeles in LA, CA finishing this race in the time 1:34:48.
Really hard race (plenty of elevation change). I didn’t have it and ended up running my slowest Half in a year (or worst in 17 Half Marathons). Nice views, but felt off the whole way.
Dave Porfiri ran the Signal Mountain Pie Run 10K in Signal Mountain, TN finishing this race distance in the time of 51:51 which is a PR by 39 seconds.
Every time I PR it makes my day and I finished in the top 50 overall and fifth in my age group, which is a great feeling in and of itself. I decided to run this at the last minute because I was afraid it would adversely affect my marathon training. Lots of hills including a huge uphill in the last 1/4 mile. I had ten miles scheduled for the day so I ran two miles warm up leading right up until the race start and upon finishing the race, I immediately ran two miles cool down.
Erin King ran the Warkworth 8 mile in Warkworth Ontario finishing this event in the time of 58 minutes.
This was a unique race in that it was both trail and road. I would have to say it was one of the most difficult races I have ever done. It was very hilly, muddy, rocky, and just plain hard. Since I had a recent ankle sprain I had to walk some of the hills for fear that I would turn the ankle again. Once I decided to view this race as an “adventure” I had much more fun. I was slower than I expected but I also didn’t expect such a challenge. Nevertheless, I still fought for and gained 1st overall female.
It was a solid effort and I would do it again.
