Finally back after the MCM in October.

Came in about 4:12, and was delighted. 

One day ahead of Hurricane Sandy, weather was fine, just a little overcast

Mission Accomplished

What an experience.  I downloaded maps of the route and the sights along the route

but after about 15 miles all I saw was the people in front of me and the fans on side of the road

At one point there was a long stretch of road with photographs of marines that have been killed

in Iraq and Afghanistan with family members standing alongside. That was the most moving moment for me.  Toward the 23 mile mark there started to be a lot of people walking, limping and stretching.

Fortunately I didn't have any problems and finished.  

I'd like to try it again.

Another post about the path to MCM in October.
Tried a new pair of shoes on Sunday  - Salomon Speedcross 3. For the last 6 months I've been using the Asics gel Fuji.  Very light but not much drop from heel to toe.  Long story short, my ankles feel a lot better with the increased drop and a little more padding in the Salomon.
Weather great for a run on Sunday. Met some other runners on the New River Trail that put in about 12 miles with me.  They dropped off, and I had another 4 miles to go.
Good news  because it turns out that running in a group helps with boredom.
Bad news because one of the runners was from a nearby college team, and looked like he was having a hard time slowing to our pace.
Headed back home after 18 miles for some oatmeal and family time.
New Email from the MCM was encouraging in that 12,000 of the 30,000 runners are first time marathoners. (Like me)
http://www.marinemarathon.com/

Looks like two months to the Marine Corp Marathon,.
Decided earlier this year that a marathon was in my future, and luckily
was able to enter the MCM in October.
Training over the summer was easy and fun with a teenage son, but
since school's back in he has little time for running.
Prior running experience started after high school graduation and has been overall steady though only
two half marathons until this year.  Took about 10 minutes off  prior 2 hour time at the Historic Half in Fredericksburg- didn't see Allison Sweeny from Biggest Loser - turns out she looks like every other runner after 13 miles.
Lots of fun support from fans along the way in Fredericksburg .
Latest food for distance - dates
Shoes Asic Gel Fuji
Biggest hazard on the trail - none really
Best runs-any from 20 to 24 or under 16.