The slight chill in the air, calm breeze, and a cloudless morning all set the stage for the perfect race day. The energy was surging from the starting line as I made my way to coral #9. I had trained.  I was mentally focused. My race goal of a 4:02:31 (9:15 pace) marathon was set. The horn blared marking the start of the race.  I cautiously started to run, not wanting to start out too fast.  My first mile was sub 9:00. And my second. And my third. I felt amazing. Maybe it was

I had an idea. Yes, this is always a dangerous undertaking. I knew I needed a great off season training plan as I focus on my 2014 racing schedule. My goal is to complete two 70.3 Ironman races in 2014.  Running a marathon will help get me back into racing shape, work on my running, and keep me active during the winter months.  Plus, I haven’t ran a marathon since 2006. I sat down at my computer and started to look at various options. I quickly came across the Washington D.C.