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After running the City of Oaks Marathon with my friend Rick (he ran the half), he decided to run a Full, and I said I would run with him. He settled on the MCM and we were lucky enough to both get slots.

Another HP runner and friend of Ricks -- Tyler -- also got in so we planned on on meeting up and taking it slow

I got into town a day early, and we planned on meeting at Packet Pickup in DC at RFK stadium. I got there early, and the line snaked about half way down the block, that took about 1/2 an hour

By the time Rick and Tyler got there, the line snaked around the building, back and forth, and it took them about 2 hours to get thru

I didn't want to take the subway -- I remember it being too crowded -- and opted for a cab ride as far as rt 50, and a harrowing crossing and walk to the Iwo Jima memorial.

It took a few calls back and forth but I met them at the corrals, and waited for the Howitzer to go off. Stirring arial display and national anthum.

We stuck together thru about 12, and I held reasonable splits thru about 15.

Tyler's longest run before that day was about 10, so he faded early. One of Rick's running group came by at 11 or so, so he sped up. I lost track of him by the half (though he was only about 15 seconds ahead)

Ty passed me at 18 or so.

I finished strong, but over 5 hours.