I hit the lottery!

The 39th Marine Corps Marathon registration lottery completed today and I received notification that I am officially registered for the race.   The MCM is considered a premier race in the US.  It is the 3rd largest in the US and 8th in the world After running the race for the first time,  I am excited to participate again because I will get to:

• Focus on the contributions and sacrifices of the US Service Men and Women
• Participate with a large diverse global runner community
• Run the nation's capital and see the monuments
• Feel the support from the marines and spectators

I look forward to my upcoming MCM training activities and hope to improve my performance over last year. 

Today's Run - 3.2.2014 - Saunders-Jefferson Trail Run

I can't remember the last time I ran the Monticello Saunders-Jefferson Trail and since the 2014 Montalto Challenge registration opened this week I decided to hit the trail for a nice run on Sunday to get reaquanted.    The ~2mile crushed gravel and boardwalk path is well maintained by Monticello and even with a number of people walking, running and riding the path there is plenty of room to run.

I enjoy running this trail and the Montalto Challenge because you get some amazing views of the Charlottesville area.  For this run, I started at the bottom of the trail and ran to the Monticello Visitors Center and back to the bottom of the trail, and for kicks I ran to the top again to complete a 10K.  I met my family at the top of the trail for the relaxing walk back down the trail.

I find this course is very difficult at the bottom as you start the ascent. The grade of the trail smooths slightly in the middle, but by no means do you forget that you are running uphill.  Once reaching the top of the trail you stand at the bottom of the Montalto Mountain which is the last mile of the Montalto Challenge course.   I find myself admiring the significant climb to the top and remembering the dedication it takes to conquer the switchbacks.

The return to the trail reminded me that I have significant training to do in preparation for the Montalto Challenge in the coming weeks.