David Trevino's Staging Area

If I was asked to give a grade to the overall organization of the Army Ten Miler (ATM), I would give an A+ – just like that of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) – both running events are superbly run in total organization. This year’s ATM had a course change – due to some ongoing construction, but with or without this, the ATM route still ran by some famous monuments in Washington, D.C. Plenty of fluids were available throughout the course, which on this day was greatly needed, and appreciated – one of the more humid days in recent memory. The Army soldiers who were assigned throughout the course gave great support and encouragement to all runners – they are all deserving of our respect for all that they do – as the Army says – Hooah!!!! The title of my short message – “Age is just a number” – my time in this year’s ATM was the fastest I have run in the past 3 years – I turned 67 this year, and I felt like I was a “Chariot on Fire.” If you have the will, and you stay focus on your goal – anything is possible, regardless of your age. The ATM today – the MCM on October 28, 2018 – another great event – looking forward to it.

A great time in Rome. This was my 1st time running in the Rome Marathon. I stayed at the StarHotel Metropole – a nice hotel, and the hotel staff were friendly.
The hotel has a fitness center. Also, within walking distance to some of the historical sites (Roman Forum, Colosseum, etc.) – the Start/Finish line is located in the vicinity of the Colosseum, and the same walking distance from the hotel. The Expo was nice – not large, but not too small. The weather upon arrival into Rome, to the day before the marathon, was sunny and pleasant; however, it was not to be so on the day of the race – rain, thunderstorms. The marathon started off with the rain coming down, and some noise of thunder, but cleared up during the middle of the race – however, the rain started up again at the end. Having run in rain before, this was not a problem, the problem was running on cobblestones – about 7% of the course was cobblestones – and when it rains, the cobblestones become slippery. There was plenty of water stations along the course, and plenty of snacks (i., bananas, oranges, cookies); however, not enough portable restrooms along the course, or at the water stations. Crowd support was outstanding. Although I did not finish at my normal times, I had a great time in running Rome, and would do it again. The Finisher’s Medal and T-Shirt were nice.

This was my 1st time running Prague, and would do this again only to see if I can conquer running on a cobblestone surface. The cobblestones seemed to come in different types – some small; others large. Needless to say, my ankles were somewhat torn up after the run, and my time was lot slower than normal. I enjoyed Prague, and the many historical attractions. The Expo was large, and the staff were friendly. Getting to the start line, and returning to the hotel from the finishing line, was about 15 minutes walking, each way. There was some good running trails in front of the hotel where one could get some light running in leading up to the race. (After Prague, I ran the Rome Marathon in 2017, which had cobblestones and were not as huge as in Prague – I faired much better in Rome and I believe I will be able to tackle Prague one more time and try to conquer those cobblestones.) I would recommend the Prague Marathon – if for anything, just to go visit Prague and get a marathon in – pretty city. The Finisher’s Medal and T-Shirt were nice.

The Frankfurt Marathon was my 1st international marathon, and was my last recorded sub 4 marathon, and my last Boston Qualifier (for my age division). The course was fast, and the course is the 2nd fastest in Germany (right behind Berlin). The Start and Finish line are close to the Official Host Hotel. The Expo is large and is also close to the Hotel – no more than 3-5 minute walking. There are plenty open areas next to the hotel where one can get some runs in leading up to the marathon. Plenty of liquids along the course. Crowd support is plenty. I highly recommend this event to all marathoners looking for an international run. The Finisher’s Medal and T-Shirt are nice.

I ran this race when it was called the SunTrust National Maration – now known as the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Marathon. This race is run entirely in the DC area unlike the Marine Corps Marathon which is run mostly in Northern Virginia with parts going through DC. A pretty flat course so a PR is very achievable. I have also run the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Marathon and I can say that plenty of fluids are staged throughout the course, and post refreshments/food are plentiful. If someone was to ask me if I recommend the Rock ‘n’ Roll – I would say yes, but would add – “Run the Rock ‘n’ Roll in March, and then try to run the Marine Corps in October. Both Medals, side by side, would be something to talk about and compare.”

It took me awhile, but I earned my 1st BQ at the 2006 Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. I had heard so much of “Hearbreak Hill” that I put in some serious hill training, and it paid off. The 2007 Boston was the year of the “downpour” of rain. The runners were housed inside the school gym vice the tent on the outside prior to the race – some were questioning if BAA were going to cancel the run, but the answer was no. I have gone to Boston 4 times (2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012 – 2007 was my best; 2008 was the year I suffered a hamstring a week before Boston, but I tried it anyway – and eventually had to drop out early in the race. I earned my last BQ at the Frankfurt Marathon in 2013, but my time was at the bottom of my age standard and I was not selected because of other runners having a faster time for my age group, but I got my BQ.) I love Boston, and even though my times have not been up to par I still aim to earn that next BQ.

This was my 2nd time running the Half at Baltimore, and I really enjoyed them both. The only downside was the Expo – somewhat small, but that was then – today may be different. What I remember the most about this race was that the start began around the Baltimore Ravens football stadium, and finished at Camden Yards – home of the Baltimore Orioles. The post festivities were nice with plenty of good eating.

A well organized Half – great weather, and finishing on the Boardwalk was a great way to finish this race. The post activities afterwards were nice – had a rock concert on the beach and a good way to just kick back on the sand and winding down to some good music, food, and drink.