The Marine Corps Marathon is an incredible race to be a part of, whether you get in through the lottery, running the 17.75, being in the runner's club, or being a charity runner.

To start, the expo is a great size with awesome vendors. You can spend an afternoon there. The 1 hour Brooks line was well worth it for the quality runner's jacket and other merchandise. Getting my bib was easy and quick, with Marines volunteering their time to the cause. The hour long Brooks line was well worth it for the quality runner's jacket and other merchandise. From the minute you walk in, you can feel the spirit of the air. The mock turtleneck is of great quality and is awesome for winter months. I hear that many people get it modified into a 1/4 zip, which is a great idea. The worst part of the Expo was the location. It was beautiful, however it was an absolute pain to get to. I'd much rather have a place accessible by the metro than somewhere pretty but outside the city.

Race day was a bit stressful as the metro did not open until 7:00 this year. There were plentiful shuttles. I stayed in Alexandria, where my hotel shuttled me to shuttles provided by Alexandria, where we were shuttled to the Pentagon. It was approximately a 15 minute walk to the runner's village, but not too bad. From the runner's village, the start was just a short walk away. This was easily the most stressful part of my day, but it went seamlessly.

The race is as organized as you can imagine. Plentiful water stops, Marines everywhere, and many spectators. The first two miles were challenging, with a decent uphill. The first 10 or so miles were definitely crowded, but it didn't bother me. Run/walkers were for the most part polite and stayed towards the sides and there were plenty of spectators and bands to go around.

After running past the Lincoln Memorial around mile 8.5, runners move towards Haines Point. This is where you'll find the Blue Mile - pictures of soldiers who gave their lives for their country, followed by their family members holding flags above you. It is so touching, and worth the months of training! The rest of the island is admittedly boring, but the hard work is worth it when you return to the National Mall.

Around mile 18.5 is when you start "the Bridge", which I'd say is the worst part of the race, even if you aren't worried about the time cut-off. You go from thousands of spectators to nothing. It's a long (2ish mile) bridge, with no shade or support. Coming off of the bridge, you run around the Pentagon for a mile or so. It's a rough three miles and it will test you - no one said a marathon is easy! Coming into Crystal City afterwards is amazing. There are so many fans, blaring music, and during the hot 2016 race fans were giving out ice. The out-and-backs in this section can be exhausting, but for those who thrive off of spectators, it is a great area.

After Crystal City, it is a few miles of emptiness until mile 26. You have to EARN that medal. When you get to the finish, you will be completely overwhelmed with emotion. There are so many people cheering, and while the hill at the finish feels like Mt. Everest, Marines will help fire you up to the top to receive your medal from a Marine and get your finisher's photo in front of the Iwo Jima memorial.

The finish area is large and obviously crowded. I explored the day before and was happy I did so, in order to plan with my family the details of where to meet me after the race. I was also glad I went earlier in order to truly be able to appreciate the beautiful Iwo Jima memorial. Food was okay - if you're a picky eater you may as well pack your own, I'm glad I did (sugar wafers for the win). Gear check pick-up was a breeze, albeit a little walk.

I can't recommend this race enough. The organization of the Marines are incredible, and it is a completely positive atmosphere. This was my first marathon, and I can't imagine running any other marathon as my first. Take some time to forget about time and enjoy yourself - high five the Marines, cry during the Blue Mile (it's okay, everyone does), and reflect on how many people give their lives to protect your country. It is a race you'll never forget!