We’re back on!

On Tuesday, there was tons of chatter that because of the government shutdown the Marine Corps Marathon was in jeopardy of being canceled.

The organizers made a statement on their Facebook page saying they were exploring other possibilities. However, because of the large size (30,000 runners) of the race, and the fact that the long distance would be ran mainly on federal land it would be difficult to come up with an alternative route.

Last year, I understood the reason for canceling the New York City Marathon. Sandy caused devastation to the city and if the marathon went on it would have brought more chaos to an already chaotic city. But on Tuesday, I also understood the feeling of disappointment the participants of the New York City Marathon must have felt, that day. Because on tuesday, when hearing that the race I am registered to run, the Marine Corps Marathon, was in jeopardy of being canceled I began to panic. I felt angry because no natural disaster was preventing this race to go on, instead our government was. The roads are fine, the race is paid for, volunteers are ready, 30,000 runners have spent their summer preparing to run, some from other places who already have hotel and flight arrangements. I was angry, disappointed, and in panic mode. The Shutdown has gone on long enough.

A funny shirt to possibly wear to the expo or even after the race. They also have tanks. http://www.lookhuman.com/design/32627-i-run-better-than-the-government

A funny shirt to possibly wear to the expo or even after the race. They also have tanks. http://www.lookhuman.com/design/32627-i-run-better-than-the-government

The Marine Corps Marathon organizers promised they would make a final decision by Saturday the 19th, and notify participants the status of the race.

On facebook people were voicing their opinions about what they plan to do if the race is canceled. Some said – we should all show up anyway, 30,000 runners, should just run the course anyway. I know people were just trying to make their point, but just running the race anyway made me feel worse. Hell no, I want my race timed.

So I was thinking of plan B. If MCM was canceled I would register for the Richmond Marathon. Richmond is scheduled for November 16th and registration is still open. Although, Richmond is not as exciting for me as MCM, it is still a timed (Boston Qualifier) 26.2 miles.

But thankfully…

Phew… The government ended the shutdown last night and this morning the Marine Corps Marathon organizers announced the race was back on!

On Instagram:20131017-212711.jpgOn their website:

  • Official Statement regarding the 38th Marine Corps Marathon

A special thank you to MCM and MCM10K participants for your patience during the recent period of uncertainty. It is with great pleasure that the MCM can officially announce we are on. We are SO on. See you at the start line!

A video announcement: Watch here.

So I am excited again. Can’t wait to do the damn thing!

Also, I want to make clear that this is a running blog and that is why I am writing about how the government shutdown has affected the running community. I don’t want to get into politics on here, but I do want to make clear that although running is important to me, it is nothing compared to those that were furloughed. There are bigger and more serious issues going on, that don’t just effect our nation, but effects people globally.

I wasn’t furloughed, but after 16 days of the government being closed, things started to feel weird around here. It was quiet and slow… Because a large amount of the population in the DC area are government employees and military, if they don’t get paid, they feel unstable and don’t buy things – which effects the economy, housing market, etc. When everything is closed, tourist don’t have a reason to come, which also effects the economy. I could go on and on…

In the end, I am happy things are starting to go back to normal around here. I hope everyone who was furloughed had a good first day back to work. 

© 2013 sweatdaily

Is the Government Shutdown Affecting your Running?

I am from the DC area. Most of the time, I love being born and raised here. But some days I hate it. I hate that the majority of the people I come across in some way for the government. I hate that when I go to a comedy show, it is ALWAYS jokes about politics. I hate how everyone is a work-o-holic, being career driven is not a bad thing, but have some balance in your life. I hate when I travel to a different city, such as New Orleans, Miami, or Las Vegas, and I tell people I am from Washington, DC, they automatically start ranting their political views.

On another note, one of my favorite things about the DC area is the running community. This is a running city. If you are a city runner, you can do a loop along the national mall around the monuments. If you love running over bridges, try running the Key Bridge, Memorial Bridge, 14th Street Bridge, or even the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.  If you want to visit Arlington Cemetery you can run through it. If you love running along water, try the Mount Vernon Trail which takes you right along the Potomac. Rock Creek Park is a trail that takes you right to the National Zoo. C&O/Capital Crescent Trail is shady and scenic. We are also blessed with a variety of popular races, that runners from all over register to run every year.

Tomorrow, I plan to run my 20 plus miler, for my marathon training. However, because of the Government Shutdown the trail I was planning on running, is closed, because is a National Park funded by the government. Many facebook status’ are mentioning how park police are ticketing runners/cyclists that are on these bike paths/running trails. These trails include, the Mount Vernon trail,  C&O/Capital Crescent Trail and many others.

So I guess I will have to hit the sidewalks of DC to get my run in… I’m just thankful I am not running a race through one of these National Parks this weekend. Runner’s world reported some of these races have been canceled. And hopefully this Shutdown won’t affect the Marine Corps Marathon – the marathon I have been training for, which is scheduled at the end of this month.

How is the Government Shutdown affecting you?

© 2013 sweatdaily