0400.

I think I start most of my marathon stories this way but there is such a tangible start to a marathon morning. Almost like a gong in your head that gets you out of bed (I should put that on a shirt).

Because of the time change, it seemed like, oh boy, 0500!!! Normally, of little consolation but this morning, it really didn’t matter because I had a marathon to run. The excitement of such an event somehow makes getting up a little easier but nerve-racking stress as a morning excelsior is not exactly ideal.

This year, my family decided to join me so getting up when everyone else was doing the same really helped me. Not that they were all that happy about it, mind you, but they were up and they were willing to come out and stand around all day just to support me. I was just as pumped about this fact than I was about the marathon itself.

And the kids were… well, the kids were up at 0500. Nuff said.

Getting dressed

During my first marathon, I made fun of my friend Brent Norquist for going hog-wild, buying brand new running apparel for the race. Now 5 years later, guess what I did? Yep, geeked out to the hilt. My new apparel of choice?

Under Armour! PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!!

Yes, it’s ridiculously expensive but man, is it the best stuff out there. It’s really expensive but you know what? It’s worth it. It’s that good. But don’t pretend that you run faster or have rippling muscles like the guys on the commercials. Because, you know, that would be stupid.

Bottom line, if you can afford it, treat yourself!!!

I did with a brand new long sleeve white running shirt, new shorts, and a hat. Grand total: $76. Then consider I have $100 running shoes, $78 Nike sun glasses, $85 to enter the marathon, $26 for 4 metro day passes, ~$20 for gas to and from the damn metro station, $40 for two boxes of Gu at the expo, and if you really want to count the iPod, tack on another $200.

I know I will use the majority of these items again but the you can see the payout for running as a hobby is not all that insubstantial. A lot of money to go experience some real, no-kidding pain. (And don’t feel yourself, there IS pain. Not the good kind because by definition, there is no “good” pain. It hurts. Bad.)

Continued: Getting To the Start Line