AFSP Marine Corps Marathon &10K Newsletter

Welcome to Team AFSP Maryland! We are thrilled to have you on the team, and are happy you have chosen to work with us on ending suicide! You can find all newsletters on our website.

Today's newsletter will include:

. Race Details . Training Tips with Coach Taylor! . Did You Know? AFSP's Firearms Safety Program

We will continue to provide suggestions and support as we move toward the event, but don't hesitate to reach out with questions!

Join us and meet your teammates on social media:

We still have 3 bibs left for the Marathon. Please invite your friends and family to join us.

Race Details

All important race information can be found on the Marine Corps Marathon website. But here are some key logistics and other information for your quick reference:

Marathon & 10K

 Packet Pick-Up & Expo - this is where you will get your bib and all the information you need for the event. You have two days - Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October 27th - to pick up your runners packet at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at 201 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD 20745.

 If you want to stay at a hotel, check options here. In general, we recommend staying near a metro station so you can access the start line and get back easily from Rosslyn once the race is over.

Marathon

 Start Line - the race starts 7:55 a.m. It is recommended that runners arrive as early as possible before the start time to proceed through the security checkpoint, drop off bags and line up in the appropriate corral. The metro will open at 6 am on Marathon Day. The MCM start line is located on Route 110 (all lanes) halfway between and Arlington Memorial Drive.The closest metro access to the start line is the Pentagon station (blue/yellow line). Please note that Arlington Cemetery Station is closed on Marathon morning until 8:30 a.m.

 The Course - the start for the run is situated between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, continues through Rosslyn before journeying into the District to tour Georgetown and the on the way to 'beating the bridge.' Enter Arlington and pass the Pentagon, tour Crystal City, and finish uphill (you read that right) at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

 Finish Festival - the excitement of completing the MCM and MCM10K will be celebrated in the Finish Festival in Rosslyn from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Finish Festival is a short walk from the MCM finish line, located at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Downtown Rosslyn hosts the celebration inviting the entire community to enjoy activities alongside runners and supporters with food, music, giveaways and essential post-event services.

Training Tips with Coach Taylor!

Hello Team AFSP!

My name is Taylor, and I've been involved with AFSP for about six years, most recently serving as the Loss and Healing Board Chair with the National Capital Area Chapter. I started my initial involvement in 2011 as an Out of the Darkness walker raising money in honor of my father who passed in 2009, and have gained a lot from my involvement. Now, as many of you know, I'm helping with this year's MCM program...including joining you all on the course!

In addition to working with AFSP, I'm also an avid runner! I've completed more than 20 races at the marathon or ultramarathon distance, and am active with several different running organizations in the DMV. My goal is to work with experts from the running world and leverage my own experience to help provide you with support as you train for the 43rd Annual MCM.

Make sure to join our Facebook group so we can support each other!

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Training Tip #3 - Practice Nutrition!

Once your runs start to get longer, you'll want to get used to "fueling" yourself by eating and drinking while you run. For new marathoners, this is especially important to avoid the proverbial "wall" by having a solid plan to keep energy levels high! I recommend trying different products, whether they are gels, GUs, or drink mixes. Everyone is different, so find what works for you!

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Did you know?

There's no single cause for suicide. We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance use problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. That risk is greater when a firearm is also present in the home or accessible. Most people who actively manage their mental health conditions lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about AFSP's Firearms and Suicide Prevention program and how we can create a culture that is smart about mental health

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If you have any questions about training for the marathon or 10K as well as day of logistics, please reach out to Taylor Maltzat [email protected].

If you have any questions concerning AFSP, Team Maryland, your fundraising page or fundraising tips, please reach out to Maryland Area Director Kat Olbrich at 202-770-8973 or [email protected]

To stay up to date about event activities and training tips, please like our Facebook Group.

Thank YOU For Supporting