Well, not too much to be disappointed with today. Unlike every other marathon I've run, I really didn't have any plans for this race. 4 months ago it was my target race to finally run under 2:30; the course seemed ideal and I was hitting some solid times in my workouts. But then I ran a marathon 4 weeks ago on a whim, was sick earlier this week, and have felt generally fatigued with running (both physically and mentally) the past month or so. Probably not the best recipe for a PR... The course was everything I was looking for and the race set-up was awesome. It's the anti-Rock and Roll event; a small town that embraces the 900 runners that come to race--it made for a positive vibe, a very uplifting experience where it seemed like we were all one big family and we all wanted the best for each other. That sounds cheesy, but there was just something different about this race from all the others I've run. Hard to explain it exactly but whatever it was, it made for a very enjoyable atmosphere. Andrea dropped me off at the starting line 10 minutes before the start. That right there made for a good morning! I walked 100 meters to the starting line, stretched for a few minutes and then we were lined up, ready to go. I planned on starting out in a comfortable pace and see how my body felt. Again, 4 weeks post marathon, I wasn't sure how my body would respond. For the past 5 years, I've never ran more than 2 marathons a year, always spring/fall so plenty of time for recovery before the next one. Anyway, a guy in green took the lead from the start but another guy and I passed him within 800 meters or so. He and I ran side by side for the first 5.5 miles. I was content to run his pace and carry the conversation (he said very little in return--some people just aren't talkers...). First 6 miles in 5:53, 6:08, 6:02, 5:39 (downhill to the boardwalk), 6:07, 6:01. The pace felt easy, my body felt fine, and seeing how the guy next to me didn't want to talk, I decided to pick up the pace. From here until mile 25 the course was FLAT. Mile 7-12 in 5:44, 5:43, 5:45, 5:45, 5:44, 5:43. I saw my wife and boys at mile 12 but was unable to grab a drink from them due to passing traffic. No biggie though. I had taken water @ 6, Gu @ 7, and Gatorade at 8. That's it (at Provo I was drinking at every aid station and by mile 19 my stomach was full and cramping--didn't want that to happen today). Mile 13 in 5:46 (1:16:05, 5:52/mile) and then a couple more miles before the turnaround 5:46, 5:40. 5:40. 16 miles in 1:33:11 (5:50/mile) and then a quick pit stop on the side of the road (cost me 10 seconds tops, but it was worth it!). Took my 2nd Gu around mile 15-16. I was feeling really good at the turnaround and wanted to finish strong, unlike my past 3-4 marathons. Next four mile in 23:09 (5:48/mile) and 20 miles in 1:56:21. Now that I do the math, I ran the first 10 miles in 58:51 (5:54/mile) and next 10 miles in 57:30 (5:45/mile). Second place was about 4 minutes back according to the lead vehicle. I had been running solo for 14 miles but was enjoying every step of it. It was 53 degrees, had been raining off and on and humidity was about 95% The weather couldn't have been much better for an Oregon race. Bummer--I don't have any more splits. I saw Andrea at miles 18, 20, 22 and grabbed some Gatorade from her. It was awesome to see my family so often on the course. Andrea took some pictures, cheered my on and simply gave me something to look forward to every 15 minutes or so. At one point, one of the lead bicyclist offered to take a photo of my family and I while I was running. Not sure how he would have pulled that off, but it was nice of him to offer! Again, I don't have any more splits but I recall running a low 5:40's for mile 21 and high 5:30's for 22. I caught up to the 5 lead bicyclists and said something cheesy like I'm picking up the pace so they needed to as well (they had been 75 meters in front of me throughout the race other than this point). Then I got tired. :) Held it together through 23-24 but 25 was a battle. I was still doing great mentally and secretly I was wishing I had someone to push the pace with but the final mile was a gradual uphill the whole way and I slowed considerably. Final .2 was a steep downhill before crossing the finishline--that wasn't pleasant (the downhill that is--crossing the finish was very much pleasant). Anyway, first 13 miles in 1:16:05 (5:52/mile) and final 13.2 miles in 1:16:51 (5:50/mile) so a negative split. To be expected with the slower than normal start. But I'll take it because I think today, that was the smart thing to do. We hung out for a bit, then went back to the hotel for a swim in the pool with the kids, had a 'monster burger' at some old-school diner (possibly the highlight of the weekend--that sucker was GOOD), went to the beach and then to the awards ceremony at 2:30. Surprise surpise--turns out Nike decided yesterday to donate a gift card to the male and female overall winner. Totally unexpected! The good day suddenly turned out even better. So my first marathon win in my 3rd fastest time. Couldn't be much happier with how things turned out today. No regrets with anything whatsoever. I'm still gunning for a sub-2:30. Not sure where/when it's going to happen, but hopefully soon!
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