Portland Marathon - Run

absolutely great race - felt strong throughout, Hanson plan did it's job, felt good all the way to last mile when had to will it to go, some side cramps down mile 22 but passed, sharp but momentary left calf cramp at mile 25 (thanks for calf sleeves!) took gel every 4 miles except last get at 23 miles, 3:45 pace group hit me with exactly 1 mi left, they helped to push me to keep up, and drove me to give one last kick at the chute to beat them, very happy with race

Based on official split times seems like went out too fast, looks like slowed down and should have been able to pick up, did pass some folks in last few miles that had been in front around mile 16, which felt great

stretches - was super thirsty at end so slammed too much water and ultima, got a bad wave of naseua but it did pass, choc milk, lots of fruit


injuries in toe and achilles did hamper overall training plan, cadence was too low - avg cadence was around 87 which should have been 90, think that would have helped drive pace better especially in last 10 miles


This was a 100% different experience than first marathon - felt strong all the way through the end, Hanson plan really had me feeling easy all the way through mile 18, feel like calf sleeves held off a calf cramp at mile 25, best of all finished race with zero injury or re-injuries - days after race felt soreness in quads and calves, but was gone by Thursday of that week - I think if can complete the full training plan wihtout injury should be able to easily beat 3:40, maybe 3:35? Great race and a great day! Thanks mom!