Started out at pace for BQ ~7:15 and under. First few miles were downhill, so it was easy to keep that pace. Relaxed for the first few instead of banking time. When the downhills ended and the rollers started, I noted that my HR was higher than I was expecting and had seen in prep workouts. This was really odd since the temps were very cool.. so it was not heat induced.

HR stayed high for the 1st half while I maintained pace, perceived effort seemed similarly too high. I knew in the first 10K that this race was going to be a struggle. Came through the half right on target 1:35:xx, but very spent... knew my BQ chance was gone at that point. I eventually broke off BQ pace a few miles after the halfway point and took it easy, some walking. As per usual, picked it back up again in the last couple of miles

Nothing I could have done during the race, it was all about preparation on this one (see post race notes). Obviously went out way too hard for my current ability, but I was only interested in a BQ, nothing else, so it made sense. "BQ or bust".. bust again!

Heavy stretching and a sports message the next day.


A couple of things:
-While the build period of my training was spot on, including a pretty successful race simulation workout, the taper was inadequate. Volume was cut way too much in the final weeks as I struggled to get out the door.
-I was burnt out during the taper from a long season
-No real focus on the marathon. Both marathons this season had specific training plans of ~6weeks, not enough focus on running to expect a decent performance due to a bike and swim focused tri training
-I'm done with open marathons for a bit. I'm obviously approaching this wrong since my fastest marathon was my fist nearly a decade ago. I'm not training with specific focuses and my training and racing is all over the place.
-Next year should be tri specific training and racing.


Very good venue, absolutely scenic and enjoyable.