Thanks to those who offered encouragment Saturday. I had really been hoping for a pr this race (1:52) and, about three weeks prior, was in shape to do it. I went on vacation for two weeks, then had a nasty cold which I still have in my sinuses and lungs. That, plus the heat, plus forgetting to use my inhaler just made things miserable. After three miles I scrapped any chance of anything close to a pr. I took my time and shuffled along, amazed at how many people were walking. I couldn't imagine doing the marathon!

This race took longer than my last 14 mile training run on a hillier course. Oh well. I had a feeling it wouldn't be great, just didn't think it would be this bad. Didn't bring the HR monitor cause I knew I'd stress out, and I'm glad I didn't. Surprisingly (for me), my attitued was ok and I was ok with slowing down. Anything to get to the finish! Let's just hope my performance at my HIM isn't this bad ;-)

Too much time between last long run and race (due to vacation); terrible chest cold the week before race; lack of inhaler


On a *normal* day there would have been enough aid stations, but it was just so darn hot I was wishing they were every mile. Not sure who wants to have a brat after running a HM or Marathon, but this one ends at Brat Fest. If there was normal post-race food it wasn't obviously located, cause I didn't see it. Had two scoops of great ice cream instead!