Ran mostly between 9:45 and 10:30 the 1st 8 miles. Started to creep into mid and upper 10's between mile 8 and 12.

After a quick bathroom stop (it was thoughtful of the race organizers to arrange to have that alley/trashcans available...), I was running in the high 10's low 11's until around mile 14.

Mile 15 through 18 saw a gradual creep into the 12's and low 13's. I tried to run steady, but my pace seemed all over the place. Mile 19 and 20 sucked. I was really starting to slow. Uh-oh, just like last time.... I was running in the high 13's now.

I nearly was ran over by an ambulance that was crossing the course in mid stream of runners (It had lights on, but no sirens/sound. Between wearing hat pulled low to block the sun, and being tired and only looking at the ground 3 feet in front of me, I did not see it until I was practically in the grill. I think those drivers are still laughing at my surprised and horrified expression when I looked up and saw them).

At mile 20 I walked for about 1/8 mile, ate some gummy-sharks, regrouped and tried to get it going again. If I ran 10 minute miles the rest of the way, I would make my goal of sub 5 hours. That did not happen....

At mile 22 my right knee begain to freak out. Happened at mile 19 last time. It came on fast this time. But I was prepared. I had brought an ACE bandage (just in case) to wrap around my leg just above the knee to support the ITB. I reached back for the bandage and...it was missing from where I had stashed it in my belt - Dohhhh! Used my 2 patella straps to lash together and creat a makeshift ITB strap. It worked. I lost a little bit of time patching myself together though.

Ran/jogged in the high 11's to low 13's the rest of the way. I felt like I was running downhill from mile 24 on. It was still work, but I knew I was almost there. Mile 25 had a special treat of running into a strong headwind, but it didn't matter at that point. My brother ran me in part of the way during mile 25 - Thanks Bro!.

It was really great to turn the last corner and come down the stretch. I ended up taking about 7.5 minutes off my previous marathon time so it was an improvement. I guess I'll just keep chipping away at it...

Train better. I really slouched on my run train for some good and bad reasons. I also need to do some better run-specific strength training on my legs. They were just wiped out after the run yesterday.

Walked, hydrated, sat down on an electric cart that apparently belonged to a VERY crazy man who later SCREAMED at me. Major over-reaction by a deranged person...I was too tired to be upset about it...


Wimpy little legs...not so wimpy belly...


This is a well run race. Lots of bands, cheerleaders, volunteers working hard for you. It's alot of fun and I'm sure I'll do it again in the future.