Tried to pace the first mile with a rival from last year who was always much faster than I am. Kept him around 20 yards in front of me until the 2 mile marker. Knew I was running faster than I had ever done so before and wanted to keep kicking but felt I was slowing down despite my efforts. Ran hard at the final turn when I saw my family cheering and knew I was going to shatter my old PR ...

The weather conditions were ideal for me - I should have run with my handheld bottle as I had to grab water at all the rest stops and with my bottle I could have skipped this entirely. I felt good through mile two and knew what I had to do to set a PR - I don't know if subconsciously this slowed me down or not but I think I could have pushed harder though my quads today say otherwise.

My wife brought me a Chocolate Zico which was awesome. I chatted up some people and gave out some coupons and samples of New Skin. Saw a neighbor at the finish and he said we should do a Tough Mudder - bring it! There were TONS of cookies, cupcakes, cake and other pastries at the finish and I ate too many sickening sweets.


Physically I am getting there. If I lose another 10 pounds I hope to be able to pick up another 2 minutes ... a goal for next year. Sub 24 (I can't believe I just typed that) is a reality if I go full tilt and don't slow down - maybe I will take another shot at this in the off season.


Set a PR so would think this is a course I should do again and see if I can improve.