For the first 14 miles I ran with a group of peeps who had 2 coaches that were pacing a girl shooting for 3:30 time. Then around 14 she fell off and I lost the group, but kept running my race like everyone in the world kept telling me to do for the last 2 weeks. So that's what I did. I just ran along with the people who seemed to be running the same pace as me. I really was just shooting for 3:40 or so, but felt pretty good that day. I started to feel the wall coming right around mile 21.5 or so, and I had strategically asked my wife and 2 kids to be around mile 22 to cheer me on. The plan worked to perfection. I saw them and realized 1) I was running on empty and my emotions were out of control as I almost burst into tears just seeing them and 2) they gave me the push to carry on the last bit of the race. I wasn't in a hurry, so I took the time to stop and give sweaty hugs to them all, it was perfect!!!!! So the last 4-5 miles were hard, but with the emotional rush from my family, I just kept on going. I went from about an 8min pace to 8:30, but it would have been deep into the 9's I'm pretty sure without them. I was completely toast crossing the line and knew I had run a good race for me.

Nutrition: Gatoraide at almost every stop. Gels at miles 4, 9, 15, and 21. Nutrition felt pretty good, but hard to say without much comparison. Atleast it wasn't bad... no stomach issues or anything.

I only put in 2 runs that were 22 milers. I'd like to get more under my belt for the next one. I only started training for the full the week after Oilman Half 70.3 in Nov. So not too much time to build miles. I do feel much better prepared for this years 70.3 distance races though!!!!!

Hobbled into convention center, got pic taken, shirt and FOOD!!!!!!! biscuit and eggs.


Training


I wouldn't give this race a 5 on the scale because I've had WAY better food after my triathlons. Other than that, everything went great.