First couple of miles were very crowded. First mile was 9:42, took till mile 3 before I hit my race pace of 9 minute miles. Brought my fuel belt so didn't have to stop at the overcrowded water stations. Some of the mile markers were off as much as 20-30 seconds so it was a little difficult to pace. Ran with Lisa from Hickory from Mile 6 to 13. She was doing the half at 9:00 minute miles so hung with her. Heart rate was mid 140's for most of the first half of the race. At mile 15 we made a turn along the beach. People started passing me right and left but I didn't think I was slowing down. Kept my effort level even and let them go. When I hit mile 18 some of the people that passed me were coming back into view. Hooked up with Jill from Atlanta. Her goal was also four hours so we hung together till the end. As we passed mile 20 I kept thinking what everybody said "race doesn't start till mile 20". My pacing had been good. Just shy of 9 minute miles. About 20.5 we started passing people frequently. Our pace hadn't changed but others were dropping off. By mile 23 I was counting down the miles and ready to be done, quads were burning!!! Completely amazed at the number of people we were passing that had dropped off. When we hit 25 I took a physical inventory. Seemed to be ok so I picked it up as much as I could. Last mile was at 8:30. Was very happy to make the turn down to the finish line. Wife and kids were there. I was cooked!!!


Try to position myself a little closer to the front so the first two or three miles were not as crowded. Its hard to make that time up.

Water and stretch!!


Need to fine tune the training a little. Would of done my last long run a week later before tapering.


Kids were done so didn't hang around much for the post race activities but what we did do was fun. Would do this race again. Very good race for first marathon.