I was hoping to maintain something around 8 minute pace. At the start line, there were suggested starting positions so I started at the 7:30 mark assuming that many people would start wayyyy too far up. I was right. The marathon crawled for the first mile, while all the people who started too far up for their ability were passed. By mile 2, I felt like I was on pace. My chip time ending up being almost a minute off of gun time.

By the 3 mile mark, I knew that the windbreaker was a mistake. I was already sweating and had to wear the jacket around my waste for the remaining 23.2 miles! Bummer for sure. The first 8 miles FLEW by. I arrived there a bit under 8 minute pace (gun time). I then started to feel a bit tired and fought off a cramp which only lasted one mile. I also took my first cup of water at the 8 mile mark.

At 11 miles, I sucked down my first gel pack knowing that it may give me another cramp. Again a cramp came, but was gone by mile 12. I took my second cup of water. As I came near the half way point, all of the half marathoners increased their pace as they were about to finish. I thought this would bother me, but it didn't really seem to have an affect on my pace. At 13.2, there were considerably less runners on the road.

I took another gel pack right after the 2 hour mark and again fought off another cramp. I hope it was worth it...but if I had to do it again I would still take the gels. By the 15 mile mark I kept passing and passing people. I was still feeling great. I noticed a street sign and realized that I was 100 blocks away from a turning point earlier in the race! I was really suprised at how well my body was doing and at the 20 mile mark I was still a bit under 8:00 pace.

Thats when it hit me. The difference in the way I felt from the 19 mile mark and the 21 mile mark was insane. My stride became smaller and I knew it was going to be a fight for the finish. The next 4 miles were very long and straight and I could see the mile markers half a mile before I actually got to them. I sucked down my final gel and promised myself I wouldn't walk.

My last 5 miles probably averaged in the low 9:00 range, and brought my overall marathon pace to 8:10. I took advantage of almost every water stop and just kept putting one foot in front of the other. The last mile seemed to take an eternity, but I did manage to "sprint" the last .2 miles.

I definately would not have worn the jacket. It turned out to be a perfect day for running. I would have drank more during the first half of the marathon too. Even though I didn't feel like I needed it, I think it would have proved beneficial in the end.

Once I crossed the finish line, I almost cried. A lot of work had gone into this marathon and I couldn't believe it was finally over. I was extremely happy with how I did

Then I noticed that I could hardly walk! My muscles didn't want to do anything. It took me about 5 minutes to get my chip off and return it. Then I got my medal and found my sister. She finished the half marathon in 3:12. I was very proud of her as well. It was her first race ever! And 13.1 miles at that!

We found a nice patch of grass and layed down. That was my warm-down. Oh, and two free beers!


Not sure, never ran that far before. My goal was to finish without walking, which I did. I had no intention of "racing" the marathon. Perhaps in the future I will. I'd still like to qualify for Boston eventually, which will entail a 16 minute drop in my time.


I absolutely loved the experience, I would do it again in a heartbeat.