I was happy with my run and race. I signed up for Akron because they were giving a free pair of running shoes if you completed the marathon and I had a ten dollar coupon off the entry fee and we have never been to Akron, so why not. I knew the course was hilly and some of it was on what they call the "tow path". But the hills seems to be consistent, which was fine but got old after a while. My pace seem to slow down big time from mile 18 to mile 24. The "tow path" was not fun to run on. It was like fine sand and gravel. The course took us through the University of Akron which was neat and some really beautiful parks. The finish was great, the final leg took us into the their baseball stadium, which was full of people and they had you on a big screen showing your finish, very cool.

I don't think I would do anything different. I have had some issues with cramps in my legs for about two weeks. At about mile 23, it felt like someone was standing behind me and squeezing my calf, very odd feeling I slowed down and it went away. I think I need to increase my potassium. I did work on hills this time and I felt the difference, just still slow.

very happy to finish, got some food and tried to find Jim and kids , which took several minutes.


I think it was a good race, however, I won't do it again. I'm not be critical but there are other races I could do and was nothing that would bring me back.