I wanted to be a lot smarter this year as I didn't know what was going to happen. Goal was sub-3, but who knows. I started out a lot easier than last year, didn't get caught up in the excitement like I usually do. Kept my pace controlled and relaxed. Ran the first km in 4:10 - close to target (4:15). Was in pretty good spirits and my leg felt okay, but a bit tight. Hit the first 5k mark and was a little faster than my goal, but not too much like last year - saw Kirsten and it gave me a nice boost. Now I settled into my pace and got into a nice rhythm with a group of about 5-6 other guys with 2:58 goals - nice to run with them. At the aid station along Dallas just before you leave the water and go up a hill into the residential is where I got a bit ahead of them (15k-ish)- I think they slowed down, they think I sped up! Anyways, felt good so held that. One of the guys caught me around 20k and we were together again for a while. At the half I was just where I wanted at 1:29. Saw the leaders go by which was great and saw some other people I knew - a triathlete from Osoyoos, Doug, and of course Chris (Hazmaster) who said my name so loud it almost scared me!! Last time it was at 30k where I started to die, this year I was determine to keep going strong. It helped being around a good few people although it was starting to get a lot more spread out. Saw Mike a couple times on his bike and he was talking to me a bit - helped to take my mind off the run. It wasn't until 35k where it started to hurt, the last uphill was good though because I knew what was up there. Tried to pick up the pace the last few kms and get my sub-3 - it was so close I wanted it SO bad! Came around the last corner and hear the CRAZY LOUD CROWD!! The best feeling ever! Saw the clock was at 2:58 and knew I would get it, crossed right at 2:59!!! YEAH!! BEST...FEELING...EVER!!

5k split times:
5k: 20:49
10k: 21:11
15k: 21:04
20k: 21:10
25k: 20:17
30k: 21:09
35k: 21:57
40k: 22:10
2.2k: 9:20

First half 1:28:55
Second half 1:29:29

Nutrition: 1 gel at 1hr, 3 more every 30-40mins, all Van Gu except last was espresso gu
Shoes: Adidas Adistar Comp 4 racing flats

Not get hurt. No speed work for the last 4 weeks was killer. Start my marathon training sooner.

walked around a lot. Ate and drank (bananas, a muffin, water, g-ade and a powerbar recovery drink - LOVE those things!) and did some good stretching. Went back to the hotel and put some ice on my legs for a while.


My injury and lack of training for the last month.


Love the race. Love the course. LOVE the fans and volunteers. Couldn't ask for a better marathon.