7:55 was the goal pace for the day. Went out way too fast at a 7:30 first mile. Second mile backed off considerably and managed to put together a goal pace of 23:50 for the first three miles. The hills on the back end of the course hurt my overall shot at a sub 50 time as I watched my virtual pace fall off by about 3 minutes after mile 3.5 or so. Finished with a decent kick.

Minor hip tightness. Nothing that hurt the pace. Probably temperature related.

Otherwise I can't really complain. This is a PR at this distance by about 14 minutes. When I did this race last year I thought that I would be dead by the end (1:04:44). I am pretty happy with the result.

Hold back a little more on the first mile.

Light jog.


Still heavy (226) but about 40 pounds lighter than when I did this race last year.


Only problem were the water stations. There were 2 (miles 2 and 4) but there was not enough water at the station. They could have used tables but they did their best.