My last three long runs have been at almost exactly 11 min/mi pace, so that's what I was shooting for here. I took it out too fast for the first two miles: 10:34 and 10:22, but then managed to get it together. Kept an even pace for the first 7-8 miles. Maybe more, but two things happened: the wheels started to fall off the bus, and the mile markers on the course got really erratically placed. For example:

6-7: 11:22
7-8: 13:xx
8-9: 9:3x
9-10: 8:3x
10-11: 16:37!

So I had no real idea how my pacing was going, if I were staying on track despite feeling like crap. My face and hands started to get tingly, and I felt chilled. But I REALLY didn't want to walk. So I told myself to get to mile 10 and reevaluate. I felt a little better then, so I pressed on and told myself to get to mile 11. 16 minutes later, I was feeling worse for wear. At some point between mile 11 and 12, I had three choices: puke, pass out, or walk. So I walked a little bit. Got some more water at the next aid station, and started running again. Made it to about 12.5 and had the same choice to make. A little more walking. Then I recognized where we were, how close to the finish, and I put it together to finish running.

Not sure. My last 3 long runs went really well. 9, 10, and 10 miles, each strongly on 11 min/mi pace. I was confident going in. So ... ?

Stood around, swaying until I spotted Anna. Then sat down. Then got orange slices. Then sat down again.


Probably a combination of things: warmer than I've been training in, running those first couple miles too fast, and undisclosed female stuff.


Everything was spot on about this race except the crazy number of turns and terrains and the wacky mile marker placement in the second half. That said, there were plenty of volunteers and cops and cones and water stops.