As my first marathon I didn't have a good strategy for pacing myself and I ended up running with two other runners who paced themselves 20 minutes faster than my 13 mile split. I went out way too hard on the first 13 and my hamstrings wouldn't cooperate the last 13. While it wasn't the end of the world it definitely took a toll on me mentally and I struggled from mile 15-19.

Pace myself better. I felt great running the first 13 but didn't realize that I was going at a faster pace than I needed to for the second half. I would also have done more strength and hill training to handle the rolling hills of this marathon course.

As my first marathon I didn't have a good strategy for pacing myself and I ended up running with two other runners who paced themselves 20 minutes faster than my 13 mile split. I went out way too hard on the first 13 and my hamstrings wouldn't cooperate the last 13.


It's a small race so don't expect the pomp and circumstance of a Boston Marathon but it's very nice non-competitive race to do, especially with a friend. The area is beautiful but with minimal fans and deep woods, the course gets very lonely and makes it tougher to push through the walls. Overall a very good small race.