I planned to run 1 mile/walk 1 minute; to drink water or my drink mix every mile and take in GU every 3 miles. I wore my own hydration belt because my stomach did not adjust well to the Cytomax (the drink provided on the course). My goal time was 4:30. Once I got to the third mile, I made a few adjustments. The number one decision was to forget about the goal time, just do better than 4:45 (my only other marathon time. This race was turning into such a fun experience. I had purchased a small Canon "elph" camera just for this race. I wanted to capture many moments from this fun time. I kept the run 1 mile/walk 1 minute, and the pace of 10:00/mile, I just added a lot of stops for photos. I drank water more frequently due to the heat. I realized I would run out of my own electrolyte drink before the end of the race, so I decided that I would take Cytomax after 20 miles, because I was sweating quite a bit and knew I needed the electrolytes. I felt strong right up to the finish. I know without the stops I would have had 4:30 or better, but I would not have the pictures or met the great people who posed with me or took the pictures. I am very, very happy.