This was my first marathon, so I really took this as a good experiment toward a possible IM down the road. Wanted to feel the distance, make sure mentally I could prepare for it. And the outcome today was probably as good as it could have been for my abilities at this point. Only did the last 5 weeks of a novice training plan, I felt coming off my last two tri's that I was in good enough shape to go this route. I think it worked out really well. It was just an all around great day, I had fun, talked to some people I knew when I did see them and also spent some time chating with others as we went down the road. I started the race with the 4:15 pacer, he was a machine right on it every mile I did eventually lose track of him at about the 13 mile point, between one trip to the trees and quick aid stations breaks he just kept plugging away, but I kept him in sight and the cluster of folks he had with him. It really helped doing it this way gave me alot of confidence that my pacing prediction was right and I felt comfortable at this pace. As we approached the later stages of the run I started to do some planned stretching at the aid stations as needed, kept the IT stretched and back this was a good idea I used this strategy the remainder of the way from about mile 16 on in. At about mile 18 you could really begin to see the effects of the distance on other runners more were walking, stretching and in general really starting to struggle. Since I was only just feeling the effects of the distance but not having any problems with running it helped me through to the end. From mile 20 to the finish I could defintely tell this is where things can go wrong, the tightening was there and as I picked up the pace for the final 10K I could feel the cramp man just waiting on my right quad, so I backed off a bit and didn't have any issues. 59 minutes for the final 10k was a great feeling and I'm proud of what was accomplished. And as I crossed the finish line a thanks to the Lord for a great day.

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Wandered around a bit, found the family and sat at mid field for awhile and talked about the experience. Did some stretching and relaxed.


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Had a great time, it was the right course for a first timer and will most likely do it again next year. My season is now complete a short break for Christmas and I'll ease back into next years training.