I got carried away at the start and had to step out to the side and walk to filter back to the back. I met a lot of very nice people. I'd run with someone for a few miles and split up and meet someone else. Saw fgump a few times. He's got so much energy it rubs off. I think that's the first time we've met in person, but we've been friends for awhile.

My hat fell off my belt on the trails and I didn't notice until going to Reedy Creek on Graylyn, the lady behind me said she had seen it on Sycamore and felt bad for not picking it up. I told her it's not her job, but it must not have worked. Apparently she saw that someone turned it in at a water stop and picked it up. She returned it when she saw me on Cedar Ridge. I think she was pushing herself harder just to return my hat!

I ran most of the last half by myself, but it was great to see the people I met on Cedar Ridge, especially the ones worried about missing that cutoff.

I hit that dangerous moment walking up cemetary hill, that moment that I realize I have a shot at my original time goal. You know, the one I had abandoned last week. Well, I started doing math in my head, which I really struggle with when I'm wiped out. So I just kept accelerating. I was about to slow to a walk again at the small hill up to the turn, but then two volunteers started encouraging me and I couldn't slow down then. After the turn it was a little easier. I think I did that whole road at close to 8min/mile pace. Got a lot of great encouragement from people leaving on foot and in cars. The cars stopped and gave me lots of room. I think it was the final excitement that pushed me across so fast. As I crossed I turned and saw my wife waving; she had Xander sleeping on her lap.

Certainly nothing to be faster on race day. If anything I would have slowed down to hang out with other people more.

I think the finish line people got a little concerned, one reached out to catch me as I started leaning a little to far to the side. I think I won some shoes! As I'm typing I'm literally looking around wondering where the envelope is because I haven't read it yet. My wife read it and said it was completely free shoes. An angel showed up with Gatorade. ...I'm really having trouble remembering the end.

Picked up the glass and got some Moe's. Avoided sitting. The angel teased me everytime I went up or down the steps like I was 95 years old. Waited for the people I had run with and each one of them made it. Even the girl who had never run longer than 14 miles.

Slow, old man walk back to the car.


Training.


This is absolutely the best race I have ever done! I enjoyed the course, the post race food, and the whole atmosphere! Also, the race swag was extremely impressive! If you want to do a marathon, this is a must do! It's challenging, but it's supposed to be!