I had taped onto my Garmin splits for a 1:29:00 marathon, starting at 3 miles, then 6, 8, 10, & 12. I started with a 6:41 opening mile, followed by a 6:47, and 6:53. By the 3 mile mark I was already straining to hold the pace and I knew today was not to be my sub 1:30 day. Wisely, I backed the pace off and averaged a 7:30 for the next three miles. Runners began passing me, my avg dipped into the 8's for short while, I really felt the accumulated Ironman training fatigue affecting me -- For a moment I began to worry if I could even Run 13.1 miles. In the next moment, experience thankfully kicked in.

After 3 miles of pulling back on the reigns my stiff body loosened up, I reminded myself that I'd run 8 prior half marathons, and my running base I'd built since November all combined to create an surging energy within my muscles. I instantly felt renewed and fresh, the fatigue and strain melted away. I focused on my form and smooth breathing and I began pcicking off runners, all the way to the finsh line, not losing momentum even once. Mile 13 was a 7:04 and the final yards were at a 6:25 pace.

A month earlier in windy, harsher conditions I ran a 1:31:08 half marathon; but I learned A LOT during this Race.

Bottom line is I learned I have to keep my expectations realistic. When the time comes and I concentrate on a sub 1:30 and specifically train for it, I know I will get it. I also learned to look where I step when peeing behind a dumptser.

I am VERY proud of myself for overcoming an early set back, realistically readjusting my goals on-the-fly and thus avoiding possibly BLOWING UP and DNF'ing.

After my friend Bill and Rick came in from the full marathon, I jogged out and found my buddy Mike Hall and he helped bring me back to the finish line. Mike had a TREMENDOUS PR!! Today was all about Mike and his PR; and my buddy Bill running his first Marathon and blowing away Sub 4 by 8 minutes.


Hammering out 43-miles at 21+ mph pace two days prior. :) The accumulated Ironman fatigue, 613 miles on the bike for the month of April, no Taper, etc...


This was a phenomenal event. From the Expo to the Post-Race ativities, and hundreds of volunteers, this is the Marquis Race for Long Island!