The first couple of miles were slow and difficult. Since we began at the back of the pack, I did a lot of weaving in and out to pass slower runners and walkers. Around mile 2, I saw Deb P. (M-ville) cheering on runners as they passed. Nice to see familiar faces. Anyway, even through the congestion I was knocking off the pace groups left and right. My first one was "12+ minute miles" and the final one was "3:50 marathon".

My run didn't start opening up until the marathoners split from the 1/2 marathoners. At that point, I threw on my headphones and cruised. I was suprised at how well my legs felt. My only concern was my upset stomach I had through the race. I think it was caused from the generic Nyquil I took all week to battle a cold. Through this I kept a good consistent pace and continued passing other marathoners.

At mile 20 I hit the wall. However, I think it was mostly mental. Twenty miles was my longest training run and I kept reminding myself of that. As a result, my legs were getting heavy and my pace was slower. That last 10k was the hardest thing I have ever done. But like I said, it was mental.

Splits
Start to 3.3 miles-29:22 (8:49 min/mile pace)
3.3 to 9.2 miles-49:41 (8:21 min/mile pace)
9.2 to 13.1 miles-31:38 (8:17 min/mile pace)
13.1 to 19.8 miles-54:15 (8:06 min/mile pace)
19.9 to 26.2 miles-57:08 (8:55 min/mile pace)

Nutrition
Gatorade/water-every aid station (except one)
Gels-6 miles, 12 miles, 16 miles, and 22 miles.
Salt Tablets-2 and I couldn't tell you where.

-Definately begin closer to the Starting Line.
-Train with and have better plan on Salt Tablets.
-Try not to have a cold or consume anything that would give me an upset stomach.
-Train more specifically for a marathon. I trained mostly for triathlon and just did the Speedwork and Distance runs from the marathon training plan I was using. I missed all the Tempo runs and some Speedwork runs.

Walked a bit. Talked with my cousin, Jeremy F. He stopped by to catch the finish. It was great to see him.

Afterwards, grabbed a beer from the Boulevard tent, soaked my feet in one of the fountains, and talked with Deener.


Beginning at the back of the pack and hitting my mental wall at mile 20.


Race was awesome. Everything flowed smoothly. Lots of volunteers, police officers, and quite a few bands. I love this race. I'm so glad I picked this place to run my first marathon.

DEVOTIONAL MOMENT
I have a lot of ties to this city. In 1981, I was burned by fire. I spent a considerable amount of time at the burn unit at the KU Medical Center. After being released, my family and I made weekly trips for doctor visits. The trips finally turned into monthly and then yearly, but this lasted until my teenage years (I was burned when I was in 2nd grade). At first, the doctors said I wouldn't be able to swim or wrestle. Ummmmmmm, since that time I have by God's grace and strength played football, baseball, basketball, swam, wrestled, ran, done triathlon, and now ran a marathon. Considering what I have been through and what God has done for me, this was a perfect place to run my first marathon. I'm thankful I could share this moment with my wife, but also the M-ville people I saw: Jeremy F., Jodi O., Deb P., and especially Ron G (Mr. Marathoner himself).