I was really hoping to PR at this race, but unfortunately I think I had myself beat at mile 4. It took me 46 minutes to get to that point, and usually I'm around 34 minutes for 4 miles. I kind of panicked that I was so far behind my time and I think that got to me mentally. Haynes Point was also a rough spot for me. That's when I fell apart mentally and physically. I felt like I couldn't go on anymore, but I did keep moving forward.

I went into this race with high expectations to PR, and when I didn't I was pretty disappointed, but now that I look back, I'm very proud of the race I did. Even though I felt beat down at 16-17, I kept moving forward until I got to the finish line. I can't always PR at every race, but most importantly, I can look at what happened and learn from it.

Chugged some water and gatorade. Walked down to Burger King and had a Whopper with fries and a large coke. Not the best post race meal, but I was starving and I wanted to red meat.


I think if I had more rest, and maybe not do a half marathon the week before, I probably could have done better. But that's all in the past, and all I can do now is learn from my experience.


This was my first marathon and in fact my first endurance event ever back in 2003. I love this race because of the organization and support and plus its close to where I grew up so that family can come watch. I highly recommend this race to everyone, and just when you think that you want to give up, you have a Marine yelling at you to keep moving. The course is relatively flat with a few hills, and you have something to look at with all the monuments you pass.