Started off slow, which sounds funny coming from someone who averages 14min/ mile but I just wanted to enjoy the run and get a chance to warm-up and stretch out the legs before the course started to angle up ever so slightly.

Hit the 5k mark 3 min slower than I did last year, that was OK considering I had to stop for a minor pit stop about mile 2

At the 10k mark I had gained a little on last years time and was only 1 min down.
I was feeling good taking my salt tabs and drinking what I brought rather then hitting the aide stations (wanted to light the load, sort of speak) I also found my self trying to run only on the water side of the aide station, the sticky ground from the power drink was driving my crazy.

Well, I made it to the 1/2 way point by now and picked up the pace and by the time I made it to the 10 mile mark I had made up some time and was now 6 minutes ahead of last years time. Only one more 5k to go and if I pick it up a bit I could break 3 hours. Now I know some people would chuckle at someone trying to break 3 hours but for me that’s big.

I managed to pick up the pace but I had hardly anything left and was forced to walk some. I keep reaching inward to pull some energy from somewhere but I just couldn't seem to do it.
As it turns out I gained another 6 minutes on last years time and finished 13 mins faster than last year but 4 minutes short of my goal.


I think I did what I could to get to the finish line. Maybe I should have paid more attention to my nutrition but for the most art I had a plan and I stuck with it until the end.

walked around the finishline area tring to get some food and recovery drink then walked down the marathon course to look for my brother coming in. Ran just a little bit with him at mile 25'ish to cheer him in then walked back to the meet him at the finish.

The walk back to the car (about a mile or so) helped stretch out the legs as well.


I have been giving this a lot of thought. I can't even tell you how frustrated I am on how slow I run. My wife reminds me that I have come along ways in just under 2 years from not being able to walk up the stairs without wanting to pass out to completing 1/2 marathon and 1/2 Ironman races.
I guess progress is slow but I’m still seeing some, I getting healthy, haven’t been hurt (knock on wood). So the answer to this question is me, but I’m improving on that every week and I’m stubborn as hell so its only a matter of time until I can get down to a respectable running time.



I like this race. The people how put it on do a great job. Its very organized and well run. This alone can make or break your day. It was really nice running with so many people although I did find myself slipping into someone elses slower pace or slowing a bit to listen to one of the bands. Overall a run good running day.