This was an amazing experience! It was my first full. I followed an 18 week plan running 5-6 times per week with an average of 35 miles per week. I think it was a good solid plan for me for getting through my first one.
I was running with 3 friends and we started out together. The energy, crowd, excitement really gave me a boost. We stayed together until about 10 then eased apart. I felt ok the first 15 or so. For some reason I felt really good the next four or so miles.
I took 4 gels throughout and alternated Gatorade/water drinking at most of the fluid stops.
When I got to 20 I was cruising along feeling ok. I came to an intersection where up to this point in the race they had been stopping traffic for us to cross. The officer misjudged it and a car was coming across right in front of me. I don't really know if I thought I could make it behind the car or if things just didn't process fast enough but the officer put his arm out in front of me and actually stopped me. It was weird and slow motion like. He apologized twice and I was grateful he stopped me.
Once I hit 23 it got ugly. I never stopped or walked but slowed down to 12 plus minute miles. I kept on trudging along and I am very happy with the finish and a sub 5 hour race.

I will add strength training to my next marathon plan.
Otherwise I am really happy with my taining and results.
The training was such a wonderful part of this journey. It was rewarding and reinforcing to tackle new distances successfully.
A really satisfying experience!

My stomach was sort of wonky and legs pretty shaky once I stopped. I walked around and slowly ate an ice cream sandwich and drank water. I wanted salt but didn't see anything salty there.


Lots of friendly enthusiastic volunteers! 2,000 for full so a nice mid size event with the half marathoners at the start but much smaller crowd by the end.
The expo was really nice, bought stuff I wasn't planning to buy but you only do your first once.
I am happy with this as my choice for my first!