I felt really good all through my taper and the days leading up to the Marathon and was confident (mostly) going into the start. I knew I had trained in all the right ways to try to make my BQ goal of 4:25, and was heat acclimated as I live in Key West and trained in heat and high humidity. What I couldn't train for were the hills.

I felt strong through mile 14 even through the hills and never attacked them, but instead took them at a steady pace and let myself go on the downhills as much as possible. Unfortunately, by mile 16 my legs were started to lose energy and by mile 18 I was starting to cramp and just couldn't run up another hill. So, I started to walk up the hills (which got steeper toward the end of the marathon) and tried to run down them unless the cramps in my foot or quad would make me stop. I believe I walked 5 of the last 8 miles. Prior to that time I was running under my goal time and did not feel like I was pushing it too hard. I did relatively well in my age group so I am guessing that I was not alone (and know I wasn't since many people were walking) in not handling the hills. I was so disappointed that the wheels came off the bus and I didn't reach my goal.

I am not sure. I used the Higdon Advanced Marathon plan and think that is a solid plan. I took Gatorade at every stop where they had it and tried to make sure I got a full 4 ounces each time. I didn't take any Gu until mile 14 and then again at 17, and maybe should have earlier since I obviously had glycogen storage issues. But I didn't think I would need it (underestimating what the hills would take out of my legs). I also took a slice of watermelon and orange after mile 17. I might not have carbo loaded the few days before the race good enough, although as a vegetarian, carbs is what I eat most of the time anyway. I think I ate too many complex carbs and healthy facts and not enough starchy calories. Still scratching my head and hoping I get the nutrition down better next time. Next one though, not so hilly.

Walked a lot the rest of the day and the next day.


See above, but I believe it was nutrition and lack of ability to hill train.


I highly recommend this race for those wanting to run a hilly marathon, or for those who don't care about your time. It is a great town, a great race, and beautiful course.