The first 5k went well and I tried to maintain a very easy pace while weaving around all the walkers and folks that did not seed themselves correctly. I was passing hundreds of people. The half marathon starts at the same time and they seed people according to their estimated pace. More people than not were way off. The 4:10 pace group was just too slow and I cruised ahead after the first mile. At least they kept me in check off the start.

I think I was the only one from Washington State after chatting with folks from San Francisco, Boulder, Boston, Nashville, and Texas. I usually don't yak so much on the course but felt so relaxed and downright joyous that I was joking and talking with those around me. I think most people felt the same way as you couldn't have had a nicer day. So much positive energy out there. The bands each mile on the course were great as well as the high school cheer squads. Lots of cheering people along the route. I must have high-fived a hundred kids, two Elvis's, and a partybot.

The miles seemed to click off pretty fast and I hit the halfway point at 1:58 feeling very strong with lots left in the tank. At the 13 mile mark, there was a tribute to fallen heroes with their pictures posted and people holding flags for about a half mile. It was very, very moving as I teared up. I think many of the flagbearers were honoring their lost family members. I was so caught up in it I ran 30 seconds faster than pace through it.

I stayed strong and comfortable up the steep little hill to the floating bridge at mile 15 and across the floating bridge to Mercer Island. I was holding a nice 9:00 pace through the latter miles including the long gradual climbs. All the trail running was really paying off as I continued to pass people many of whom were walking up the hills. I didn't walk a step today which was a big accomplishment for me as I can't say the same for 4 out of the last 5 marathons I've run.

Alas, at 23 miles there is one more steeper pitch at the end of the long climb up from the bridge and that is where I started to feel the pain. I slowed on the next downhill portion to try to gain back some level of comfort but that wasn't going to happen. I went into damage control mode and slowed more as I hit another gradual rise, then a couple of steep blocks down before a short climb onto the viaduct. If the last 3 miles were flat I think I could have strided it in but the hills kept coming. One more climb at the 25 mile mark and one steep two block hill at 26 miles before the finish chute.

Nothing. A few longer long runs would help but I hit the paces I wanted and training has been going well.

Walked over to my wife and son at the exit of the finish chute and headed straight to the outdoor concert under way. Presidents of the United States was playing and I wanted to get a beer and hear the Peaches song. It was the perfect end to the event. Took the Monorail back to the hotel and soaked in the pool before heading out for more beer and food down on the waterfront.


Not much. I had a pretty good race and felt strong. This is a very tough course that beats you down in the last 6 miles. I felt I handled it very well and can't wait for my next race. I learned a lot about patience and the last 6 miles could have been very, very ugly had I not held back. I also enjoyed this race more than any I can recall. Lots of positive, friendly smiling people also enjoying themselves.