I ran a good and steady pace me me at about 8:30 - 8:45 for the first 18 miles slowing only to take water at the 8 mile and 15 mile aid stations. I started to slow to around 9:00 / mile from mile 18-21. I slowed at the 21 mile aid station to take water and fuel and I could feel my legs turn to stumps. I struggled to get up to running speed again and the pace slowed to 10:00 - 12:00 minute / mile from mile 21 to the end. I did manage to suck it up and finish the last half mile strong with the help of the cheering crowd.

I needed to do more long training runs going into this event but didn't have time between the end of the triathlon season and the marathon. Overall I am pleased with the results for a first marathon even though I had hoped to finish in under 4 hours which I was tracking at until mile 22.

Walk a couple blocks


long distance training


My first ever marathon! There was an aid station at least every mile except a 2-3 mile stretch through a 8' wide paved forest trail. The course was a little hilly for the first 8-9 miles then flattened out. There were plenty of volunteers and fans lining most of the streets.