I wasn't sure what to expect, and decided that I would go out at 11 minutes and try to hold it. Of course, got excited, and decided I could do tens, slowed down and ended up doing average of 11's the 'hard way' with physically painful 12's and 13's at the end. It was very hot, and there were aid/hydration problems. I did bring my own salt tabs, but... For those of you out there who normally put your salt tabs in a film canister on the bike - DON'T ON THE RUN (at least if you run like a Buffalo like I do)! I went for my second tablet at 8 miles, and got broken capsules a cloud of white. Ah well, c'est la vie. The general lack of water left me feeling dehydrated, and the lack of powerade left me cramping. Somehow, though, it was fun anyway. I really enjoyed this run, and felt good even as I slowed down, and then run/walked the last few miles home. With the heat and the hills, I didn't feel a need to beat myself up. I also PR'ed, and climbed way up in the rankings compared to where I normally am.

I did two 20 milers getting ready for this run, but I think at my pace I need a longer run, or need a 20 miler at a much slower pace. It's just not a good enough rehearsal of 'time on feet' for me. Also, as much as I hate the fuel belt, it sure would have been nice to have yesterday. Finally, I need to suck it up and carry some more food.

I did this race with TnT. This was definitely a mixed bag for me, but I can't complain about the post-race spread they had. I very, very slowly walked to the tent and then just grunted at follks as I downed everything there. Then went home and ate pizza.


As I said before, I think I need a longer or slower long run than 20 at 12 to run 26 sub 11. Maybe next time. The hydration and salt loss definitely affected me, as I was cramping and blistering, which is pretty unusual for me.


The hydration/powerade fiasco was pretty inexcusable. Atlanta puts on the 55000 person Peachtree 10K in July, so there are plenty of people who know how to deliver hydration to a swarm of runners without running out or causing the kinds of cooler swarms we saw. Also, they really needed to do a better job with traffic awareness BEFORE race day. Drivers were truly furious to find closed roads, and cops were getting abused by both drivers and runners while trying to keep the peace. The neighborhood support was really excellent for an Atlanta race, and it was regular folks in the end that saved the day with salty snacks, hoses, water, ice and sponges, and a radio or two. I agree with the others who said that this was poor/average, but with potential to be a fun and challenging marathon.