A lesson in survival Time is not important position is not important, splits are not important.
It was tough. It was 65 degrees and 65% humidity at the start which wasn't all that bad. I set off quite well and for the first 5 miles was comfortably on pace for my 3 hour 30 minute time then it got hot. very hot. After 1 hour it became a "black flag" race which means a high risk of heat stroke. I was slowing down by then anyway. I was beginning to feel the heat. From miles 9 -14 I got back into a rhythm of 9 min miles and discovered that I can actually drink from a paper cup whiile running. After mile 14 there was about a 4 mile stretch with no shade from the sun. After then I was walking a tenth and running 9 tenths of each mile. At 18 miles we got into the city and could get shade from the buildings but it was in the high 80 degrees then. At one point I was actually cold and when I put Ice into my hat I couldn't feel it. (apparently my body was going into shock) so I slowed and walked even more which helped alot. After that I just ran when I felt good and walked the rest of the time. The finishing miles were great running through the streets of Duluth with thousands of people cheering you on. 4:16 isn't great when you're aiming for 3:30 but I didn't end up in the hospital unlike 28 other runners. Over 500 others were treated for heat exhaustion at the end.

Not run.... ;)

I could baerly walk let alone do any cool down exercises


the heat...


Pro's - Awesomely organised race. Great food. Loads of volunteers. 9000 competitors what an atmosphere!
Cons - Too hot. Hotel accomodation everywhere is not worth what they gouge you for for this weekend. 9000 competitors its a zoo!