Here was my plan. Mile 1-4 at 8:05 pace, 5-8 at 7:55, 8-12 at 7:45 and go like hell for the last 1.1. My goal for this race was to go under 1:45. I Pr'd RNR AZ 1/2 in 149 last January and I am in much better shape. My coach didn't want me to look at my HR and just wanted to see what I could do. We knew that barring a nutrition issue 1:45 was going to be a realistic goal. This is all a prelude to going under 3:30 at RNR AZ and getting as much out of my running in preparation for IMMOO.

I didn't push far enough to the front at the beginning so I got caught in the wash for the first mile. After mile 1 I settled into my pace and didn't feel as if I was working too hard at all. I've never really kept splits so I wasn't familiar with what and 805 or 755 pace felt like. I just knew I wasn't working too hard and could hold the 745 pace for a while.

The miles ticked by quickly and there really wasn't anything eventful on the course. I stopped after mile 3 to pee and give my wife my long sleeve shirt I was wearing. Other than that it was a work day.

I pushed a little too hard in mile 11 and didn't leave enough in the tank to really go for it from 12 to 13.1, but I knew I was well under 1:45 so it was OK.

The stomach seemed full so I didn't drink a lot. The legs got a little tight after 11, but nothing major. I'll have to dial it in more for the remainder of my marathon training.



Keep mile 11 at 7:45 and save some for the last kick.

Drink more.

Got my space blanket, beer and food.


Nothing really. I'm very happy with my results. This is the first race where I went in with a real plan and pace goals. I managed my plan OK, but will have to dial it down for the marathon. The good news is i felt like I could hold an 8 minute pace all day. We'll have to see about that.


Pretty well run and supported. The course rolled a little in the beginning. The wind was strong and cold at time, but not too bad.