Finished my second 20 miler yesterday at a very brisk pace for me (11:22--faster than most of my easy runs). My legs were a bit sore by the end, but I think it was a good gauge on where I am, fitness-wise. I didn't push to 21 or 22 in order to avoid re-injuring my quad. This is a "just to finish with a smile" race, as I plan to train HARD for MCM in october. That being said, this is my thought on pacing-- anyone with additonal comments, go ahead. Miles 1-5: 11:30 mm Miles 6-10: 11:20mm Miles 11:15: 11:10 mm Miles 15-22: 11:00mm Miles 22 - 26.2: 11:00mm or survival pace. I want to finish under 4:58 and think that's reasonable. Your thoughts? Note: I did have a 15 mile week 2 weeks ago since my ITB/quad were hurting badly. I elected rest over miles. Since then, things have only improved and I am pain free today. FWIW, I know I am undertrained, but this motivated me to build enough base to actually train for MCM.

Chris, it seems like you have a reasonable plan. Don't sweat your level of preparation at this point. Your 20 miler is a good indicator that you're ready for the distance, so long as you pace it conservatively and your plan seems appropriate. Try not to over do the taper. I think I tapered too much for my last race and my legs got a bit stale. Better to keep the mileage up and ramp down just in the last week before the race.