Notes
Haunted Hustle Marathon
2:49:15
2nd overall
-Race started at about 33 degrees with light winds. As the race went on the temperature slowly rose (only got to about 40 degrees) and the wind picked up considerably. Tried to drink water or sports drink at every aid station - missed one or two. Began dumping water on head at about mile 23. Took a power bar gel at about 7 miles and 14 miles.
-Singlet, 1/4 tights, arm sleeves, gloves, head sleeve... kept everything on the whole race.
Ran with David (overall champion, 4th time, 2:48:56) for the first 4 miles. At 4 miles felt like I needed to relax a bit... ended up running mile 5 at the same pace, but then found a good zone. 1/2 marathon split 1:21:01. The hills after leaving the pheasant branch conservancy were for real - pheasant branch road (2 hills), balser road (1 hill), green briar road (1 big steep hill). Running the hills twice (once each loop) made for a challenging course. On the second loop began passing 1/2 marathon racers on the conservancy trails. It wasn't too bad, a few times I had to run off the trail, but usually people moved when I yelled "on your left."
After dropping behind David I kept him and the other leader in sight through about 15 miles, but did not see them again until 25.5. At that point I spotted David (then the lead bikers), but not the other leader. I don't remember passing the other leader, but was going by lots of half marathon racers and could have easily missed him.
Overall felt decent - breathing was under control. Started noticing tight hamstring going up hills on first loop. Calves began getting sore at about half way as well. As the race went by the wind picked up considerably. Mile 23 on Airport road was a tough into the wind mile. Felt great to turn back towards the finish line and have the wind at my back.
Pretty cool to have the Krall brothers go one two.