Notes
Once again not the ideal conditions for a 26.2 mile foot race (now makes 4 out of my last 5). Mid 60s, high humidity and some southerly gusts of head wind during the final miles.
But, I went out conservatively in anticipation of another crash and burn and finished so strong that I executed my first negative split marathon (17 secs) and my 3rd fastest. First half 1:44:33, final 3:28:49.
I battled through some dark moments around mile 21 but seeing my family and the Ship cheering section helped me through. I also struggled with a few hamstring cramps mile 24ish (just after seeing the family again) but was able to work them out, get back on the train (thanks to Dave D), and close fast averaging 7:17 over the last 1.2 miles. I think I was sprinting to the finish to see if Iram had BQ'd. Seeing the Ship cheering section 3 (three!) times during the race also helped a ton. It's nice to see not only familiar faces, but faces that have been there and done that and were pulling for you.
Hopefully I didn't beat my body up too hard so I can put in some decent training for Boston.
I think I may be learning something about this distance. Maybe.
_____________________
Drank nothing but Gatorade endurance pretty much for the entire 2 days prior. Brought a bottle during the race, and still drank a full cup at every station and usually poured water over my head. Cliff Bar and 1 Gu prior and then every 5 miles during the race.
Lined up with the 3:30 group but well behind some slow people - so crowded at the start. Probably should have lined up closer to the front.
Clock Time 3:32:17
Chip Time 3:28:49
Overall Place 300 / 4796
Gender Place 276 / 2854
Division Place 51 / 486
5K Rank 789
5K Time 25:39
10M Rank 676
10M Time 1:20:06
Half Rank 578
Half Time 1:44:33
20M Rank 387
20M Time 2:38:43
Final 10K Rank 300
Final 10K Time 3:28:49
Total Pace 7:58/M