Notes
Fought for 3rd. Got it.
It was a pretty crazy day. Not used to fighting for placement in a marathon, but even starting I knew I had a chance for top 5. Started out slow and stiff even after the warm-up. First two miles were just sorting out who was really running pace vs who was stunt running. By mile 3 I was all alone except for a relay runner about 1/4 mile in front of me. I gradually caught up to him and finally ran along side mile 4.
We talked for a bit, him telling me this was just a training run and he was going to take off ahead soon. I told him I was hoping to hit 6:40 pace and I would be happy for him to pace me. He laughed and I let him lead for a while. After a water stop between 4 and 5 he started to slow down. Even though he was not in the long race, I saw it as a chance to push myself and picked it up as much as I could. He never even attempted to catch me and I was at least 30 seconds ahead of him by mile 7.
On I roll for 5 more miles. I get glimpses of the 3rd place guy, but nothing enough to think an opportunity to gap him. Near mile 12 I start to see 3rd place off and on. He is maybe 1/4 mile ahead of me at 13.1. I think he saw me and sped up. After the half I started to see runners behind me coming the other way. I focused on looking calm, smooth, and easy (even though it was not so fun at this point). Later I heard from a couple guys that I looked like I was relaxed and fresh (I guess I'm good at faking it).
I saw DB maybe 3 minutes behind after the turn around, he is soaked in sweat but he took the time to yell out to me the leader is only 2:30 in front of me. In the meantime #3 had increased the gap between us even more.
I chase #3 until almost 19 where I finally get to closing distance. When you pass, you need to pass with authority and I focused on making sure I had enough power to get a good gap going once I passed. Finally, it was time and I made my move. It only took a half minute but once I was slightly past he kept hammering trying to keep up for another couple minutes even though I was working hard. Finally, after maybe 5 minutes no sound of footsteps behind me and by mile 22 I was focusing on #2. Those next few miles were brutal, no one was out on the course cheering, #2 is nowhere in sight and it feels like it is getting hotter. Legs are getting really tight and I have focus on form now plus keep breathing under control. I just want to be done. No nagging doubts about why I am putting myself through this today, staying #3 and trying to get #2 is why.
I didn't see number 2 until mile 25. Maybe 2+ blocks ahead of me, but even from that far away looked like he was hurting. I shook out the arms, rolled the neck and focused on relaxing. Nice and smooth (yeah right). Push, push, push, and with all the turns/uphill I have no idea where he is. Finally, about 3/4 of a mile to go I see him clearly. Maybe 600 yards in front of me. I keep pushing, get to mile 26 and he is maybe 200 yards in front. I get to the final turn and try to drop the hammer. It's like firing a blank. Yeah I'm giving it all, but there is no hammer to drop.
I end up 20 seconds behind #2. Fuck me. But, this was a helluva race.