Notes
First half in 1:49:00, second half in 1:48:07. At least I didn't bonk after 20 miles and actually sped up. Probably not great finish time considering the condition but managed to pace myself during the first 20 miles. Tried to speed up around mile 19 but right knee started to hurt around mile 22 or so, which made me slow down again. Not sure if Zoom Fly added some benefit or not.
Ran without a watch and started way behind 3:35/3:45 pace groups so that I can just go with my feel. Will try to do the same at Austin marathon next month. Goal is to pace myself up to ~mile 20, then see how it goes. I've learned that I can only do what I can on that day so no point in trying hard from the start, then get shut down during the final miles.
Weather was perfect. It was chilly and windy at the start line but got Yoshiko's old cardigan, which worked perfectly. Started wearing it, then threw it away at the first water station (~2-3 miles). The temp stayed in the 30s pretty much all the way and the gear I picked (long sleeve shirt with the orange pants) worked perfect.
Took too much gatorade during the first half even though I was not sweating much. I was seriously wondering if I should take a pee stop for a while but somehow it kind of calmed down after 20 miles. Took two energy gels as I was getting hungry during the race. I usually don't even take one lately.
Got free dinner at Gyukaku thanks to Kai and Sora Sat night. Garlic fried rice chased with a bunch of yakiniku. Loved beef tongue and pork belly. Too bad they don't have liver. Curry cheese donkatsu at Don-katsu after the race at H-mart was fabulous.