Notes
Unfortunately, I could not keep it under 8 beginning with mile 20, except for mile 23. After that, I could not keep it under 8:30. As always, this was a disappointment. My plan (hope) was to run 7:45 to 8:00 for the first half, then 7:30 to 7:45 until mile 20, then sub 7:30 after that. I broke this plan on mile 9, but it was a relative downhill, and I did not increase my effort noticeably. (I realize this does not matter, as perceived effort is a recipe for disaster.) I got back on track for the next three miles, but broke strategy again at mile 13. This was another relative downhill -- I say "relative" because this was a flat course throughout. Conditions were perfect too, low 50's and no wind. (Actually, I would have preferred low 60's so that I could have worn a singlet, but I had a perfect long sleeve for this temperature.) Miles 14-17 went as planned, but I could not keep it below 7:45 for 18 and 19, though I was still sub-8:00 and hoping to keep it that way. Again, this hope faded at mile 20, and things got worse from there. Despite this, I am pleased that miles 24-26 were consistent, as I worried that I would totally bonk, or be forced to walk. I did feel cramping start in my left outer calf and shin, but I managed to keep this at bay by slowing down.
I will have another go at this at Boston. Depending on my training, I will probably plan on keeping the first half at 7:55-8:00. Then 7:50-7:55 for miles 13-20. Then sub-7:50 after that.
I have renewed respect and awe for Tall Dave's 3:25 at Chicago. I wanted to meet or exceed that, and hoped that I could, but the necessary training was not there. Even if I had matched his time, he is 8-9 years older, and I would not have been close to his BQ-30. That's something I would not hope to match without retiring and staying healthy. He managed to accomplish his BQ-30 despite his busy work schedule.
I am pleased to have another BQ, this one with a 10-plus minute margin. (I'll be 55 in 2018, which extends my BQ from 3:30 to 3:40.) One more BQ after that will get me to my goal of ten consecutive. After that, I will focus on something else.