Notes
I almost did not run this due to heavy rain and wind at the start, and my late arrival. Decided to get my number, warmup, and decide after that. Found a public restroom with minimal, fast-moving line, compared to the women's cue, although a few smart women decided to cue up with the men. Kudos to them, not something I've seen before, but they should do that more often. No men seemed to mind at the urinals, and there was no show-boating.
Saw Tom Miller in the restroom line behind me, so I figured I had enough time. Left with about 8 minutes to the start, so I had to settle for a short warmup. Turns out that worked well. I decided the wind should not be a factor, as it would be a tail wind on the finish, and it was no worse than the wind in February when I DNF'd. This was a do-over I did not want to miss.
Tried to draft into the headwind, but had to lead the way a few times to keep pace. Finally got to a group of five guys that were running the right pace, and I settled in. Ended up following a young guy with red shorts all the way to the finish (more on that later). Felt good the entire way, no pains or sign of injury. Kept an eye on my pace and heart rate and was encouraged. HR stayed pretty much between 155 and 160, where I wanted it. Anything over 160 would mean I was potentially red-lining and would pay a price later.
At mile 10, my red-shorted pacer told me I should throw my jacket. Hadn't really considered this because I was comfortable, and it was my embroidered 2010 Boston jacket which was not a throw. Still, I figured he was right, so I made the decision. Problem was, I had my Garmin over it. I struggled to remove it without dropping it. Good thing I had pockets in my shorts where I could put my Garmin until I got rid of my jacket. I got the jacket off and carried it until I saw a spectator who appeared to live there. She agreed to take my jacket and gave me her address 1088 Ocean -- a good omen, being easy to remember. Now I was running in my 2011 Boston shirt (long-sleeve), which was perfect for the tailwind finish.
At this point, I had fallen behind my pacer, but I managed to catch him, to my surprise. He did not seem to be working hard. He let me pass him, then he passed me. I had no plans on keeping up with him, as he seemed to be speeding up. I figured at some point he would extend his lead, which was fine. I was running my race, not his.
At 12.5 miles, I broke out the whip, but I did not want to kick too early. As each remaining tenth of a mile passed, I just wanted to keep a steady pace of 6:28 or better on my Garmin. I pass the mile 26 marker, which means I have only two tenths to go. I whip the beast some more and next thing I know I am close to my pacer. Mile 13 marker passes, and it's time to finish. To my surprise, my pacer does not kick, and I decide to pass him fast, hoping that he won't try to keep up, but I expect he will. I look back a couple of times, and he is falling back. At this point, I take off my hat and start celebrating as I approach the finish and see that sub-1:27 is in the bag. Crowd cheers as I pound my fist in the air several times before crossing the mat.
Finished without feeling winded, which is most encouraging. I touched base with my pacer and we congratulated each other.
As planned, Tina and I ran 5 miles following the race so I could get my desired mileage in. This felt great. Felt like I could run another 10 as we started out, and only stopped because this was the plan. Got some beer and pizza, then changed at the Ashworth, and went to 1088 Ocean to get my jacket. We arrive there and notice that there are several cottages. Which one? I wonder. Then I see a lady who notices me, and she brings my jacket out. Couldn't have been easier. The deal is done. No need to worry about a half any time soon. Now it's on to NYC with Tall Dave for a marathon PR, I hope.