Notes
Blech. I did wake up feeling better than I had the last couple of days, but with some coughing. I slept alright (10-3:45) and did 1.5 miles with Boots. Had breakfast and just kind of waited around. I jogged down to the start around 6:15. I really don't know how much of a warmup I actually need. Something to get the heart rate up, but that felt like more than enough.
The first mile was slow, but felt relaxed. Meb (yes, Meb!) passed me at the mile marker so I sped up to stay with him. He looked over and told me: "Don't worry, I'm running the relay." I told him, "Yeah, I know who you are." That mile was much quicker (but has the downhill). I settled into what felt like an even effort. I could feel the effect of the wind off and on and my splits seemed slightly erratic even though I was feeling smooth.
I came through downtown and down into the south end still feeling remarkably relaxed. Battery St was really the hill that kind of broke me. After that I never really recovered, though I was somewhat surprised that I hit a 5:34 in the NNE after it flattened out. It was pretty difficult for me to figure out exactly what happened. My first half didn't seem like it was too much on another better day. But that day wasn't today. Maybe sickness then? I definitely don't think I was overtrained. Maybe undertrained from the last 4 weeks? I really have no idea. I'm not too worried about it, and already looking for my next race.
Fueling: I had trouble taking water from cups, which makes me worried about Chicago or another big marathon where I won't have elite fuels. I also used half a tablet in half a bottle each and had 6 of those. I definitely didn't finish each bottle so i wonder if maybe making them more concentrated next time would be better? I took 1 gel at 6:40 and then 3 gels on the course at 9 17 and 21(I missed all the maple shots). Fueling seemed to be generally good.
My feet hurt. I think my shoes are too small or something and I have a thicker sole for the race would prevent some fatigue. But last year I didn't feel the same fatigue. Dare I turn to the dark side and get the 4%s?
5:38
5:15
5:22
5:14
5:29 (5)
5:23
5:28
5:33
5:38
5:27 (10)
5:27
5:32
5:35 (71:06, 13)
5:24
5:18 (15)
5:54 (battery st)
5:43
5:34
5:50
5:54 (20)
5:52
5:58
5:58
5:53
6:04 (25)
6:10