Notes
Third sub-3 hour marathon and second time this year. Weather sunny 58F at the start and not much different at the finish. Breezy throughout.
Felt tight in the legs from the get-go; tried my best to hold back for the first 10 miles. Knowing this course bites back in the second half, I tried to stay relaxed at least until the top of Sand Run (18 miles).
Didn't ever think sub-3 was in danger until I crossed mile 24 at 2:44:45 with 15 minutes left to get it done. That lit a fire under my butt on the downhill 25th mile (fastest of the day in 6:25) on Market St. The finish inside Canal Park never gets old.
Nutrition stuff: Took three S-caps total (electrolytes). One each at 0:20, 1:20, and 2:15 clock time. Three gels: One each at 1:15, 1:50, and 2:20. Water only for the first 22 miles and then energy drink for the remainder.
Terrific event. Challenging course.
Splits:
6:53
6:41
7:03
6:41
6:40 (Five miles: 33:58)
6:42
6:49
6:55
6:36
6:38 (Ten miles: 1:07:38)
6:29 (downhill to towpath)
6:34
6:49
6:41
6:51 (15 miles: 1:41:03)
7:00
6:48
7:16
7:11
7:02 (20 miles: 2:16:20)
6:58
7:17 (Garman hill)
7:03
7:07
6:25
6:35
1:25 (last 0.2)
Half splits: 1:28:05/1:31:03
Places: 40th overall, 34th Male, 2nd AG 35-39 male