Notes
Just an amazingly executed race. I planned to try and run about 2:55 and just execute and relax and stay within myself and just finish a marathon where I can look at the race and be proud of what I did. I ran my 2nd fastest marathon ever, 4th time I've broke 3. First time I've broke 3 since 2013 and it was just relief to knock this out and successfully execute the plan.
First mile was a bit fast (as usual) but it was downhill. 2nd mile I started to dial back in and found a group. I ended up running with 5 people till the 1/2 cutoff then they started to pull away. The guy that got 3rd overall was in my group and the woman's overall winner, Jerrod and myself. Jerrod and I ran together at 6:40 pace almost on the nose until 22, Jerrod fell off and I tried to catch the lead woman. I was able to start to pick it up a bit but my right hamstring sort of clinched for a second and I opted for just staying cautious a bit longer. I was still making up ground on her and with .3 miles left of the race I was able to pick her off, she was spent, I went by quick and was able to get 5th overall. 2nd in my division. The first place in my division was about 45 seconds ahead of me in 4th overall.
Very happy with my 4 months of good training for this. Now I need to swim, recover, and then start some speed work.