Notes
Got up at 4:15 but probably woke up earlier. Margo and I headed down to the start at 5:30. I had a couple of slices of toast and some tea. It was dark when we got there but the start area was full of people. Wore my lightweight shoes hoping to get some extra speed.
Lined up in the corral near the front, along with the half marathon runners. I went out at a steady pace and felt pretty good. Didn't really look at my watch to judge my pace, just ran at a pace that felt comfortable. Many runners were ahead of me, but they could have been running the half. The sun was starting to rise during the early miles along the water (intercoastal). I was still going at a good pace and it was warm so I took water at every stop. Margo was there at around mile 10. I started to pass people. By the time the half split off, I was pretty much running solo. My Achilles started to bother me around the 10 mile mark and I could feel some tightness in my right quad. fortunately, being flat, didn't have to worry about the downhills. My GPS was going off before each mile marker, but the marker was not much further. At some point, my GPS went off, but could not see the marker, I think this mile was long. By around the half, my pace started to drop to above 7 pace, but I was hoping to keep it around 7-7:15 until the finish. When we turned around at 19, we headed back up along the water, and then hit the headwind. It was pretty nasty. My pace was dropping off and I started to struggle. I saw Margo a couple more times. Could not stomach taking any GU. Poured water over my head to cool off. Eventually merged with the half runners who were mostly walking. It was good to see people since it gave me an incentive, but it was a major struggle to hold it together. With about half a mile to go, I heard footsteps and got passed by a young guy. Watch hit 26.2, but still had .4 miles to go. Didn't know if the course was long or my watch was way off. Tried to pick up at little at the finish.
I crossed the finish, totally exhausted and realized that my Achilles was hurting like hell.
I came in 6th overall and about 15 seconds faster than my Boston time. Given the injuries and lack of quality runs, I suppose that it all I could expect. Was still happy to have completed the race and I know that I gave it my all.
Margo met me at the finish. Didn't collect my first AG medal since they were not ready to give them out.
Iced my Achilles when I got back to the house.