Notes
Challenging course with conditions that were not desirable. Decided a week ahead that I was going to have positive thoughts about the race and not be concerned about the weather. Tried to picture myself exiting the tunnel and finishing strong. I was hoping to race Lance that last .2.
Felt good at the start, like the taper had worked. New I had the group to pull me along and pass the time. Felt like the first 10 went great. Nice to see Madison and Tim working Kim's water stop. Lance was quiet most of the time and Alicia seemed to be having an off day. Surprised to see Greg C broken down, was past him before I was able to properly heckle him. Went through the half way point right on pace, Doug still 5 seconds out in front like he was for most of the race. Somewhere around mile 15 where a person was struck by the car and bleeding heavily I knew the whole group run was breaking down because nobody else even noticed and it was two feet away. I knew I had to power on solo and hoped that would not be a mistake. I would have welcomed them catching and passing me but I did not want to come back to the pack. Shortly there after I saw Lance drive by with Richard Sherman and felt bad about that. I really wanted him to BQ. After the last medical aid station it is all a blur, and I had to grit it out. I wanted to stop in the worst way. With three to go I still thought I had a slim chance at sub 3:20 if I could step on the gas. My mentality went from mile by mile to counting down the quarter miles. Near the end they move you on to the sidewalk for no apparent reason and I almost wiped out. Was able to power thru the tunnel and finish strong. I passed some poor bastard with a tenth to go and the finish line in sight, I hate that when it happens to me.
The two things I'll never forget
Lance looked completely surprised to see me finishing when I did. His facial expression was priceless, I will use that to motivate me for years.
Jim telling Tim to "never run in a marathon, it's a disease". When he was in full suffering mode shortly after his finish.
Notes
Andy and I had about the closest to even splits in the field from my quick glance at the results (1:39:41 & 1:41:36)
The support was great on the course. Thanks to Richard, Tom And Vangie, Jane, Greg, Bob for the support and water and freeze pops, after party. Amazing. The cup of water bob gave me near the end saved the day for me.