Bret

Ran the NYC Marathon today.  Until 12 weeks ago, I had not planned on running any more marathons, but my friend Richie had put together a charity team and one of his teammates had to cancel, and Richie coaxed me to come up for the race so that I could be there when he made an attempt run 2:50 for the race.

I was in relatively decent shape having done a number of workouts and long runs in that 12 week build-up but was under no illusions that I would have a chance to PR today.  And even if I was in great shape - the race conditions today would have negated them.  Brutal cold winds which seemed to emerge from all directions made this an overall unenjoyable event.

Met high school friend of Richie's who wanted to run with me, and we paced each other to reasonably consistent miles until I somehow unknowingly pulled away from him around mile 18.  Ran fairly consistent miles through 15 at roughly 7 to 7:05 - which was a good effort today.   Around 22 or so, I was just no longer in the mood to race and wanted it to be overwith.  Evidently Richie was on course for a sub 2:55 when he went into as he put it "the hurt locker" and cramped over last two miles resulting in a walk/run effort.  He finished 3:13; I finished 3:14 and Willie (Richie's friend who ran with me through 18) ran 3:15.  Maybe we should have all just run together!

Anyway, not unhappy that I did the race - but would have been much happier if the race conditions allowed for a more enjoyable experience.