So happy to report that my long stated goal of running a marathon under 3 hours is now a reality. We had a simply spectacular weather day in London with temperatures in the 40's at the start and probably not exceeding the mid 50's during the race with bright sunshine and tremendous crowds from start to finish. My race plan was to go out slightly slower than goal race pace for the first 4-6 miles and then settle in, and I had Richie at my side to act as a reminder to keep me in check - I really felt so relaxed, with the exception of the first mile at 7:06, every mile in the first 6 miles were right at or faster than MP. We ran together steadily with some faster miles here and there until mile 18 where for some reason I hit a rough patch and at the same time I think Richie pushed the pace and did not realize I had dropped off a bit. No worries, I just kept ticking off the miles right at 6:50's. I figured he was going to run very well, perhaps under 2:57, so good for him, I thought. At some point around mile 16 we had passed the 2:59 pace team and my watch was showing an average pace of 6:45, so I felt that I had things under control. Around mile 19 or 20 I noticed that each time I tried to push the pace a bit, one of my calf muscles would begin to cramp. It was fine if it kept things steady at MP or slower, but faster pacing seemed to trigger the beginnings of the cramp. We emerged from a tunnel along the Thames between mile 24 and 25 and much to my surprise, the 2:59 pacer came by me. I started to panic a bit, because even though I thought I was well under 3 hours, the pacer was running away from me, and I could not push the pace, because each time I did, my calf began to cramp. So I rationalized that he must be trying to run 2:59 even and not just sub 3 hours - so perhaps if I kept him close, I still had a chance. As we hit the final stretch along St. James Park, I saw the 800 meters left to go sign with the clock time of 2:56:40 - and I thought - Right, I think I have this in me. Suddenly with 600 meters to go, Richie appeared in front of me. He was struggling - but still running. I caught up to him at the 385 yards to go sign, and grabbed his shoulder and implored him "We are doing this thing!!!" or something to that effect - I don't remember. His eyes told me, that he was just hanging on - and completely spent. As we rounded in front of Buckingham Palace, the announcer said - This is the last of the sub 3 hour runners - most of them have some time to spare on the chip time - but let's help them get a photo of the clock time still showing a 2 in front of it as they cross the finish. My clock time was 2:59:59. Success. Richie was 5 seconds behind me. Chip time for me was 2:59:41 and his was 2:59:46. He had a screen printed shirt with "Run for Boston" printed on the front and back. News crews clamored to speak to him - I just smiled and waved. So very pleased that everything came together for this race. Time to celebrate.
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