TOU Unofficial 3:11:20 Wow, what a race. The weather turned out pretty decent. They announced a 27 degree F start. I ran it most of the way with my training parter Dan and we killed our goal time of 3:20. I started out too fast...of course, but decided to let my body do what is comfortable and see if I can hang on. I ran the first 15 miles at 7 min mile pace. I then slowed to the target pace (7:30-ish) for the next 5. I crossed 20 in 2:23. At that point, my body was screaming at me but I did some quick math and saw that Boston was within reach, but barely. My body was done, but I fought through it. I needed to average sub 8's for the final 10K to make it. I knew it was going to be close. I gave it everything I had with the body "red-lined", even running the last mile with a HR of over 190 (193 max). I missed the 3:10:59 cutoff by 21 seconds....ouch. So close. I am bummed by that but who can complain with a 33 minute PR? Especially with only 2 serious months of training of 40 mile weeks. I am looking forward to my next marathon (Deseret News maybe??). I loved the course and thought it was a great race. List of body problems during and after the race. Hip issues (for 5 miles in canyon) Bathroom emergency (37 seconds @ mile 13 - without that...Boston) Sock bunched up on right foot at toe (Serious blisters right now) Serious tightness in all leg muscles after the race. Ave HR: 171 |