Race day is here for the Carmel Marathon. I joined Joe Bell for this race. Neither of us were in PR shape but knew that coming into today. I don't think it could rain any harder than it was at the start of the race. 50 degrees with 17 mph wind and rain makes for a tough warm up. J li e had also forgotten his watch and gels. Miles 1,2,3 4: I wanted to try running by heart rate which I've never done before in a race. Joe stuck with me for the first 8 miles. I set my pace at about 150 bpm, just outside zone 3. This resulted in 7:41, :42, :37, :32 for the first four miles. Miles 5,6,7,8: the rain starts to die down to a drizzle. Actually making for decent race conditions. We are hanging out with pace group 3:25. I notice that this is a little fast for me. Hr now is in the 158 range. Its was nice to catch up with an ole running buddy. Miles Rick by quickly. However, after about 8 miles we split. He knows this is too slow for him and I know it's a touch to much for me. 7:39, :41, :44, 8:10 Miles 9,10,11,12: Not much to report here. Just putting in the work. I feel really good. This is my first marathon in a long time. I find myself falling back in love with racing. I miss this feeling. 8:09, 8:08, 7:58, 8:07. Miles 13,14 15,16. I pass through the half marathon split at 1:42:xx. I still feel good. I remember thinking that I'm going to be able to turn it on near the end. Maybe ratchet up to HR 160, then 170. The half marathoners split and we pass by the start finish line to go back out of town. 7:58, 8:01, 7:45, 7:24. Miles 17,18,19,20: The turning back into the headwind becomes a factor. Also, lack of base mileage begins to show. I see my wife and kids at 20 miles and that helps a bunch. 8:17, :05, :27, :55. Miles 21,22,23,24: fatigue is setting in. Quads hurt. I run with a guy I don't know Andrew for these miles we are both struggling. 8:30, :30, :59, 10:07. Miles 25,26 finish: coming back into town and knowing we are almost done is a lift. I recompense to finish. 9:14, 9:47, (1:07) Today I finished right as I thought I would. I figured I had a 3:30 to 3:40 in me. I just need to keep training. | 