Good race for me. Good PR. ~21 second negative split. Report to follow.
Report
After really having a tough time in Boston this April, I wanted to get my marathon PR for the year, particularly on a non-aided course (previous PR was on a net drop of ~500 feet). I was embarrassed by that performance in Boston because I thought it made my goals going into it look arrogant, but the heat really got to me that day.
I've never felt better in a taper or during a marathon. All week I felt really good. Never felt stale. I took a day off a week out from the race rather than closer to it to avoid that. That (or something else) worked. I wanted to run in the 2:45 range at the fastest but knew I probably didn't have that based on workouts and 2:46-low to 2:48-high was probably a sensible target because that's what most of my workouts were.
Had a good breakfast with 2 pieces of toast and jam and two bananas. Coffee and about 20 oz of water. Popped a salt cap, which I have never used, but may have helped make my race today.
Got in about 3/4 of a mile of warm up and managed to find some porta-potties for last minute bathroom stop given that I probably haven't run much before 9:00AM or 10:00AM all fall.
Lined up and didn't feel too nervous, and I tried to keep telling myself "we are going to have a good day." The first few miles are in the city and I tried not to weave too much (I still did a little). I kept a light eye on my Garmin and clicked off some splits as I planned. The first 6-6.5 miles are in Center City, so you go by the Liberty Bell and the like. Miles 1-7: 6:34, 6:34, 6:28, 6:30, 6:27, 12:49 (6:26). Took a gel a bit after 10k. 10k split 40:12 (6:28). Effort felt almost easy, but on reflection the effort was EXACTLY where it needed to be (future Jason take note)
Crossed the bridge into University City and West Philadelpha ("born and raised . . . on the playgound . . ."). This is where the hills are. They do slow you, but they aren't significant because you get it back on the down stretch. The Zoo is over here as is Penn. Miles 8-12: 6:33, 6:16, 6:32, 6:14, 6:26 (you can see in the first 4 miles of this section where the ups and downs are!). Since I live in the hilly, extreme outer sections of the city, these hills were small potatoes but I ran them by effort and kept off my watch.
Back toward the Art Museum for the halfway point and out to Manyunk to the turn around and 20-mile mark. Felt very good, but had another gel. I was able to see Megan and hear her among the crowds. I hammed it up for the camera. Hit the halfway as planned in 1:24:24 (6:26). Miles 13-20: 6:22, 6:20, 6:21, 6:25, 6:25, 6:22, 12:48 (6:24). I started picking it up as you can see, trying to knock off some splits in the teens but didn't want to get hit by my famous side stitches. Took a salt cap around 16-17 miles and half a gel around mile 18. I was still feeling good but could tell I was getting tired. Legs still felt decent. I could see the faster runners coming the other way starting at mile 17 or so.
Headed back down Kelly Drive from Manyunk back into Center City. I tried my best here to really pour it on but I was able to just save face, which was sufficient today (and heck if you just maintain in the last 10k you had a really good day). A bit of light, but unwanted wind in the final miles. Miles 21-26.2: 6:20, 6:18, 6:30, 6:27, 6:27, 7:56 (6:26 for 1.2).
My legs started to lock around 25-25.5, which should indicate I ran right on. Around this time I asked the crowd for a little support whipping up my arms and yelling at them. They responded, I would dig in, and my legs would lock. I'd do it again. I had a good time with them, but I stopped short of yelling "Do I have to go to Boston to get some real crowds?"
I finished and recovered pretty quickly with only a mild, delayed coughing fit.
I split the race 1:24:24/1:23:58 for a 26 second negative split, a overall PR of 4 minutes and 30 seconds and a non-aided PR of about 10+ minutes from my Boston blowup. I'm very happy about my race today. My second successful marathon of 5. Fortunate to have great blog support, Megan's incredible support, and the time and health to do this.
Thanks to Sasha for continuing to operate the blog. I've knocked 48 minutes of my time in 3 years. Not bad, especially considering I won't ever get to say that again :-)
One of me pointing to the camera and one where Megan caught my good side going into the finish :-)
 
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