Quick synopsis, more to come. (See entries from previous couple of days for background).
Overall I was 185 (173 male, 18th in 40-44, 20th Master).
Got to ride VIP buses to the Athlete Village...12 buses with police escort which shutdown the entire freeway for our caravan to the start! Met Josh and the PowerBar crew and Runnersworld video guys. Video at: http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/microsite/video/0,8034,s6-239-506-64,00.html?bcpid=1439819617&bclid=1463300967&bctid=20319661001
Ran very well in the first half being paced by Josh Cox to a 1:16:10 half. Josh did an awesome job breaking the wind (very windy today) for me.
Peter Reid started running with us at 12M, Josh dropped off at half. Started to slow up a bit due to wind and hills. Peter was working hard but was having a harder time with the wind and pace (to his credit he has been retired for 3 years!). At 17M at the GelZone, I pass Peter and don't see him again until the finish (he was about 2.5 minutes behind me).
Newton Hills plus wind = suck. Heartbreak was tough and slow, and the last 5M were not my best.
Splits:
1 - 5:34 - Wow, way too fast (Josh wanted to run with Ryan!)
2 - 5:43 - Feeling good and running pretty easy. Everyone is recognizing Josh and he keeps telling everyone he is "pacing his buddy!"...what a great guy.
3 - 5:37 - Josh steps in front and breaks the wind starting about here. Keeps great tabs on me. Still feeling good but running fast!
4 - 5:34 - Wow, too fast!
5 - 5:47 - Still fast but not bad. First PowerBar Gel about here.
6 - 5:36 - Pretty much on track, just tracking Josh and running in his jet stream!
7 - 5:41
8 - 5:55 - Right on track! Feeling good.
9 - 5:51
10 - 5:51 - Second gel and feeling good, still tucked in behind Josh. Don't feel like I am working too hard
11 - 5:56
12 - 5:51 - Peter Reid joins us as we head towards Wellesley and the scream tunnel (very loudly for Josh!)
13 - 6:01 - Josh drops off and Peter and I head out for the second half.
14 - 5:54 - Third PowerBar Gel past the HM mark (1:16:10ish, goal was 1:16:55 with a 1:18 second half). HM split is 3rd fastest HM time behind Poky last year (1:15:36) and the 2nd half of St. George 2007 (1:13:30ish)...pretty good!
15 - 6:13 - An easy breather mile...ask Peter to pick it up as he is breaking the wind that is getting stronger.
16 - 5:47 - Not bad, but legs starting to get heavy.
17 - 6:18 - First slower mile, legs feeling it. Hit the GelZone, get some gels and lose Peter on the hills but just keep charging on.
18 - 6:18 - Ok, legs really starting to feel it, trying to maintain my energy.
19 - 6:17 - Ouch, bad mile energy and time wise. Starting to weaken.
20 - 6:35 - Yikes, starting to see the goal really slip away here, especially when Ken Pliska powers by me!
21 - 7:02 - Heartbreak hill...not good for me this year. Had to stop and walk for about 5 seconds to stave off a cramp. Last PowerBar Gel over the hill.
22 - 6:09 - OK, better on the down hill.
23 - 6:21 - Start of the death march to the finish. Just giving what I have left.
24 - 6:31 - Are we there yet?!?!
25 - 6:33 - See Citgo sign, nearly there...trying to push, nothing left.
26 - 6:44 - Just shoot me already!
0.2 - 6:24 pace - What a kick in front of thousands of people...not!
Overall mostly happy with the result, but estactic with the whole experience for myself, my family and friends. Andrea, McKay and Lynette did awesome! Lesson learned: more long tempo runs, long Progression runs to MP at end.
Went to the PowerBar after race party with our friends (stayed for bit then they left to get dinner) and Kami and I partied with the crew (Chad, Dave, Drew, Natalie, Jacqueline, Mike) and Peter Reid and his wife (Malika Ulmi). Josh was unable to show up, but we did meet his wife when she arrived (a physicist and gorgeous!). Have a great time, drink too much Guiness! Kami is having a great time with everyone as well...what a finish to the day! | 