So after running the Miami Marathon for the 2nd year in a row I have decided despite the fact the course is nice, the lack luster crowds is somewhat disconcerting. But more on that that shortly.

Race recap: The weekend started out with going to the expo on Friday which had some decent booths and deals but nothing amazing. Later in the day went for an easy short run just to loosen up. Saturday was spent by the pool just relaxing and soaking in the sun. Now, racing in Florida needs to be done early in the day because of the heat. Thus making the start time at 6am. So waking up at 3:45am is always fun. Trying to eat a bagel and convincing your stomach to eat is not always the easiest. This is where I first noticed a problem. I was not able to really eat anything and my stomach was already bothering me. We (my dad and I) get to the start line and shortly after we are off to the races. We try and stay together as long as we can but after about 2 miles we were already separated and running at different paces. I was doing this run for "fun" and didn't care about my time and did not train as much as I should of. At about mile 6 I was having those stomach problems and knew from there on it would be just one of those runs. I also knew at that point I didnt have it in me to have a great run so I just took my time and enjoyed the marathon (an oxymoron I know). Finally my stomach calms down around mile 18 and I am able to get on with my race. By that point I was already looking at about a 5ish hour marathon, but my legs just didn't have it in them so I took it easy. At mile 23 I figured out I could maybe just make a 5 hour marathon so I putt the proverbial hammer down and did my best. What do you know I came in at 5:00:32. Very happy with my time considering my lack of training and my stomach issues.

Now back to the crowds. For a 15,000 participant race the amount of spectators is very disappointing. There are patches of crowds on the half marathon/marathon course. However, as soon as you head out on the 2nd half of the course you can forget about seeing a spectator. You the occasional police cheering you on and the family sitting in their drive way but thats about it. Don't get me wrong I appreciate those supporters but the crowds are nothing like the Chicago or New York marathons.

Going back to my lack of training. I am pleased with my time and was able to finish with a respectable time only getting one long run and not running very much in general. I credit this to my Ironman training. So now I think if I just ran a little more how much better I would of done on the marathon. Such as life and now its back to 100% Ironman training or until my dad comes up with another maratho between now and August he wants to run.