[u]2009 Des Moines Marathon Race Report[/u]

The race started in downtown Des Moines at 8 AM. The weather was perfect, about 38 degrees. I left my clothes with my sherpas and got to the start at about 7:50, and snuck in with the 3:10 pace group.

The first 3 miles were flat through beautiful downtown Des Moines. It was fairly crowded, so I just stayed in touch with the rather sizeable 3:10 group (20 people or so). After mile three, we went into about 10 miles of small rolling hills through some nice neighborhoods. I felt strong through the early section of the race, where we ran about 7:10 miles.

Mile 12 contained a lap around the historic Drake University track. I ditched my fuel belt, electing to hold my last couple gels in my hands. I did see myself briefly on the Jumbotron as well, which was sweet. Quickly after exiting the track, we went through the 13 mile mark in 1:33:13.

Miles 13-18 were pretty uneventful. Some nice, long downhills and flats. We stayed on pace.

Mile 18 is when I started to feel fatigued. Imagine that! I ignored the pain and just held onto the group. I started to feel a bit better after another gel at mile 20, and ran pretty strong from miles 20-22. We went through 22 in 2:38:07.

Miles 22-24 were very tough, I worked really hard to hold onto the group, which was running at a 3:08:30 pace. We went through 24 in 2:54.

After we went through mile 24, I let the group go and focused on coming in under 3:10. I kept the group in sight, and really concentrating on keeping my turnover high. After I went through mile 25 in 3:00:25, I knew I was going to meet my goal and qualify for Boston. I kept the wheels turning through the last mile before a short, slow kick into the finish for a final time of 3:09:49.

I couldn't be more pleased with the race. I hit my goal time almost exactly, feeling strong and confident throughout most of the race.

Many thanks to my sister who hosted me for the weekend, my friend Justin who drove me home, Eric the pacer, and all the Trifuelers for your advice, especially in [url=http://www.trifuel.com/forum/20678/marathon-pacing-what-should-i-run]this thread[/url].