Ran my first ever marathon today.
Didn't actually train specifically for it - just hoped that my training for my 1/2IM's would get me through.
The conditions were good. Mid 60's at the race start - worked its way up to the mid 70's.
There were 2300 runners plus relay teams.
My plan was to try and finish under 4 hours. Which is not all that much slower than my pace in a 1/2 IM for the run.
The course has no major hills - just some fairly easy rollers.
I used my Garmin Forerunner 301 to set my pace.
It was very difficult to not go out hard. Especially with so many people passing me. Which I thought was a bit odd as I seeded myself in the 4:00 - 4:30 finish time.
Stayed on pace and had a 1:58:41 at the half. Felt really good. And was still on track for my desired finish time.
Nutrition and hydration was going well.
Started to really feel it after mile 17 - and had to push it to get to 22. My pace fell off here pretty good. Took my last gel here and had taken some enduralytes at the previous mile. Started to feel good. Got to mile 23 and needed to really really pick up the pace to get to my finish time.
The legs were feeling it, but responded.
This is where we turned along the lake and ran into a really stiff headwind. But I was passing people! Lot of those same people that blew past me at the start - lots of people walking too. Especially nice passing those fresh leg people (relays). I kept picking up the pace and was getting back on track. Then all of a sudden I was at mile 25!!! Then ran the last 1.2 pretty hard. Yea! Finished. I finished with a 3:57:07. So I guess I was actually able to finish with a negative split - albeit only 15 seconds - but I'll take it! No walking. So pretty pleased with the day.
Figured it would be good to get a marathon under my belt before the IM.
The average for the day was 4:16:02 - so I beat that - but pretty much a middle of the pack guy.
All in all - happy with the day - and happy that I was able to run with some restraint and not blow up my day.