Miles 1-6: 10:32, :23, :35, 11:03 (stopped to remove my long sleeve shirt and hit the porta potty), 10:23, :07 - I felt great and was just enjoying the atmosphere. I was debating when to stop, and figured with the droves of others would be a good time. Over a course as long as 26.2, it wouldn't matter.

Miles 7-12: 10:07, :07, 9:58, 9:51, 9:44, 9:56, 10:04 - Still feeling good. Found a pack of other Team RWB's and started running with them and chatting, trying to keep it easy. I realized quickly the 4hr marker was gone and figured maybe the 4:17 would be reasonable and within reach depending on how the last 10k felt.

Miles 13-18: 10:05, 10:17, 10:49 (stopped for a porta potty), 10:13, 10:52, 11:10 - I started getting tired around 18. I did notice that I was starting to get a blister on my toe and was just ovarall getting tired. I was still moving though.

Miles 19-24: 10:17, 12:44, 11:02, 12:04, 11:31, 12:27 - Mile 20 was a really long straight bridge with no fan support and the time (12:44) showed that I did not enjoy it. The tired caught up with me and I alternated walking through every other water stop to catch my breath. I refilled a few bottles here too.

Miles 25-26.2: 12:16, 12:48, 5:37 - I kept with the alternating walking every other water stop. When I noticed that we were running a 1mi out and back it became a mental game and I started struggling with it. I was really ready to be done. When we got within sight of the finish chute and crowd I couldn't stop, I was on enjoyment and adrenaline.


I think running more would be a good start. I averaged about 35mi/week on 3 dedicated runs. I had one week with an injury. My long runs were never over 20mi. I enjoyed them, but I think feeling the hurt on the longer runs would've helped prepare me.

Still I had fun.

Charged the Iwo Jima hill through the finish chute heading toward the corralls. Had some difficulty standing there afterwards (felt really weird to suddenly stand still) to get the solar blanket and medal. The race could've used a few more corrals to get medals, but it was fun!

Walked up the hill, took a photo infront of Iwo Jima and then proceeded through the masses to get food & refreshments. Finally walked along the roadway to the wife and family.

Took a minute to sit and stretch on the roadway before walking back to the hotel.


More running. I noticed the tired legs and thought the taper served well, but not sure. Maybe the difference from doing runs on the treadmill and the gravel multi use trail instead of the asphalt roadway like that in the race.


The marines did a fantastic job!