Rich, who was running the half, and I were both planning to run about an 8:00/mi pace, so we ran together for the first three miles. The pace got a little quick for Rich, so he dropped back and I continued on. Around mile 4, I tucked in behind a couple that was averaging about 7:42/mile. I ran with them for 10 miles before I started to drop back. By this time, I was on my first short loop through Landfall and heading toward mile 15. After my second short loop, I was definately feeling it in my legs. I was heading for mile 20, and I passed by the road where my other aunt and uncle live. My aunt was out at the curb cheering me on, which was a great boost to my morale. I had plenty of energy, but my legs were starting to feel the effects of twenty miles of pounding and sweating. Around 20.5 miles in, I took a very short walking break. After about 50yds, I began running again. Another guy and I turned onto Military Cutoff for the last time and were side by side. We ran that way until mile 22, when we both walked the aid station. I started running again after the aid station and turned into Mayfaire. When I turned the corner to run the out and back section of the course, it was like the wheels came off. My pace dropped significantly, and I was reduced to a run/walk pattern. I still ran most of it, but I almost feel like walking would've been faster. I began cramping at this point, and I was just ready to be finished. As I got to the last roundabout, I quickened my pace a bit and told my legs to shut-up. I was determined to finish strong. I kept running, and still passed a few people even though my pace was a lot slower than normal. When I turned the corner and saw the finish line, I heard Eric cheering me on, and I ran past a couple more people to finish with my arms thrust in the air. After having to skip last year's race due to an issue with my IT band, this was a truly incredible moment for me.

This was my first marathon, so as soon as I crossed the finish line, I started thinking about what I could have done differently. For one, I could have planned out nutrition better. On my training runs, I wore my Fuel Belt, and drank mostly HEED. I chose not to wear my belt for this race, and just drank the provided Gatorade. Next time, I'll stick with what works. I think my cramping wouldn't have been as bad if I had used HEED and eaten a few more gels. I also think that training on hills spoiled me. Running hills stretches my legs out and keeps me fresh longer, but the flat nature of this course allowed very little oportunity for me to stretch out on downhills. I also think that a 22 or 23 mile training run would benefit me as well. The last 6.2 were brutal, and I think that a longer run in training would definately help out. Overall, I'm really happy with this performance. I was aiming for 3:30, but 3:42:06 is still respectable, and now I have something to build on for next time.

Found Eric to get my bottle of Recoverite, and stretched as best I could while standing in the massage line. Ate pizza, pretzels, drank three sodas(my first since my thru-hike of the AT), drank my Recoverite and a G3, and some free beer. Sat in a chair while I ate, but walked around a bit after Brian finished. Was definately sore and needed to replace electrolytes.


Nutrition, humidity, lack of hills, and probably weight too.


Awesome race! Set-Up did a great job! Wrightsville Beach is such a great venue for this event. Excited to see if I can improve at my next marathon.