18-Mile Marathon Tune Up

200m from the finish

Nearing the end of the 2nd loop of Central Park

12 miles into the race.

Thanks for the pictures Stu!

Today: 19 miles

Week: 46.5 miles

Workout: 18-Mile Marathon Tune Up (3 loops of Central Park), 1 mile cool down

I tried to begin the race conservatively. My goal was to get through the first and second loops feeling comfortable. I guess I went through the first loop feeling OK. But on the second loop, I was already thinking about the last loop. By the time I started the last loop, I just wanted to finish the run. It's probably the reason I ran a bit faster. Seeing people I knew out on the course helped. Everyone seemed to run well. Jeanne, Megan, Alanna, and Greg A. all did well.

I love the drill sergeant guy who always seems to be walking in the opposite direction of the race and shouting encouragement. He gave me a shout out twice. He said, "Go West Side!" Also, thanks to all the RUN-NYC people who saw me and shouted encouragement. And Brian, who paced me for a few miles.

I finished in 127th place with a time of 2 hours 07 minutes 55 seconds. (7:07/mi)

Splits:

1. 7:37 (Harlem Hill)

2. 7:13

3. 6:59

4. 7:03

5. 7:09 (Cat Hill)

6. 7:01

7. 7:16 (Harlem Hill)

8. 7:10

9. 7:06

10. 7:12

11. 7:15 (Cat Hill)

12. 7:03

13. 7:07 (Harlem Hill)

14. 7:01

15. 6:54

16. 6:59 (I accidentally stopped my watch. DOH!)

17 (Cat Hill) & 18. (avg. 6:51 for 2 miles)