Philly Marathon: 3:53

   That's my official time. I guess I feel pretty good about it. I had to hold my pace back the whole race, except for maybe the last 5 miles. I felt really strong throughout the run. I didn't even feel anything noticeable in my body till about mile 12 when I felt a bit of fatigue, or tired legs. I fueled with a Honey Stinger gel every 5 miles and 10 oz.'s of water, and supplemented with a few ounces of gatorade in the second half of the race between the gels just to keep strong. I felt stronger after each gel. I had a blast! The fans were awesome, cheering on in thick crowds for the first half of the race and in Manyunk. They were a real charge. They gave me something to look at in the run instead of the road. It was a charge to pass the leaders on the way out to Manyunk as they were heading to the finish line and to cheer them on.
    I was surprised by how much fun it was. I had a real blast. Yet, this was a stepping stone to the OD 100 next June just to help focus the training and help me get into shape. I felt it did that and I met all my goals. I think I may shoot for a Boston Qualifier next fall after recovering from the OD. So, next up is to recover, then increase my volume, do some 50K's and a 50 miler, maybe two, then OD!