I just wanted to run by feel. I had to hold back because I felt anything under a 7:00 pace was too much. My pace felt great and I didn't have to slow down until I started the hills around 13. I never recovered from the hills even though I took the hills at a 8:30 pace. I felt sick, numb, and hip sore at mile 23. The last 2 miles were a steep drop into Bluff and I couldn't bear that pain at all!! I had to walk a few times to prevent myself from throwing up and passing out. I was a 3:04 at mile 24. It took me 22 minutes to finish the last 2.2 miles. I did run down 4 runners the last half. I think all of them were in my age group. Of the top 12 finishers, 6 were in my age division.
I don't think I have been this sore since my first marathon. But now I'm writing this on Monday and I'm surprised by how fast I have recovered. I did a Crossfit WOD this morning. The squats were the easiest part! :) | 