Although my time was still over 3 hours, I absolutely consider today a success.
Recall last year I finished at 3:57:55 barely making it under 4 hours, today I finished at 3:31:51.
At about a mile or two out I knew I could have finished well under my last years time, so I kind of took it easy on the final leg.
One difference this year is a ran lighter, didn’t carry as much stuff, that really helped.
Also as a note for next year, bring water and some pepto bismol just in case to settle my stomach. Although once the race started my stomach was not an issue.
My son did well too, although he said he cramped at mile 11, he did finish in 2:33:01.
I think what truly helped was running 15 miles and getting workout in 2 weeks prior to the race.
Another thing that was really smart was taking some 2-2-2 Tylenol at about the 7.5 to 8 mile mark.
Route was a little different this year, but similar. The start was a little different.
I earned a rest for the next two days.