First, I'll describe the course a bit. Basically, it's a big loop around a lake. From the starting line, travel 8.5 miles north along the east side of the lake. Turn, and go 3 miles along the north shore. Then, a total of 5 miles out-and-back through some basically uninteresting terrain, probably just part of the course to make mileage. Then, 5 miles along the west shore, 2.5 miles east back to the road on which we started the race, and a quick 2 miles south to the finish. The entire course is very hilly, however, the first 14 miles are mostly uphill, and the remainder predominantly downhill.
With all of that said... my first marathon this past spring was run in 5:22. This time, I wanted a 5 hour finish. That means a pace of approximately 11:20. For math simplicity, an 11:15 pace means crossing miles 8/16/24 at 1:30/3:00/4:30. I would be running roughly 11:00 per mile, and walking through every water stop. For nutrition sake, the plan was to take gatorade whenever it was offered, unless I was also taking a Gu at the time, in which case water was more appropriate. I gave my wife a heads-up that I'd send short text messages only indicating my position on the course, so that if she and the kids were able, they could meet me at the finish. (Turns out they weren't able, and the weather was rainy, so it would have been disasterous anyway...)
The first 8.5 miles, I felt very strong, kept a fairly easy pace, and everything went according to plan. I used the time to mentally prepare myself for the reality that the back several miles of the race would be on tired legs, possibly painful, but that with proper nutrition I could be confident that I have the energy to make it, no matter what. This all made sense in my head anyway. I also knew about the wall, of course. Wasn't sure how that play out this time.
It was around mile 9 I met an older gentleman from Orlando. One of my first questions is the same one you're wondering right now... he's done Goofy several times, and will be there again this year... of course, right? We made a bit of small talk, and he mentioned a 5:15 finish, and I mentioned my planned 5:00 finish. We parted ways, and I took off on some of the best downhills... the steepest of which I found it much easier to just fly down rather than trying to throttle my pace. My feet took a bit of a beating for it, but so be it.
Miles 11 through 16 were a bit uneventful, aside from passing a few people and being passed by a few others. Based on a few brief conversations however, I learned that this marathon was a small race, and that the majority of competitors were from assorted random locations, only in town to check off NH on their fifty states quest. One woman, perhaps mid thirties, however, I would see a few times as we alternately passed each other. There was also a run/walk 1/1 group of 3-4 people, who I talked with briefly. After explaining my goal of 5 hours, they said it was theirs as well, and that we were well within that. I didn't want to join them however, since their strategy differed from my own plan pretty dramatically. At the mile 14 turnaround point was a nice treat... bananas. Amazing what simple things like that do for you.
Mile 16.5 and turned south onto the west shore. Between miles 17 and 18, it happened... I hit the wall. I could feel my overall energy level had dropped, and my steps felt labored. Took another Gu, and kept moving, though. My pace fell slightly, but I wasn't too concerned as I was several minutes ahead of where I needed to be. Older guy from Orlando and mid thirties woman passed me at this point, with plenty of encouraging words. I shuffled on. Every two miles or so, I'd check the time, on my phone, text my wife, and do some calculations about how I was doing. By mile 20, I was still on my "slowed" pace, but still moving.
At mile 21, I did those calculations again, and that's when it hit me. I had 55 minutes left to hit the 5 hour mark. 55 minutes, and 5.2 miles. I was a full two minutes behind where I needed to be to finish it with 11 minute miles. But I was still moving. I went through one of those mental conversations with myself, that went something like this:
Okay, at any given point in a race, we need to evaluate our current situation and do the best we can given how things are going.
I need to just finish this out as best I can, stop worrying about the pace, I've at least got a PR well in the bag.
The miles are in my legs, I just need to finish, take it easy and have a decent finish, try to enjoy it.
Then, came the last and most important thought of all: F--- that! I came here to finish in 5 hours! I CAN STILL DO THIS!
Of course this whole conversation with myself took place in a span of ten seconds. And with that, I shortly passed mile 22, having run a 9 minute mile. I slowed it down just a touch, but not much. I kept going. It was about this time I realized two things that were perhaps even more important though: I had broken through the wall, and the pain in my legs didn't seem to bother me. It was just after this that I met back up with older guy from Orlando and mid-thirties woman, who were running together at this point. He commented as I edged past them, "Hey, there he is! He's still looking for 5 hours!" She then added, "Hey, I think we're going to pace with you, this could be good."
We spent the next three miles taking turns leading the pack, but generally all sticking together. There were a few attempts at small talk, but, at least in my case, I was too focused on the race. She asked me "So how do you like the course?" My reply was something along the lines of "I just want to get it done with!" When I realized that might have come across the wrong way, I added "It's really nice as a course, but at this point, I can't appreciate it too easily."
At about mile 25.5, older guy from Orlando pointed out that we had about ten minutes left, and the 5 hours was well within sight. I can't say enough about the comradery between competitors... we didn't even know each other's names, and frankly, I hadn't thought to even ask, it didn't seem to matter. As we rounded the final corner, for the final .2, Orlando guy pulled well ahead from mid-thirties and I. What happened next was something I can only describe as incredible sportsmanship, and proof that running is the best amateur sport there is. Within clear sight of the finish line, he stopped dead in his tracks. We started shouting to him, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? KEEP GOING, YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!"
He said back, "We've been encouraging each other on and off for some 15 miles. We finish this as a team." wow.
And so it was, hands held together, we crossed the finish line together....
IN 4:57!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO! WISH Team GO! 
).
Congratulations on completing your 31st! Love the medal and other goodies. I'd like to try a trail race someday. Just yesterday, one of my friends was telling me about an upcoming trail race in February - 15 & 30 milers. Sounded good until she told me about the part where you have to cross a creek (that is sometimes waist high). 
Anne
