2010 Baystate Marathon

October 17, 2010

Early on around mile 5,
Mike Tarratino leading, myself, John Chesto. George Adams in back

For the third year, Lowell, Mass played host for the New England Track and Field Association's Grand Prix finale. Like the previous two years, New England weather was promising to wreak havoc on marathon hopefuls. I witnessed some of the worse conditions I ever had the displeasure to run in last year. Low 40s to start. A wet mixture of rain and snow, in the mid 30's to finish. Those that stuck around for some post race festivities had a couple inches of white stuff to clear off the car before the drive home. I swore then and there to never return.



The Weather Channel has been tracking a classic Nor'Easter slowly crawling it's way up the East Coast. Mid-week forecasts are looking dire, and more dire, as Sunday draws near. I refuse to hold any hope of better fortune this year. Halloween is only two weeks away, after all. Perhaps this race is cursed. Or maybe I was just focused on running the best I could, without regard to a specific goal time or PR to best. But for whatever the reason I'm fine with any crappy weather we may get. Besides everyone will race under the same conditions. My only goal is to place as high as I can in the Masters age group and help our team scoring which looks promising with Matt Helm, Mike Broulliette and myself. Hopefully I can do my part and we will crack the top 3 in the open team division.

This summer has been a mixed bag of results. I nearly PR at Beach 2 Beacon 10k in 34:53 when I wasn't expecting much of a result. The next week was a total flop at Falmouth. I was not able to hold 6 min pace for more than 3 miles. Overall training hasn't gone that bad. I've pretty much accepted the summer is too busy a time to log the 80+ mile weeks needed to nail a marathon PR. So this year the plan was to get in plenty of races and a decent number long slow runs with some track and tempo work when I can. Final track workouts were very, very disappointing but the tempo/races felt good for the level of effort I was laying out.

For this Baystate the goal was to shoot for a top 5, maybe top 3 spot in the masters group. I knew that would be a tall order considering the competition but I was feeling good enough about my fitness to at least give it a shot. I figure it would take just under 6 minute pace to break into the top 5.


Unlike last year when I didn't give myself enough time to get there and the stress of all that left my stomach in knots, this year I arrived in plenty o' time. I got in all the stretching, bathroom and pre race rituals I needed to give myself a fair chance of running well today.

8am draws near and the weather is looking superb for running. Mid 40s'. Some wind but a near homerun as weather goes. The start line is unreasonably packed tight upfront. The usual pre-race announcement before something unusual. The National Anthem cancelled due to technical difficulties? A couple brave souls ring out the opening verses and everyone joins in. Pretty cool.

I line up only about 3 deep - exactly where I should be for my starting pace. Of course, just in front of me, someone that had no business being lined near the front is camped out. I usually take note of the people I line up behind just for that reason. Sometimes appearances can be deceiving. A 5 year-old kid, a 70 year-old women, or some chick with about 3 gallons of lord knows what kinda of fluids strapped onto a fuel belt are good warning signs. This guy looks to be somewhat normal but as the gun goes off he literally walks out the first couple steps before throwing up his hands in protest like "Hey!, Hey!, Hey! What's going on!!! Why everyone's in such a rush?"



Any whose and any how's, an amusing start to the day. I find a decent groove right out the gate - lay out a perfect six point zero first mile. I'm just trying to assess where other Master group runners are. Titus Mutinda and Joseph Koech (the later I learned after the race had switched over to the half) were two I considered no chance of beating. I can only hold out hope that they race themselves out the top 5 going out too fast with the top young guns. It happens. As usual the early pace of those top guys is beyond me and I can't even calculate precisely how many 40+ guys may have escaped. But immediataly up ahead, within my vision, I spy very few possible 40+ guys. Dan Verrington with his trademark goatee is a easy ID. He is only seconds up ahead in a small group.

As it should be, not much happens for the first couple miles. Once the half marathon and full marathon split up things start to take shape. I find myself in a well forming pack of about six clicking off just a hair under 6 minute pace. We were picking up a few, dropping a few, and passing a couple holding together tightly in a group of maybe six.

At about four miles we are joined by Brian Ruhm, I believe. Brian (at least I hope I got the name right) says Hi. He mentions he checked out my race report on last year Baystate and asked what today's goal was. Funny because last year at this almost exact point in the race, Brian pulled up along me and asked that very exact question. Deja'vu all over again.



I get a little lift from Brian's words. Not because someone actually recognized me as a possible age group contender, but because someone might actually be reading this freaking blog! Never the one for much conversing during a race, I retort a quick "Thanks" and respond to his 2:40 pace inquiry with a "Nope. I hope a bit faster! It's time to close down the next group"

With that I get to the front and start moving our group up to Verrington's.

I was holding steady and even with a core set of now 4 or 5 runners. One I recognize from other races is George Adams. George more resembles a rugby player than your typical rail thin runner. But race him just once and you won't be fooled again by his rugged maybe 180 lb. frame. This guy can flat out run - and not just the short fast stuff. Runs about 74 minutes for the half up in Swanzey, NH - and that's no pancake flat course. The group is headed up by George is two other runners, that I don't know. They are intent on keeping this group clicking off at sub 2:36 pace. I do my best to take some turns up front breaking the wind keeping the pace up.

Tim Cataggio leading early around mile 10,
myself, then Mike Tarratino
Photo: Krisky / Smug Mug



The wind is not terrible but it does seem a factor. As each of us pulls off the front and tucks behind, the effort put forth is subtle but apparent to the watchful eye. We all seem to be mutually benefiting from our collective effort. We are not mowing down runners in front of us but we are making steady progress. It's also very early in the race. Many miles to go.

We go thru 5 miles in about 29:45 and then ten miles in 59:35. It was at this point last year where I had to pull off and take care off business behind a tree. And with that, last year's race was over. I make sure to take note of that point and draw some motivation knowing there won't be a repeat performance of that this year. Right around 10 miles I see Mike Brouillette in a shuffle. Actually more like slow hobbling gimp. I shout out some encouragement for my teammate but it's apparent my words will be strictly consolatory. An injured hip has left Mike with no choice but to DNF. With Mike gone and Carlos Rivera, who I have not heard close behind since the start, our shot at a top 3 in the open team has gone up in smoke.

The group has strung out like a single file - about 6 deep clicking off nice even splits with one or two runners swapping up and back in the front keeping the pace. We hit the half in 1:18:15. I'm feeling good and up in the front of the pack as we cross the bridge. As we make our way to close out the second bridged loop, the pack is changing somewhat in composition. John Chesto, who I seen in races before and get his due share of mentions in New England Runner, has joined us and is adding words of encouragement to keep the pace going strong.

The group has whittled down to just George, John and myself by 17 miles but  I'm starting to fade. The wind wasn't too bad, much better than prior years, but it was enough to make a difference for me. Fatigue was setting in. I couldn't make my way to the front to pace anymore and was just hanging on behind George and John.

I work to stay on them thru 20 miles in just under 2 hours but then a gap grows and from there I slip into 6:15, then 6:30 pace when we merge with the 1/2 marathon jog/walkers. George and John break free and are out of sight.

Around mile 21, starting to fall off pace from Chesto

I didn't totally blow up but I couldn't keep a full stride going anymore. I got re-passed by about 4 guys, including Brian - all in the last 4 miles. Physically I was close to spent but I'm pretty sure I could have pressed just a bit more and squeezed out a 2:39. A bit more mentally beaten down, than physical.

Still, overall, I'm very happy with the result. A step in the right direction. Think I got another 2:36 in me next year.

Feel decent enough now - some blisters and Achilles are a bit sore, but normal for running that long in racing flats.

Photos: krissyk / smugmug

My Splits:
5:59  5:54    11:56 5:55    5 miles 29:44
12:01     5:56     11:54   10 miles 59:35
5:58 6:02 6:01 6:03 6:01   15 miles 1:29:40, 1:18:15 Half
6:02 6:01 6:01 6:02 6:07   20 miles 1:59:54
6:15 6:25 6:30 6:38 6:33   25 miles 2:32:14
6:39 1:37                           2:40:19

Place Div/Tot Name No. Ag Club City St Time Net Time Pace
===== ======== ==================== ===== == ====================
1 1/183 PATRICK MOULTON 2260 28 BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSO PROVIDENCE RI 2:24:41 2:24:38.2* 5:32
2 1/285 TERRY SHEA JR 21 36 BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSO CAMBRIDGE MA 2:24:44 2:24:42.6* 5:32
3 2/183 BRANDON NEWBOULD 2240 29 WHIRLAWAY DOVER NH 2:25:05 2:25:03.1* 5:33
4 3/183 MATT HELM 219 24 GREATER SPRINGFIELD LONGMEADOW MA 2:26:17 2:26:13.9* 5:35
5 2/285 RYAN CARRARA 284 34 NEW BALANCE BOSTON HUDSON MA 2:27:11 2:27:07.7* 5:37
6 4/183 ANDY MCCARRON 71 27 CENTRAL MASS STRIDER KEENE NH 2:27:26 2:27:22.9* 5:38
7 3/285 JIM JOHNSON 66 33 CENTRAL MASS STRIDER SALEM NH 2:27:36 2:27:33.7* 5:38
8 4/285 JEFF SCOVILL 1898 36 MINNEAPOLIS MN 2:28:02 2:27:58.1* 5:39
9 5/183 SCOTT LESLIE 68 29 CENTRAL MASS STRIDER RUTLAND MA 2:28:16 2:28:13.4* 5:40
10 5/285 DANIEL MCCUE 1521 33 CAMBRIDGE MA 2:28:34 2:28:30.6* 5:41
11 6/183 DAVID NASH 1625 29 JERSEY CITY NJ 2:29:50 2:29:46.4* 5:43
12 7/183 TOM DEEG 2242 29 WHIRLAWAY EASTHAM MA 2:30:10 2:30:08.2* 5:44
13 8/183 TIMOTHY CATOGGIO 357 25 TEAM RUN SOUTH_BOSTON MA 2:32:54 2:32:51.6* 5:51
14 1/310 JASON PORTER 2246 40 WHIRLAWAY BEDFORD NH 2:33:44 2:33:41.5* 5:52
15 2/310 TITUS MUTINDA 358 45 TEAM RUN LOWELL MA 2:34:07 2:34:05.6* 5:53
16 6/285 MARK HUDSON 2239 33 WHIRLAWAY READING MA 2:34:19 2:34:17.3* 5:54
17 7/285 GREG HAMMETT 62 33 CENTRAL MASS STRIDER CHESTERFIELD NH 2:34:34 2:34:31.4* 5:54
18 8/285 JEFF EDMONDS 896 33 NASHVILLE TN 2:35:58 2:35:54.2* 5:58
19 3/310 MARK GIBSON 2243 43 WHIRLAWAY DURHAM NH 2:36:19 2:36:16.6* 5:58
20 4/310 GEORGE ADAMS 49 40 CENTRAL MASS STRIDER GILSUM NH 2:37:24 2:37:20.2* 6:01
21 9/285 RICK BRANDT 14 35 BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSO SALEM MA 2:37:58 2:37:54.4* 6:02
22 5/310 JOE DONNELLY 113 42 GCS - TRIAD RACING T DRACUT MA 2:37:59 2:37:56.3* 6:02
23 10/285 JON CHESTO 167 39 GREATER BOSTON TRACK SOUTH_BOSTON MA 2:38:24 2:38:21.5* 6:03
24 11/285 MATTIJS VAN MAASAKKE 34 30 CAMBRIDGE RUNNING CL BOSTON MA 2:39:38 2:39:28.0* 6:06
25 6/310 JOE NOONAN 230 42 GREEN MOUNTAIN ATHLE BURLINGTON VT 2:39:57 2:39:52.8* 6:07
26 12/285 JIM PAWLICKI 75 36 CENTRAL MASS STRIDER BEVERLY MA 2:40:04 2:40:01.1* 6:07
27 1/153 MARTIN TIGHE 366 52 TUESDAY NIGHT TURTLE PROVIDENCE RI 2:40:11 2:40:07.3* 6:07
28 7/310 BRIAN RUHM 144 45 GCS - TRIAD RACING T NASHUA NH 2:40:18 2:40:15.0* 6:07
29 8/310 ROBERT LANDRY 221 42 GREATER SPRINGFIELD LUDLOW MA 2:40:21 2:40:19.1* 6:08
30 9/310 KEN TRIPP 79 40 CENTRAL MASS STRIDER AMESBURY MA 2:40:28 2:40:25.0* 6:08
56 4/153 CHARLIE MUSE 223 54 GREATER SPRINGFIELD WILBRHAM MA 2:52:12 2:52:07.5* 6:35
71 26/285 CARLOS RIVERA 225 36 GREATER SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD MA 2:56:31 2:56:27.3* 6:45
185 65/285 MIKE LESCARBEAU 222 39 GREATER SPRINGFIELD AGAWAM MA 3:10:11 3:10:04.0* 7:16
207 73/285 BRIAN WALSH 227 35 GREATER SPRINGFIELD LUDLOW MA 3:12:08 3:11:25.5* 7:19
234 84/285 SANJAY ARWADE 212 36 GREATER SPRINGFIELD AMHERST MA 3:15:26 3:15:16.7* 7:28
408 33/153 NORM FULLER 217 50 GREATER SPRINGFIELD LUDLOW MA 3:27:41 3:26:40.9* 7:54
484 146/285 MIKE GAUVIN 218 35 GREATER SPRINGFIELD LUDLOW MA 3:32:53 3:32:10.5 8:06
994 104/153 DOUG BIELEFELD 214 51 GREATER SPRINGFIELD EAST LONGMEADOW MA 4:02:21 4:01:20.0 9:13
1545 36/36 MIKE PASSMORE 224 62 GREATER SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD MA 5:49:36 5:47:33.2 13:16

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/10/ma/Oct17_BaySta_set1.shtml

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
******** MENS OPEN TEAM RESULTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS
2:27:23 2:27:34 2:28:14 (2:34:32) (2:37:21) = 7:23:11
ANDY MCCARRON, JIM JOHNSON, SCOTT LESLIE, GREG HAMMETT, GEORGE ADAMS

2. BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOC
2:24:39 2:24:43 2:37:55 (2:41:41) (2:47:04) = 7:27:17
PATRICK MOULTON, TERRY SHEA JR, RICK BRANDT, BEN SCHERSTEN, RYAN
LAFLEUR

3. WHIRLAWAY
2:25:04 2:30:09 2:33:42 (2:34:18) (2:36:17) = 7:28:55
BRANDON NEWBOULD, TOM DEEG, JASON PORTER, MARK HUDSON, MARK GIBSON

4. GREATER SPRINGFIELD HARRIERS
2:26:14 2:40:20 2:52:08 (2:56:28) (3:10:04) = 7:58:42
MATT HELM, ROBERT LANDRY, CHARLIE MUSE, CARLOS RIVERA, MIKE LESCARBEAU

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
******** MENS MASTERS TEAM RESULTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. WHIRLAWAY
2:33:42 2:36:17 2:40:56 (2:47:53) (3:03:08) = 7:50:55
JASON PORTER, MARK GIBSON, CHRIS SPINNEY, EPHRAIM EZEKIEL, MARTY
LECHLEIDER

2. CENTRAL MASS STRIDERS
2:37:21 2:40:25 2:43:04 (2:58:03) (3:07:06) = 8:00:50
GEORGE ADAMS, KEN TRIPP, DAN VERRINGTON, DAVE DUNHAM, ERNIE BRAKE

3. GCS - TRIAD RACING TEAM
2:37:57 2:40:15 2:44:37 (3:10:44) (3:14:26) = 8:02:49
JOE DONNELLY, BRIAN RUHM, MARK ENGERMAN, STEVE WOLFE, DENIS
TRANCHEMONTAGNE

4. GREATER SPRINGFIELD HARRIERS
2:40:20 2:52:08 3:26:41 (4:01:20) (5:47:34) = 8:59:09
ROBERT LANDRY, CHARLIE MUSE, NORM FULLER, DOUG BIELEFELD, MIKE
PASSMORE

47th Annual Walter Childs Race of Champions
aka Holyoke Marathon
May 3, 2009

What a day. Words can't describe how I feel right now. Thrilled. Elated. Glorious. Exhausted. All of these and so much more.

I feel fortunate to have accomplished all that I have these past two weeks. A much more reflective look back, and forward, is in order. But it's getting close to 9 o'clock and I'm spent. The body and mind are in much need of rest, so this quick summary will have to suffice for now.

Apologies in advance for any mis-spellings, grammar and race and names inaccuracies. I'm starting to feel quite ill. The adrenaline is starting to wear off and today's effort is taking hold.

The past two weeks have gone quite well. I have recovered from Boston. This week's runs have been easy and have gone according to plan. Everything seemed to indicate I would be ready today. The weather was superb for running. Maybe the best Holyoke ever. Low 40's. I don't recall much, if any, wind; even through the Whiting Reservoir.

At the start I spot Mike Carroll, a 5-time winner. Mike's a solid runner, veteran marathoner and all around cool guy. We chat briefly at the starting line as I scan the crowd for today's other challengers. I spot several Narragansett runners, including one that looks familiar.
My suspicions of a challenging day ahead would quickly be confirmed. I establish the pace early over the first mile that includes several incline and declines before a severe 1/4 mile free fall.

I reach Whiting Reservoir first. The 6:10 first mile was a little quicker than planned. I ease back. A little less than 25 miles to go. A long way for sure. It takes less than a 1/2 mile before a pair of the Narragansett runners to pull ahead, Michael Tammaro closely followed by Brian McNeisce. Mike Carroll, having just run another great time (2:46) at his 11th Boston, is not too far behind. Carroll always seems to run a smartly paced race. His 2007 victory was a textbook example of how to bide your time on this course.

Tammaro clicks off a steady series of low 6's on the first two loops around the res. By 10k, he has steadily built a lead of maybe over a minute. It was getting time to plan out today's possible outcomes. Michael was looking fresh. The spring in his step hasn't subsided and he looks determined to power his way to victory today. He's on about 2:38-2:40 pace right now. An effort I doubt I will be able to match. Even on an ideal day for running like today, a sub 2:40 would be stellar on this course.


I decide to run my own race. I settle into a marathoner's rhythm and will just have to patiently wait to see how the day will unfold. On the final loop around, my pace picks up ever so slightly. I click off 6:01 and 6:00 miles as I pass Brian. By the 9 mile marker and the uphill exit out of the Reservoir, the lead has shrunk to about 20+ seconds.

Michael continues running some very strong miles. His lead expands a little over miles 10-12. We draw even on the series of big downhills right before the halfway point which we split in about 1:19:45. That's about 3 minutes faster than I ever have gone thru the half here at Holyoke.

Michael stays right on me as a after I take the lead on the downhills. I figure he’s decided leading this race is no fun and will sit on me for a while, conserving for decisive move later on. To my surprise Michael retakes the lead after only a more than a mile in my draft. I follow closely behind for a little bit. I know the course well. I am not anxious to push the pace just yet. We still have about 10 miles to go including a short section of uphill dirt gravel road that can sap the strength right out of your legs. I find myself back in the lead just before that dirt section and set a reasonable pace knowing there are some faster miles ahead.

I clicked off some solid 6:07-6:10 miles over the gently rolling hills. By the time we cross over Route 141 at mile 18 I believe I have my first gap. I no longer hear footsteps. It appears the two other Narragansett runners have their families here routing them on. Like my wife, they're making frequent stops along the route, offering bottles of water and shouting words of encouragement. But being the local fav, I have the advantage, or least delusion, that everyone is routing for me today. It's a huge lift.

The lead has risen to almost a minute by mile 20 without having to dig down too deep. I'm just maintaining pace right now. Turning the corner onto Route 5 the lead extends to a minute and a half. The final 5-6 miles of any marathon are critical - especially here at Holyoke.
The last 2.5 miles are mainly uphill. The grade rises ever so slightly before the becoming more pronounced. The hill rises, stretches and bends for the better part of a mile. The traffic light marks the final right hand. Another 1/2 mile of nasty uphill is all that remains. It's one mother of a momentum killer. I have never finished strongly over the last 3 miles here. This year will be no different.

My legs feel good but the tank is quickly approaching 'E'. Panic was starting to seep in.

I breathe a huge sigh of relief to learn I have built up a 3 minute cushion.
I hold onto it dearly. It feels like a soft, warm security blanket.
Thoughts of a final 10 minute mile seem quite possible.

Luckily I finish the day ok. Disastrous crash averted.
At the end I feel elated and absolutely wiped out.

A tough day for sure. I'm glad it's over. I need some rest.

I have many people I would like to thank. First and foremost my wife, Barbara.
Her endless support and understanding as I train, train and train some more has made this all possible. I would have never had been able to do any of this without her. She has been the inspiration that got me going down this road in the first place.

Also my 5 year old daughter Brianna. She tells me in no uncertain terms that watching me race "is sooo boring". I suspect she is old enough to get it a little now. Hopefully she will look back and think what her Dad did was cool: even though is he is bit a running geek. In the eyes of the non-runners, we are all just geeks.

And thanks to my fellow running partner Mark Baillargeon. Mark's an awesome guy to have on your side. Someone to listen, offer advice and help you ride thru the highs and lows.

Afterwards, I hung out with Mike Carroll, Mark Baillargeon, Joe Fois and Dan McNair as we went thru a cooler full of some quality German beers... and a few Bud Lights. We talk shop for a while; swapping the usual training regimens, race stories and punchlines oblivious to the light drizzle that has capped off a perfect day for running. Good times.

Finally a big thanks to all the race day volunteers, Pate Stasz, the Greater Springfield Harriers and Christine Bedson, the race director and granddaughter to this race's namesake for all their hard work in making this race possible every year.

http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/05/bob_landry_of_ludlow_wins_walt.html?category=Running

The splits...
6:11,
12:27 (6:16),
18:37 (6:09),
24:48 (6:11),
30:59 (6:11),
37:08 (6:09),
43:11 (6:03),
49:13 (6:02),
55:14 (6:01),
1:01:42 (6:28),
1:07:55 (6:13),
1:13:53 (5:58), Half ~ 1:19:48
1:25:16 (11:23)
1:31:19 (6:03),
1:43:43 (12:24),
1:55:50 (12:07),
2:01:58 (6:08),
2:08:07 (6:09),
2:14:24 (6:17),
2:20:38 (6:14),
2:27:04 (6:26),
2:33:34 (6:30),
2:40:55 (7:21),
2:42:59 (2:04)

Monday, April 20, 2009
113th Boston Marathon
















I decided to start a blog ! I'll start with my Boston Marathon write-up I posted on by runing2win log. In the near future I need to get down in writing a better recollection of the training leading into Partriot's Day, the race itself and what's next now that the big day has come and past.

The morning did not get off to good start. The race shorts I placed out with my warmup pants the day before were nowhere to be found. I still have no clue where they are. I grabbed another pair, bolted out the door, and got to the bus in plenty of time. Did plenty of stretching and an easy warmup jog once we arrived in Hopkinton. Felt mentally in a real good place. I wasn't worried too much about the cold or even the wind. This was nothing like 2007. If I could just run smart, work with groups and not bounce around in no man's land like I did at the Baystate Marathon than I felt I run well.

The plan was to hold back just a little for the 1st half, 1:18 maybe a little faster if I was feeling good. I don't consider myself a 'great' downhill runner but I seem to handle the early downhill miles from Hopkinton to Framingham well. I didn't panic hitting 10k in 36:03. Things were going well. The pace of the group I was working in felt comfortable and we seemed to be running at a very even effort thru the slight rises and declines. Around 15k, the timing chip in my left foot was digging into the top of my foot. I tied my shoe to tight. It was a cold day but the feet will have to swell over the course of 26 miles and this was only going to get worse. But I was rolling good. No way was I stopping to retie my shoe: kept pushing the pace.

I anticpated the open sections were wind would be an issue like 15k and half way and made sure I wasn't in no man's land too long. Easier said then done but when you're feeling good, the difficult seems trivial. Everything just clicked. Accelerating and closing in one group to the next, I was moving with purpose and a plan.

At times the foot was aching and I wondered if I was going to have to stop. We soon reached Wellesley College. The girls roared, the paced quicken, addrielene kicked in and the foot hurt no more. If every race had this kind of cheering section running would be so much, much more popular.

I didn't cruise over the Newton hills. I didn't drop my load either. Cool. It wasn't till the last of the big downhills and the turn into downtown Boston did I feel the full brunt of the wind. Tight groups of runners broke apart into surgers and faders. I did a little of both; passing and being passed. Somewhere around mile 23 I went from maybe sneaking in on the better side of 2:36 to, "Oh, sh*t" I better get my as* in gear or I can kiss goodbye to sub 2:37!

I gave a little back in last two miles. I wasn't in agony just had no more to give. Photos my wife took of me at the end confirmed it. I was spent.

Kicked some ass today. I will enjoy it while it last.
Soon enough I'll have my ass handed back to me like the Rhody 5k where I'll be lucky to crack the top 100.

And now the splits...

5:38 ~ 9 sec to start ...
11:27 (5:49)
17:17 (5:48) 5k 17:52
28:57 5 mi ... missed one there...
34:48 (5:51) 10k 36:03
40:38 (5:50)
46:30 (5:52)
52:21 (5:51) 15k 54:17
58:19 (5:58)
1:04:17 (5:58)
1:10:06 (5:49) 20k 1:12:38
1:15:58 (5:52) Half 1:16:36
1:21:46 (5:48)
1:27:47 (6:01) 25k 1:30:5
31:45:55 (18:08) missed 3 ... in the zone !
1:52:02 (6:07) 30k 1:49:51
1:58:20 (6:18)
2:04:48 (6:28) 35k 2:09:12
2:10:46 (5:58)
2:17:00 (6:14)
2:22:59 (5:59) 40k 2:28:17
2:29:13 (6:14)
2:35:24 (6:11)
2:36:46

122th Overall
10th Males 40-44
11th All Males 40+
Top New England Master

http://www.usatfne.org/index.shtml

Finally, thanks to my fans that come every year to boston to support me. You guys are the best !!!