Well, let's see. It is now July so I'm gonna do my best to remember what went on during this sludge fest. Stayed with Mac and Jos on Friday night. We picked up our packets and did a few things before getting to the hotel. After we got all settled the rain started coming... and coming and coming. I brought no rain gear. Awesome. We woke up and it was still raining. We headed out and some nice ladies we saw at the elevator felt bad for us and went back to their room to get us trash bags. So saved me before the race. Ditched the bag at the start but could have kept it. It rained almost the entire time. This was the first race I used a pace band. Had a flask full with 4 gels, a few saltstick capsuls and a little water + a 5 hr energy. We started the race and I felt pretty good for the first 3, my paces from my pace band seemed easy. By mile 6 my legs were already feeling tight and I was not feeling confident about the 20 miles I still had. I tried to distract myself with how gorgeous it was despite the rain. So green with low foggy clouds. It was absolutely beautiful. I was just trying to stick to my paces. By 8 I decided a potty break was in order and used the facilities provided. My shorts were so wet that I ended up running out with a cheek still hanging out cuz they would not move. I finally got them adjusted and was proud of myself for making up the time spent in the potty and still making my split for that mile. Finished out the road before turning for the tough rollers between 9 and 13. My legs were really tight and I was feeling the miles. Made it to the half way point and took my 5 hr energy and a good gulp of water. I was pretty cold and not thirsty. Man, I was tired. Started to feel the 5 hr kick in and felt a little better. Made it to the turn into the canyon and was grateful for some downhill miles. By the time I got out of the canyon I was feeling really done but knew I had to hang on for the last few miles. 2 miles to go and I didn't know how I was going to do it but I kept going. Held on the best I could and was so happy to see the finish line and everyone there to see me. It was so nice to be done. I made my BQ goal and got unexpectedly emotional. This was a tough race! And I will never wear Kinvaras for a marathon. I think that is one reason my calves got so tight. 1-7:46, 2-8:05, 3-7:48, 4-7:59, 5-8:02, 6-7:52, 7-8:03, 8-8:03, 9-7:59, 10-8:01, 11-8:05, 12-8:06, 13-8:07, 14-7:59, 15-8:07, 16-7:58, 17-8:03, 18-7:47, 19-7:54, 20-7:56, 21-7:52, 22-7:50, 23-7:49, 24-8:06, 25-8:12, 26-8:28, 3:13 for .39(8:22 pace) | 