Thanks, Immer and Kat! Not sure, but I think maybe it was easier not thinking that I was running a marathon, just going for my long run. Sure was easier than running alone for four hours. Kevyn came out too, but she had a "new runner" friend who was running his first half-marathon and she did her good deed by getting him through it Apparently he is now "hooked," so she did a good job. Man, it was a HILLY course too. I kept about 9:15 pace the first 15 or so miles, than started slacking off. The last four were in the 12-13:00 range, trying to walk, but jogging now and then, like through intersections where the cops were holding traffic off for us. At any rate, I still don't feel like I just ran a marathon, I guess because of no build-up/anticipation. But I keep reminding myself I am now officially a multi-marathoner Which is pretty cool. I kept my mantra going, "This is NOT MY marathon," the whole way, so I wouldn't try to BQ Not that I could have.  It was a fun day.

Yes, MCM is going to be fun this year!  We can all run as a group!

Um, I figure I'll be so worn out for CMM, I'll come in about 5:30.  Oh, well, it will be fun regardless.

Yep, we skipped the awards ceremony in Austin last night and got home about 7:00 p.m.  I was pooped from the trip, but slept pretty good after a bowl of tortellini for dinner and just figured what the heck, I'll go run it.  Loved the race, actually, very small crowds, maybe 3-4,000 for the 5K/half/full altogether.  Once we split from the halfers about mile 4, it was total silence.  Just unbelievably beautiful run around White Rock Lake and through statuesque neighborhoods, billion-dollar houses, started and ended at the Cotton Bowl/Texas State Fairgrounds.  I truly enjoyed it.  Great training run.  Most of the race, there wasn't another runner with 20 or 30 feet from me.

And once again, the friendliest guy I talked to on the run was a Jarhead, circa 1972   When I told him I was a former Marine also, he gave me a big "BAM, BAM, thank you, ma'am"   Can always rely on the Marines.

Thanks, Jerry! I'm pretty sure you don't have anything to worry about at CMM. I did good for about 15, then started giving out. I can't imagine there's going to be much improvement in 2 weeks and 5 days. No way could I BQ at this point, sub-4:00. But eventually, I have no doubt...

Wish they would post our scores! I looked at the times from last year's marathon and the second place winner came in at 5:27!!! Hopefully the same runners ran this year I'm not sure why I don't feel like I ran a marathon this morning. I just feel sore like a long run, like I'll be okay. I guess time will tell. I'm not complaining! Not really sure what I'm supposed to do for recovery now, except I read to walk for an hour tomorrow.

I can't wait for CMM!!! And MCM!!! It's going to be fun!

EDIT:  I GOT THIRD PLACE IN MY DIVISION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Even walking four miles!!!  I was only four minutes behind the second place winner!  (Of course there were only 13 in the division, but still...)  I'm so excited!  Wonder if I get a t-shirt or something!!??