my friend was only with me for a few seconds at a time and I was literally on my own by a mile. had anyone else been anywhere near close he would have stayed away completely. he's a runner himself so knows the etiquette. to be honest until you mentioned it i hadn't seen it as an unfair advantage. guess it makes my performance even more disappointing!

I actually had a friend jump into vegas for Mile 2.5 - 4.5 and run alongside me. We never touched base before the trip and that was the one time that he new where to find me. We chatted the whole 2 miles. If anything it actually cost time as it takes more energy to run and talk than just to run.

Its funny I have seen people jump in and pace people in medium sized marathons - Grandmas and Twin Cities and it never bothered me. It actually hurt the poeple, becuase it was between 12-15 miles and they ran to hard the next 6-7 miles and died an aweful death.

I do feel that you have to be careful if you are in competition for placing high or money. Although what was described didn't sound like an advantage was gained.

thanks Andy, yes hopefully if i can have a good 2007 I'll be back for another stab at the marathon in 2008, this time with more miles under my belt!