This ended up being a pretty difficult race for me. It was 31 degree at start time and a strong headwind for about 40% of the run. I wasn't properly geared up, and didn't have gloves or a beanie. My hands and legs were very cold at the end. I ran a sub 3:00 marathon until mile 18 where I quickly broke down after a particularly long hill and heavy wind area and was passed by the 3:00, 3:10 and 3:15 pace groups in the last 8 miles. I took a GU gel at mile 15 and I think that helped fuel the crash. Gu is not good IMO. Loaded with artificial junk and processed sugar. Hammer Gel is much better and didn't cause a crash for me. Either way, I think I should have waited till mile 18 or 20 to take the gel. Also, they only had gatorade for the race, another poor product. I think if I had been drinking heed, or a better sports drink, I would have been in better shape. But what really got to me was the cold. Either way, 3:15 is not a bad time, even though I was hoping to get a PR. It's possible my training hasn't been as strong as it was leading up to the first marathon, but I think it was. I had also been doing a lot of hills and had a lot of endurance with them. I should have gotten a few 20+ milers in though.
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