2011 KeyBank Vermont City Marathon

I LOVE this marathon! My running is not up to speed yet after all the problems I have had in the past year but it felt great running here again for my sixth time. My family is making big plans to run the 2-person and 5-person relays and the marathon next year. I hope the lottery works in our favor.
Some thoughts on the marathon:
I started at about 8:30/mi. but kept going faster and I tried to slow some. I got my picture taken with my Marathon Manics peeps several times which was cool. I got to cheer for several in the out and back portion from 4-9 miles. Unfortunately, I was just in front of the 3:45 pace group and I think I lost some energy there which I didn't make up. I did go faster to get away from them and it cost more energy. But it happens and I did not let it spoil my run. I started with a Vibram runner in front of me at the start and I passed him at mile 17. I also passed a bare foot runner between 17-18. I drank a lot and by the end 17+ I drank both Gatorade and water almost every station. I joked with the runners and spectators on the 4+ mile bike path. I did go slower but I did feel strong and my legs don't really hurt much today. The HUMIDITY was just too much for me.
My results:
591/2405 top 25%
15/94 M5559 top 15%
3:50:19 net time
Over the final 6 miles I passed 61 runners and 17 passed me.
This was the first time I can remember a breeze at times helping to cool us. It was wonderful.
I look forward to running again next year.

A Lot has Happened Since May 1

First, Mom Smith died. Even though I knew it was coming it was a shock. I didn't really have anyone to share my feelings with; my wife and best friend, needed her family who were all here at home. It is strange not to see Mom next door anymore; I still expect to see her coming out of her house to tie up her dog.
I work 2 jobs and I am a little tired. My body seems to be revolting at times from all the running I want to do.
Since May 1 I have run a 10.5 and a 10.0 outside and my left ankle feels worse than my nerve problem in my right leg. I have no idea how I will do in Vermont; I hope to run better than Boston. # of us at Fleet Feet are running in Vermont; Steph, Liz and myself. I hope we all have great runs and finish strong!

Busy Times

First, my wife's mom had a massive stroke and is not going to recover. So it is a sad time for the family. Anne always treated me like a son, she was a great mother-in law and I always felt lucky like I had 2 moms.
My running is coming back slow, I was able to run 4Xs last week for 22 miles and I ran 10.3 miles today in 1:27:22, 8:29/mi. My right leg has hurt some but no stabbing pain just a dull pain around the right knee. I do not have my speed back but I only ran inside on the treadmill one time last week (6.7 miles) so I do feel good about that and I think more outside runs will help my speed in Vermont.