I came into this marathon wondering what would happen. I felt less prepared then ever before, and knew I was carrying 30 lbs more then I wanted. My 21 mile training run 3 weeks before had been a complete disaster. I was completely fatigued and walking by mile 17. So I had no hopes of a decent marathon last Sunday and really thought it might be the first marathon I would DNF on.Two weeks before the marathon I stuck to a very clean diet and dropped about 12 pounds which ended up making a big difference. My goal was to finish, and if possible keep it under the 5 hour mark. The weather was ideal at the start and I was feeling pretty good. I lined up well behind the 5 hour pace group sign. My hope was to go out the first 10miles at a slow 12 minute jog, then pick it up to 10 minute miles for miles 11 to around 18  and finish up from there at 11 minute miles. I ended up passing the 5 hour pace group somewhere around mile 7 which meant I was going around 11:15 pace per mile. My goal at that point became to keep them behind me. I was feeling really good thru mile 18. Some where around 18 I faded a little but got a resurgence around mile 21. I was worried I would loose my pace at the Dean Keaton hill and the hopes of breaking 5 hours and holding off the pace group would be dashed. I was able to maintain a slow jog for the whole of the marathon only walking briefly at water stops. i was happy to jog up the 24 mile hill while others were walking. My strategy of going out the first few miles at 12 minute pace was paying off.Somewhere right before mile 25 I heard a spectator say here comes the 5 hour pace group. I knew then they were getting close and I didn’t want to let them catch me. Because, if they did I feared it would mentally just shut me down . So I did my best to pick up the pace and my legs actually responded. I held the pace group off and came in at 4:54. I hadn’t expected much given my fitness level so to keep it at barely over an 11 minute mile was acceptable this time out. I will have much higher expectations come May. I will continue to drop pounds and shoot for a 4:30 or better next time up.

Had a good time in prayer this morning. Was praying about lack of focus and seeking a word of affirmation on exactly where God wants me to go. One thing is clear I am called to spread the gospel thru running. It is simply a matter of what that looks like in action. Had a decent 5 mile run yesterday.Only 5 days until marathon # whatever. I think it is somewhere in the 40’s.

The rain started last night. It rained most of night and still raining this morning.What a beautiful sound. This will help!

A really windy day today.Dust around the trail was wicked.Allegeries are also making it hard to breath. I sure pray it rains big time really soon.Aside from that I got in 4 miles today in 38 minutes. I can’t believe the marathon is only one week away… so not ready.Had a good time training the group from the Salvation Army today.Will work extra hard this week to eat and hydrate well for Sunday.

Yesterday was a good day. Still don’t think I’m ready for Sunday the 15th, but will plod on.My target for a good marathon is now May 3rd.Have lost 9 lbs so that will help some on Sunday. Will try to loose 35 more by May to get to 165.The 5 mile run today clicked by pretty good. Had a good training session with the DLI group as they get ready for the 10k. A great group.