Rain was drizzling all day long but the temperature stayed in mid 40's. The course was flat out-and-back route along Cedar River Trail. Going to turn-around was gradual downhill and coming back was of course gradual uphill, but I could not feel the difference when I ran.
Approximately 120 runners including 50K runners and marathoners were at the start line. I heard a little more than a half were marathoners.
I tried to keep my pace at 8:00/mi. About 5~6 runners happened to be in a group at that pace for the first 6~7 miles. I still felt pretty well as I reached the major turn-around at Mile 13.7. Then there were a lot of hand-wavings and smiles with oncoming runners, so I could know who were behind and how far they were.
After passing water-only self-aid station at Mile 16, legs were getting heavier and my pace was getting a little slower but still at around 8:30/mi. However, I noticed that a small plastic bag with an energy bar and a couple of energy gels slipped away from my pocket.
When I reached the last aid station at Mile 21.5, I needed to replenish myself with some food. There were plenty of choices. Especially I loved the hot chicken noodle soup. In fact, it was the first time that I ate hot soup during marathon run. I was so relaxed and happened to spend about 5 minutes there. After grabbing a few more cookies, I left the last aid station to run just 5 more miles.
I ran 1~2 more miles afterward, Then, I noticed I was running very slowly for some reason. No one was visible in front of me and no one was behind. I just kept that slow pace and enjoyed the gravel trail and the river alongside for the rest of the run finishing my 17th race in 2009.
Finish time: 3 hours 44 minutes 22 seconds. (5th overall in marathon)
It was 8 minutes too late for PR but still my 2nd fastest marathon time.
