After a three-week break from running in late November/December I wasn't anywhere near "marathon ready" for the Mississippi Blues Marathon on January 8, but I wanted to support the local event and I knew I needed to force myself to do a 20+ mile run if I was going to be ready for the Mississippi 50 on March 5, so I showed up at the start line intent on running slow and easy and just finishing. Funnily enough, it was the best I've ever felt running a marathon. I never hit "the wall" and I still had lots left at the end. So, in taking it really easy I think I learned a lot about marathon strategy. START SLOW.
Anyway, I ran a 4:03 which isn't a PR, but I was happy with it all things considered. But the best part is this picture (click on link below). This is the best marathon picture I've ever had. I'm proud of it. THIS is what you're supposed to look like at the end of a marathon. This picture was taken in the last mile when I was trying to keep my time as close to the 4-hour mark as possible.
