...with not having it be your best run. Good for you for giving it your all. Did you have a good time in Denver?

Hey, that’s a whole 58 minutes faster than my marathon this year, and I basically walked the same duration that you did. (Okay so I hobbled on my blistered foot.) I’m glad you stuck in and finished because that’s the important part, not the time.

First of all, you did not blow it. You finished and you did a great job! Attitude is everything in marathon running and if you don’t train your mind to stay positive and divert the pain it will be more difficult. It is such a difficult distance, the marathon. But you did it! With hills and with pain. You should be really proud and stay positive for your next marathon. Something to try next time might be to take the first 2-3 miles slower (like add 1 or 2 minutes to your average mile time) and then speed up 10 seconds per mile to get to the 4 hour pace group. When you catch them at mile 8 or 9 stay with them or keep them in your sights. Sounds like you ran a great race and you stayed strong and finished. Also there is work you can do with your training like tempo runs, 800m or mile repeats on the track and of course your weekend long runs need to be consistent and smart. I recommend joining a running group and finding a group of runners who are about your pace and train with them for at least 6 months before you try your goal again. Remember, you can do anything you want, you just have to stay positive. Congrats on a great marathon. Good luck getting your mind and body ready for the next one!!!