Run a marathon in under 3 hours

Next July will be my fourth marathon and I am going to crack 3 hours

I will be running my first Marathon in San Francisco 8/3/8. Sub 3 hour marathon may be a pipe dream but oh what a pipe dream! Last I heard it runs through the Haight Ashbury – How appropriate…..

Silicon Valley Marathon ‘06 was 3:15:42 which required much training, following a 3:10 pacer for the first 15 miles, and then slowing to ~7:30 min. miles for about four miles, then straining on with 8 minute miles for the last 6 or so miles. Took water at every stop, and had someone verbally pushing me for the last 6. It was great but made me wonder what else is possible? Maybe sub-3?

When I run I forget the whole world…sound familiar? Like being in love? Well it is an amazing experience & fills one with electric impulses shooting down the arms in a warm embracing fashion.
Forget drugs! I believe in natural highs & know this…when you really get into running…I mean when you’ve been doing it for a while & YOU TOO get that warm charge you will understand.

The affects last longer that toxins (chemical highs) & will probably extend your life-span.

Live long & prosper.

If you have been inspired by this please let me know.

Any advice on running a marathon in under 3 hrs would be well accepted

I’m running the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Phoenix on January 14th…a few people have said they think I can break 3 in it, but I’ll be happy if I break 3:10 (BQ). I’ll try to run the first 20 at 7:00/mi pace, and if I feel up for it, run the last 10k under 40.

Lance Armstrong did this yesterday in NYC, and I figure everything Lance can do, I can—wait, that’s probably not true. At any rate, I do believe I can crack 3 hours, although I probably won’t attempt it until fall ‘07.

After training by concentrating on style and efficiency, as well as in endurance, ran the Vancouver Marathon in 2:57:49. Felt great the whole time, I ran from home to the start, and walked back home afterwards (3 miles each way).

So far my athletic achievements amount to the London marathon and Ironman UK. Having done an Ironman triathlon last year it’s hard to find something that will top that. However I think attempting a sub 3 hour marathon is going to be a good challenge, especially considering my London marathon time was about 4 hr 30 min!

I ran 2:59:17 in the 2004 Chicago Marathon, barely breaking 3 hours. I hope to do a little better this year.