Marathon #13 (state #4): Philadelphia Marathon, PA

4:04 finish, 4175/8917 place overall. Reluctant to register for this because it was only two weeks after NYC (never had less than ten-week gap before), but was talked into it. Did not really feel effects of quick turnaround until 18-20ish, but after that it was a slow and painful jog. Nice course, running past many Philly landmarks; well-organized and supported. With perfect, cool temperatures and a relatively flat course, finish time was only six minutes slower than NYC despite the short layoff. Proved that my body could handle more frequent marathons without major detrimental effect, albeit two weeks is TOO short. I credit this experience with "planting the seed" in my mind for joining Maniacs and going for the states.

Race map and details

Marathon #12: New York City Marathon, NY

3:58 finish, 14157/44829 place overall. Great day - chilly wait in Staten Island made for perfect running weather. Typically amazing NYC crowd support.  Best NYC time to date - first time under four on that course.

Race map and details

Marathon #11 (new course): Lake Placid Marathon, NY

4:02 finish, 135/376 place overall. Nice rolling course in the Adirondacks on mostly 2-lane highways; hilly but not too severe considering the location. Mild weather, not too warm for June. Fair support for a rural location. Almost broke four hours but major uphill during the last mile got me.

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Marathon #10 (added DC for second round): National Marathon, Washington, DC

3:59 finish, 976/2325 place overall. Same scenic and relatively flat course as National Marathon last year; sunny with unseasonably warm temperatures, but not enough to greatly hamper performance. Steady and relatively fast pace, first time under four hours since May 2007.

Race map and details