Marathon #48 (state #35): Mississippi Blues Marathon, Jackson, MS

3:55 finish, 160/827 place overall.  Late arriving flight plus three hour drive from New Orleans meant only three hours of sleep the night before. This is less than my previous "record" of fours hours the night before Charlottesville in 2011, and that was a PR at the time. Once again, ironically, sleep deprivation and strong performance went together. No PR this time, but best since July 2012, and this in spite of a somewhat hilly course. Great friendly support from spectators and volunteers throughout the race with a nice finish in downtown Jackson.

Garmin map and performance details

Marathon #47 (state #34): Rocket City Marathon, Huntsville, AL

3:57 finish, 457/1346 place overall. Wouldn't ask for anything more from a marathon in Alabama. The area is hilly, but course is routed to avoid the hills and keep it pretty flat. Enthusiastic and friendly local support, combined with nearly perfect running weather, made for a great day. Best time since PR in July 2012.

Garmin map and performance details

Marathon #46 (state #33): Route 66 Marathon, Tulsa, OK

4:06 finish, 457/2021 place overall. Easily the coldest marathon I've run so far - first time below freezing and first marathon wearing long pants, hat, and gloves. Unusual for OK in November, but it motivated me to go out fast in an effort to warm up. Ended up being too fast, and despite having a sub-four pace going at mile 20, I crashed and burned for the last six miles. Course was hillier than many would expect for OK, but I attribute the slowdown more to running too fast too early. One minute improvement over NYC earlier in the month, but nothing to brag about.

Garmin map and performance details

Marathon #45: New York City Marathon, NY

4:07 finish, 18809/50062 place overall. Far from my best day, and 10 minutes off best NYC time. Weather was good - nice and cool - and training was sufficient as usual - but just felt sluggish in later miles and couldn't push the pace enough to have a shot at four. Much more crowded than ever this year - record numbers for NYC - making it hard to get into a steady groove until Manhattan. Once it opened up a little, I had very little left and slogged my way to a mediocre finish.

Garmin map and performance details

Marathon #44 (state #32): Twin Cities Marathon, MN

3:57 finish, 3010/8847 place overall. Twin Cities, along with Chicago, could be considered the Midwest's version of the NYC Marathon. Consistent enthusiastic crowd support for the entire course from Minneapolis to St. Paul. Pleasant fall scenery and great running weather (cool with clouds and a little light rain) made for a great day. Best finish time since PR in July 2012.

Garmin map and performance details