The beautiful course for this marathon starts at Trailside Elementary and makes a loop around the business park before coming back to the school and through Mountain Ranch Estates. It then heads up Old Ranch Road and along 224 crossing under at the white barn. There's a bit of a hill up Three Kings and Empire Avenue before dropping down and across the Town Bridge. From there you take the Rail Trail back to Promontory and finish where you started.
(Crossing Town Bridge, waving to Mom & Dad.)
I was lucky enough to have my parents join me as spectators. They provided much encouragement and most of the pictures you see. It was nice to have them out.
(Along the Rail Trail.)
As it was my first marathon in 15 years and only my second marathon ever, my primary goal was to finish. I figured if I could run ten-minute miles, I'd be happy. And if I broke 4 hours, I'd be quite pleased. Things were going well the first 18 miles and I was averaging about 9 minutes a mile. But the last 8, especially the last 6 kicked my butt. I made it to the finish and did so in 4:16, so I was happy. But there's room for improvement next year!
(The finish.)
For more on the race and to see race photos and results, click http://www.pcmarathon.com/
'til later,
- Jeff
