Ran a near perfect race from start to finish, and although it was maybe 10 degrees cooler than ideal, this was a decent course under decent conditions. Pacing was very consistent and my strategy for hydration, gel and salt intake worked out as well as I could have expected. Took a hit of base salt at the halfway point and I believe 2 other times in the second half. Used 3 gels, one in the 16th mile, one near the north most turnaround in the 20th mile, and one more in the 23rd mile before the PENNDOT “maze”. Kept telling myself to “run the mile that I’m in” during the later stages and held my pace for the most part. The 8+ minute miles were in the maze with the poor footing. The water stops were unevenly distributed. I compensated for it by grabbing the 8 oz bottles and carrying them for a mile or so. I felt my right hamstring tighten up in the second half, but it kind of went away during the long straight stretches along the river. The only cramping I felt otherwise was my left calf heading downhill at the very end off the bridge. But I kept running the last bit and nothing came of it. Slept very well last night which helped. Whatever cough and sniffles I had this week didn’t effect me today. My banana and 1 blueberry bagel with peanut butter worked very well. Plenty of porta potties so I got everything out of me in perfect timing. Oh and the start was delayed 10 minutes, but I didn’t let it bother me and had a good start. I admit I forgot how much these hurt in the late stages! I’m convinced the strength training helped immensely. And I believe I nailed my taper, though I felt a bit sluggish in the early going. And although there were parts of the course I didn’t enjoy, it is a pretty fast course and the Susquehanna is beautiful! Much better than paddling it in NY 😂. 7:20 under the BQ qualifying standard for Boston 2025, so hopefully I punched my ticket to Hopkinton!