Since I've started running marathons, my goal has always been to run sub 3:30. I've come close but just have never been able to run it.
I slept well the night before and felt pretty relaxed at the start. The start was super crowded and I figured the first few miles would be slow going, but I was actually already at goal race pace by mile 1. We ran by the Colts stadium, which was pretty neat and then worked our way to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. This area was really pretty, but it was still crowded and I ended up running on the outside of the circle instead of the tangent like I normally try to run.
I started looking for Jason after this, expecting him to be around mile 4, but I never saw him. I knew our friend, Benji, was supposed to be at mile 6 so I started looking for him after not seeing Jason. I like having people to look for, as it helps pass the time and gives me something to think about other than if I'm feeling good or not.
The 3:25 pacer was up ahead of me and I had decided to just keep him in view and not try to stay with him. I didn't want to run too hard too early and blow up. I figured if he was still in sight around mile 18 then I would try to catch up with him. I hit the half split in 1:42:32 (7:50 pace) and was feeling decent. I never felt great or horrible during Indy - just always felt okay. Around mile 14, I decided to go ahead and pass the 3:25 pacer
The race went through the Broad Ripple neighborhood, which was fully of pretty homes to look at - I often look at houses when I run, so I appreciate courses that have a lot of them! Miles 17-18 went through the Butler campus and Greek Row. Miles 19-20 went by the Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens and the Indy Museum of Art, which was a beautiful area - definitely my favorite part of the course. I was still feeling strong at the 20-mile mark so started to pick it up. I saw Benji and he ran some miles with me, which helped me to keep chugging along. I knew by then I was finally going to get my sub 3:30 - what a great feeling after years of hard work. I crossed the line in 3:22:01 - over a 9-minute PR just a few months after finishing up radiation!
