The Pensacola Marathon had a lot of things going against it on February 19.  First, the weather turned cold, I mean really cold compared to the weather in the weeks leading up to the run.  At start time it was 39 degrees with a constant 13 mph North wind that put the wind chill at 36 degrees.  The significance is that the first seven miles ran along the bay straight into the wind.  How often do you see Steve race in a long sleeve shirt?  Counting Pensacola Marathon, that would be one time.  Sure, I might start out with an old sweat shirt on top, but soon strip down to a short sleeve singlet.  Well at Pensacola, I topped a long sleeve shirt with a wind breaker and did not discard the wind breaker until mile 17.  Then, it was still not above mid-forty degrees.  At least Saturday's rain broke and we stayed dry.
 
My second complaint is the hills.  This is billed as a flat course, but forget that!  The first fifteen miles saw us doing long pulls on quite a few hills and a bridge overpass.  The terrain on the last nine miles was flat, so someone marked a course that cruelly put us climbing long overpasses at miles 19 and 23.  Third strike was the scenery.  I don't need to see any more industrial and commercial fenced yards of scrap junk.  Particularly while running on long stretches of concrete pavement. 
 
However, all the negatives are easily erased when you run well.  I held an even pace, an even effort on the hills, and finished the last few miles faster than those at the beginning.  From mile 18 to the finish, only one person passed me!  (Dawn, I learned the power of this "get the next guy" strategy from your last marathon.)  Thus, I set a PR of 3:47:25.
 
Promoters were pleased with the turnout.  Over 300 people entered the marathon with another 400 in the half marathon.  Saturday's spaghetti dinner was delicious, but held outside, under a tent that made you really appreciate the hot food.  Sunday's post race meal was again catered by a Cajun restaurant and the food was good.  (Keith, they did NOT have any of your beverage of choice.)  I did not see Dana at any of the pre or post run events.  However, I saw her posted time and she also beat her goal.  Next time you see Dana, congratulate her on another great effort.  Her progress is exponential!
 
One final note, I want to thank the Pine Belt Pacers for their support and well wishes.  The President called me with encouragement before the race, and I got the nicest card from Dawn predicting positive results.  These verbal expressions coupled with all the weekend long runs over the last two months made the difference.  Again, thanks to the club.
 
©Steve Ulery     See Results.
 

188  1058 Dana Christensen             31 F    1:56:59.00

 68   267 Steve Ulery                  57 M    3:47:25.15