Congratulations to all the fast runners this weekend...Looks like Boston is going to be crowded with WTC'ers!

Recap from yesterday's Philly Marathon--perfect run conditions.  Temps started around 40 then rose to 50 a few hours later.  They combined the start of the marathon and 1/2 (new) which made for very congested conditions for first 10K+.  Would have been better had they split the runs, but oh well.  I followed CC's excellent advice from last year - grab on to the shirt of the 3:10 pacer and don't let him out of your sight.  Despite feeling really good at 1/2, I resisted the temptation and executed "tactical patience" and stayed by the 3:10 guy's side.  We held 7:15 +/- a few seconds the whole way.  Saw EdB after the turn-around at mile 20 and he looked GREAT.  Never saw the stealth Robbo...congrats to both guys on fantastic runs.  @ mile 23 water stop, the pacer gapped me and my calves started to quiver, so I decided to save the 3:10 barrier for another day and finish relaxed and running (passed lots of walkers who blew up).  When I saw Karen just before the finish, I high-5'd her and said, "We're going to Boston!"  It was a great moment in my life.  Thanks for all the kind words!  Happy Thanksgiving.  See you all next Saturday.  All the best, Stan

Awesome times at Philly...congrats

Stan,

      I looked for you at the 22 mile mark- were you wearing the team colors or a Lone Star running top. Like you I stayed right on the 320 mile pacer. Unfortunately he pulled up  at mile 16 and we were left to fend for ourselves. Congrag to you and Ed on great races.

WTC Boston Qualifiers- MA,CC,DH,RK,SK- am I missing anyone?? RI

You're missing your boy - KC !!!!  He's in too.

Minor update to Pete McArdle results: 

13th overall, 1st 40-44 AG in 59:16.  350 runners.

But the REAL fun is in the age graded results; I'm finally of an age when a so-so performance like this one (timewise) is meaningful when age graded (it translated to just over 55 min. in grading, though that was 14th place in the graded list).