Larry's Lament:     "Anybody that wants to learn what not to do just follow my lead. I have now earned the title "King of the Dumb-asses" until someone else does something stupider or I can redeem myself.  I had a few good long runs but I hadn't followed the proper 12-16 week schedule so I pondered the idea of B&A. Then a little voice in my head (I'll call it Carl) said, "Go for it! You can do it." So I signed up. Then a week before the race I caught the flu which drained all my energy. By midweek I started running again but my distances were short. I thought, "It's O.K. I'm supposed to be tapering anyway and besides I'll only run the half-marathon instead."
The forecast for the day was heavy rain in the morning with wind and showers in the afternoon but that wouldn't stop four raildawgs, that have already paid their entry fee, from running in the B&A Trail Marathon and Half Marathon.  Tom chauffeured Connie and myself while Dave met us there. On the way down Connie kept insisting she wanted to be known as a TrailWench, Trail-erTrash, or TrailDawggie.
     The only drawback with the start was the lack of restrooms. Only 10 stalls or portajohns for 1200 people. Luckily the lines weren't long but Connie and I were getting a little nervous when at 7:28 we were still in line. Isn't it amazing how fast one can go to the bathroom when under pressure? We ran to the back of the starting line just in time for the go signal. I didn't actually hear it but everyone started moving.
     I reached the half-marathon point at approx 1:53 and still felt pretty good so I decided to continue then turn around early for a total of about 20 miles. Then I can run a full marathon later this month. At mile 16 I started getting a little tired so I contemplated turning around but then I wonder which marathon I would do. Cape May? There could be strong headwinds. Washington? A 200 foot change in elevation at mile 21 plus the price gouging entry fee. Besides the weather here was nice. Mild temps and no winds I'll keep going until I decide what to do. Meanwhile I remember the little voice that told me to, "go for it!"
     Mile 18: I see Dave coming by in the other direction still looking strong and I decide I'll turnaround when I see Tom and run back with him. Mile 19: here comes Tom also looking strong. I decide that since the turnaround is just ahead I might as well keep going. I make the turnaround and start back. At mile 21 I really am feeling bad when I see two buzzards circling overhead. I was relieved when I realize they are just seagulls. By mile 22 I am calling the little voice in my head every swear word I could think up for convincing me to do this. At mile 23 I stopped at the post office for a change of address card. Carl what was your address again? I couldn't seem to remember it.  By mile 24 I knew under 4 hours had slipped away and I came across the line in 4:04+ where Dave, Tom, and Connie were waiting for me with a calendar."

Dave Does It Right:     "Well, did we luck out.  The forecast the previous day was for pouring rain and 20 to 30 mph winds from the South.  Apparently, the weather pattern cleared faster than predicted.  No rain at the start and only a light breeze from the West.  A light rain for the second half of the marathon.  Low 50s at the start, high humidity.  Could shed some clothes to lighten up.  Connie ran well in the half- 1:46 and change.  Tom said he did not feel focused and basically did a long run- 3:48 and change.  Larry had a tough day- 4:04 and change.
    I was very pleased with my result.  I was determined to run an negative split race and hopefully run a good time.  The plan worked with one minor hitch.  Starting out slightly off goal pace worked on this course because the only two hills are in the first 7 1/2 miles.  I went out at an average of 8:15 the first ten miles.  Then averaged under 8:00 for the next eleven, before slowing at about an 8:25 average the last five.  I missed a negative split only because I had to run off course for a couple minutes.  I won't say why, only that cotton gloves have another use besides keeping your hands warm.  I was particularly pleased that, although I was behind my Philly marathon time by almost four minutes at 15 miles, I beat that time by almost a minute at the end."

Tom Is Pretty?      "I ran B&A as an evenly paced and fun run.  My focus was not there - w/o Erin and Jill I had nobody to push me.  So, I ran steadily with almost even splits, @1:52 and @ 1:56.  The weather was perfect, coolish, gentle breeze, a little light rain and no hard sun.  (If the sun had come out - that would have been death due a sudden rocketing up of the humidity.)   I started slow, wanting to pace evenly and have the energy to finish well.  As the event went on, I got to the point, especially in the later miles, where I wanted to finish strong and pretty - none of this looking like death stuff.  I did.  I felt strong and finished that way, looking pretty.  This was definitely a marathon run from the inside.  No real hype to start it, a few spectators at the road crossings and a lonely second half after the 1/2 marathon people finished, taking 3/4 of the field with them. The second stretch was me with myself."