Run fast

Sorry about the tough day, Fritz. The marathon is screwy like that. If nothing else, it's a testament to your progress over the years that a 2:31 can be a disaster. Looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings for you....hopefully you've repented!

Man I was watching your spits so I knew things must have went bad. So sorry these race experiences stink. Run on.... and remember Jesus saves:)

Sorry about the end. I was watching you guys on the live feed and started to worry in the last 10 min's. I knew things might be getting tough.

Your still a rock. Fritz 100 - bad races 1

Sorry Fritz. EVERYBODY gets humbled by the marathon. That's what makes in so great.

I like the negative split mile 25/26 :). As always, tough as nails and totally inspiring. Your "bonked extremely hard" is faster than my PR :). Big things ahead for you! Recover well.

Still Zero DNF's. Pretty impressive, Sorry it was a bad day, back to the stair master approach :)

Sorry about the tough finish, the marathon beast got you on this one. Stay strong and bounce back for your next challenge.

Flawless execution through 17 miles. You must be satisfied sticking with the plan so well. Temperature affects us all in different ways and I think that before and during the race, you were using a lot of energy to stay warm.

2013 is in the books and though it was a trying year, you're coming out if it healthy (and knowing better how to stay healthy) and stronger than ever. Jesus saves, I repent, amen.

Hold your head up high Fritz. It's been a good year for you coming back from an injury and you have a lot to be proud of.

These races happen and it kind of stinks that it had to happen for you when you were so well prepared. But there is always something to be gained and the training that you did will definitely be an advantage for you in 2014.

Sorry it was a rough race, Fritz. I agree with Rob: still Zero DNF's. That's one of the most impressive stats on your blog. Nothing others say for awhile will provide any comfort, but just realize your fitness is phenomenal and is still there. It doesn't just go away. Rest up, and then keep building. 2014 will be special for you.

Sorry things didn't turn out as you hoped, but you are still my hero. Only good things to come.

Thanks everyone. I have appreciated your support this entire training cycle.

I think my expression in the photo is more related to confusion than disappointment. :) I know that nothing can take away the training we did which will only make me a better runner in the future. And despite running lots of marathons in the past I still seem to learn new things every time, i.e. don't drop a GU at mile 14, wear a parka when temps are below 30 and caring more about getting to the finish line than being passed by 25 people is quite humbling.

I knew it had been a rough finish when you couldn't twist open a water bottle 15 minutes after the race was over and an old lady had to do it for you. Although I'm not one to talk, as I needed someone to open my bag for me :-)

I feel bad for you... you were looking really strong in the first half. I guess these kinds of things happen in long races, even to someone as consistent as you are. Its confusing but I wouldn't over-analyze it. Move forward.

Maybe next time we need to have a target 25 mile split instead of 13.1? That way we'll stick together longer and not as much can go wrong afterwards.

I was following your splits on Facebook and knew that you were in the hurt locker at mile 20. My heart went out to you--I've been there. Thanks for the honest report and for continuing to be one of the classiest runners on the planet.

The tough races make the good races even more enjoyable.

I know the feeling, hard training, in great shape, and then....the marathon slaps you. still, a 2:31 with a bonk?? Incredible. Way to gut it out and keep the DNF bear away. Big hugs from Kansas!!

"nothing can take away the training we did which will only make me a better runner in the future." truth.

hopefully we can get some WRC parkas by the SLCTC 5k. blue, orange, fur.

You don't have many bad races Fritz. It will be cool to see you bounce back, dropping 10 minutes off this one.

Fritz:

I remember the day when this would have been your PR. Marathon are nasty beats - I got served a piece of humility in them my fair share of times - most recently a few weeks ago. This outcome may actually be a good sign - the speed (oxygen power, muscle strength, neural drive) got to the point where you actually have the ability to seriously challenge your fuel stores. It might be a matter of time before the fuel store catch up to support that.

Yes, and I just noticed the repentance sign in the background. Whoever put it up must know something about marathons. The last few miles of a hard marathon have the magic of making you want to repent of your sins, at least that is how it is for me.