First off, let me just say I had my PR on this on at 4:24!  I had taken what I had learned about electrolytes as well as engaging my core from PT for my hamstring and what a difference.

That being said, these conditions for the race couldn't have been worse.  It started off at 40 degrees and raining with a gusting wind.  The wind never quit the whole day, but the temp dropped and the rain became hail for about an hour, then sleet, then ploppy snow.

Take away lesson here was gloves can always be taken off....but if you don't have them you will suffer.  And I did suffer.  My hands had gotten so numb at one point that I couldn't even hold the cup of water at the water station with one hand.  I kept moving my fingers and rolling my wrists but it was very out of body feeling...like I had no feeling in them, but they kept moving so I knew I was somewhat ok.  If they stopped moving, then I would seek help...but since they kept moving I figured I wasn't doing permanent damage.  I was right, but it was the worst part of the experience.

The PT work I had been doing was to address a irritated hamstring and it has really changed how I run.  I've been working on strengthening my core (gut and butt) and not only has it really improved my posture both standing and sitting, but my running too.  I have a lot more power and stability and running feels less of an effort, though that was not the case at first.

When I was first running with my glutes engaged and relaxing my hip flexors, it felt like I was trying to run while holding a pencil between my butt cheeks.  It was exhausting, but after a few weeks, it feelt powerful and almost natural (not really yet, but getting there).  This past race I ran with glutes engaged for just about the entire run.  Hills were much easier (both up and down) and so far my hamstring is quiet (let's hope it doesn't read this).

Looking forward to marathon 7, Sukkot, in Burlington in 2 months.  That will mark the anniversary of my first marathon and I will be curious to see how it compares.  I will certainly be much more prepared for the weather.