Had an amazing race on this flat double-loop course in our hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. Watched Phil McCarthy (my best friend & HS classmate) run to 25th place on the course. Was aiming for BQ. Held that pace for 8 miles or so before slowing down due to humidity. First half is very congested around 4-5 miles or so, clears up with a nice wide downhill at 5 miles, turns back towards downtown at 10k. Around 1/2 marathon mark, you're back at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Decision time. Although I felt slightly exhausted at that point, I was happy with my splits so I elected to proceed. The back half loop goes from Memorial Stadium east to Holmes Lake, where there is a slight hill near 20. Had a great 20 mile split. But couldn't hold the pace. Added some walk breaks. Not much shade in the last half so prepare for that (you especially bake in the sun on Normal Boulevard in particular). Love the finish back around Memorial Stadium, you finish at the 50-yard line inside Memorial Stadium and can see your image on the big HuskerVision screen. Love the flat, fast course. Will be easier to BQ on this course than many. Heat/humidity can be an issue. So can rain. Not this year, though. So although the BQ eluded me this year, I was thrilled to run faster than my fastest full marathon since 2004 NYC Marathon in 4:19. Enjoyable race, fun to just run the 1/2 some years but if you're feeling good, go for the gusto. Run the whole enchilada! You'll be glad you did. Rock on! By the way, I'm the one on the right in the photo. My friend Phil medaled for our age group. He's an elite ultramarathoner (just won the Beast of Burden 100-miler in 15:27!).