Post race bananas are maybe the single greatest thing in the world. There were some really inspiring moments during the race, such as the blind runner being guided by his coach, or the marathoners with their baby strollers, or the 60 year old guy who ran at attention for a full mile as he passed a section of American flags. The atmosphere is amazing, you're spot-on about that. It's going to be a gradual thing, hopefully hit 8:20 miles, then 8:10, then 8:00. Do you have any races coming up?
I'm doing a charity 5k on Saturday. I'm planning my day to go run another six or so miles afterward to get my miles for the day. My next big run is August, a half marathon. I did the same run last year and struggled with the humidity. But I also finished that run feeling like I could do a full marathon if I just continued ramping up my training. I'm doing a full in November, so I figure the August run is a good benchmark along the path to the full. It's the only full I'm signed up for, but I already signed up for two more halfs next year. When's your next race?