I've been averaging 40-60 miles for the past few months and will be running the L.A. marathon on Sunday. I raced one marathon about 15 years ago, went out WAY too fast the first 19 and died a terrible death. My goal is to have a solid race and not make the same mistake. Here are some indicators since August: 15:40 3 mile, finished a 10x800m @ 5k workout with a 4:44 mile on the road, tempoed 13.1 @ 5:51 pace (three weeks ago) and ran 22 miles at 6:53 pace (10 days ago). It's supposed to be 90 degrees on Sunday and the course has a net downhill of a few hundred feet. I'm planning on going out at 6:30 and if I feel good the last 4-5 miles pick it up a bit. What are your thoughts?