Shooting for 3:15 or better (7:26 pace). Did 20 miles in 2:27 (7:22 pace and felt strong) a few weeks ago, then have been tapering. Have done 1500+ miles since 2/6 and have averaged 50-55 mpw, with a peak of 64 and a few days of doubling.
Weather should be cooler by 10/17; they are expecting a high of 70 and a low of 53 both 10/16 and 10/17, so even if it's 55-60 at the start it beats Chicago. No issues there (On a related note, I hope all those who run Chicago do well despite the weather).
How slow should I start? The race starts on a narrow street near an underpass and people are penned in before it filters out by the Statehouse and a left turn onto Broad. When I ran my 3:24 in 2019 the first mile was an 8:39. LOL!
Obviously I don't want to go out too fast but I don't want to go out too slow either. My plan is to start at 7:45-7:40 pace and work my way down. Hit 20 in 2:30 or better and finish strong. 10-10-10k, as everyone says. The first few miles are kinda tricky until I settle into my goal pace.
There are no pacers this year, but I'm not complaining at all because I'm just so happy to have a marathon in-person this year. (They're having the Expo but I'm going to just get my bib/gear and get out).