The slight chill in the air, calm breeze, and a cloudless morning all set the stage for the perfect race day. The energy was surging from the starting line as I made my way to coral #9. I had trained.  I was mentally focused. My race goal of a 4:02:31 (9:15 pace) marathon was set. The horn blared marking the start of the race.  I cautiously started to run, not wanting to start out too fast.  My first mile was sub 9:00. And my second. And my third. I felt amazing. Maybe it was