IN my first marathon I was planninf a 3:40 as it happens. The 3:40 group went through the first 3 miles in 3:20 pace.
I passed them around mile 16 and finished in 3:38. Saw the group leader sprinting in behind me with none of his entourage in tow.
Pace groups are only as good as the person leading them. If your group goes out too fast let them go, they will come back.
Matt, good job breaking your goal time in your first marathon. I’m guessing not many people do that, so you must have paced well.
Hubris is a dangerous thing if you’re a marathoner. My next marathon was a text book disaster.
Good luck this weekend, your strategy is a sensible one. Remember, plan your race and RACE YOUR PLAN. … do not start thinking about changing that race plan until you have gone through 20 miles. If at 20 miles you are feeling strong ONLY THEN should you consider picking it up a little, NOT BEFORE. Lots of people feel great at 15, 17 or 19 miles but are walking by 22.