10.1 miles: Through Natick
The crossing of Routes 135 and 27 in Natick Center is a critical juncture, for one's condition at 10 miles often tells
the tale of the day. To run well, the marathoner must feel fresh here. If
I've run 10 miles in less than 59 minutes, a warning bell sounds and I slow
down -- not an easy thing to do on a flat road built for speed in front of a
boisterous, cheering crowd.