I have never done a speed run before but I am embarking on it for GOW1 in order to get the platinum trophy.  I have been reading a little in other places and it seems Dairy bastard and poseidon's rage are the way to go and only fight when you have to.  I still have a few other questions?

• anyone who has done this have time checks so I can tell how I am doing?
• I also missed the level up all items the first time through, will I have to play a 3rd time or should I b able to get this during the speed run
• does restart from checkpoint count against you or does the timer reset (I know the damn spike room box puzzle is going to kill me again)
  

I was confused when I saw GOW, that makes me think of Gears of War rather than God of War.

I think it's only 5 hours right? Just play on easy and you don't even really need to rush. 
 
Also a tip for moving, roll, swing your blades, roll, swing your blades, and just keep doing that and you can basically keep rolling over and over and over.

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I was confused when I saw GOW, that makes me think of Gears of War rather than God of War.

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Try copying this guy.