I am probably the last person that people expected to do a Mario speedrun, since I generally prefer to take games that are slightly less popular. However, I've had this game for a whopping 12 years, so I felt it was only natural that I attempt to speedrun it myself. For a while, I had to practice on a Game Boy, since I didn't own a Game Boy Player. Once I finally got the Game Boy Player (referred to hereafter as GBP), this took about two days to finish up - it would have taken less time, but I insisted on a no-death run, as I figured that would be one of a few ways I could really impress people with this game. Precisely, the successful run was the second attempt on the day after I got the GBP - as you might notice, I was hardly able to wait. By the way, I am what seems to be one of just a few people that can actually tolerate using the Gamecube controller for Game Boy games, despite having to hold it oddly so I wouldn't hit the L button (which would stretch the screen, making the run look just plain ugly).

This run was done with very little outside help. However, I would like to thank blaat - an emulator-based run (which was not a TAS, actually) that he did helped me with some strategies.

Rather than go level-by-level on the comments, I'll be a bit more generic about stuff this time. My general strategy is to have Fire power for the bosses and Bunny power (why haven't I seen Bunny power in any other Mario game?) for the stages. Fire obliterates most bosses, while Bunny power often makes stages at least 5 times easier. I try to do some impressive jump tricks whenever the opportunity presents itself, in order to keep any viewers entertained. I do take damage quite a bit - not all of it is intentional, but since you're invincible for about three or four seconds after taking a hit, there is intentional damage in several spots. Lastly, if you're observant, you'll notice I fall very little with Bunny power in some spots. Well, if you mash the A button fast enough, you can go without falling at all. Sadly, I can only keep this up for so long before my thumb decides to stop working that fast. Also, you don't lose speed if you let go of the B button in midair until you land (by the same token, if you jump going slow, you can't speed up until you've landed).

Okay, okay, I'll discuss a few specific areas:
-Pumpkin Zone 2: For some reason, I always had trouble with the first half of this level. However, I've never entered the stage with Fire power before, and it made the stage exponentially easier.
-Pumpkin Zone 4: I'm used to having Bunny power here in the second half of the level, but since I had Fire already I thought I didn't need Bunny power. I guess I should have gotten it, huh?
-Witch Boss: I don't actually use Fire power here because she'll immediately disappear after taking ANY sort of damage, which means Fire would just make the fight longer.
-Macro Zone 1: For speed purposes it is critical that you start this level with Big, Fire, or Bunny power - Fire is the fastest but either of the others will work as well. Starting small will kill a run, because the Fire power won't appear where I get it - there will be a Mushroom instead - and you NEED Fire power to take the shortcut I use.
-Macro Zone Secret: I'm convinced that despite the fact this level is autoscrolling, it is faster than Macro Zone 2 & 3 combined (which is your only other alternative). Plus, this level allows me to calm down and prepare for the next stretch.
-Macro Zone 4: I got hit way more than I wanted, and wound up not having the Fire power I needed for the boss. Damn wall spikes.
-Mouse Boss: Considering I didn't manage to keep Fire, this is an excellent fight. It is possible to take him out on his first pass, but only with Fire power. Maybe 5 seconds lost at most.
-Space Zone: You can't run in space, but despite this, I'd say the zone went well.
-Tree Zone 1: Witness one of my suckiest Tree Zone 1 performances EVER. At least I lived. That's all I want to say.
-Tree Zone 3: I was taking this level easy because falling off those leaves is instant death.
-Tree Zone 4: I end this level with Bunny power because I need it for Wario Castle.
-Wario Castle: I took the first two areas slow, because those rooms are very lethal and I absolutely positively NEED Bunny power to make Rooms 3, 4, and 6 go smoothly. Room 3 alone has ruined more runs than any full level in the game - and it's always been right in the spot where I decide to wait this time. After room 6, I don't critically need Bunny power anymore - I can afford to take a hit or two. In that second room with the bouncing enemies, I have never taken TWO hits before - usually only one. Wario's a real disappointment as far as bosses go - I only get the mushroom before him for safety reasons, not because I truly need it.

Well, with all this said, enjoy the run.