26.2 miles
3 hrs 32 mins 42 seconds
8.05 mins / per mile
"Jade me knot, spur my run with swift extremity" inspired by William Shakespeare. Words of wisdom from the great bard (at least on the event T-Shirt) but I guess actions speak louder, and this was a very special day as the running did the talking. I can only conclude that I'm not convinced that the human body is actually built to cover such distances but for the sheer rush and adreneline, it's worth putting the frame to the test. After all the training I'm delighted with my time and more so, the way that it was achieved - minimum fuss, even pacing and completed with a sadistic sense of enjoyment.
So, the day as it passed. Sian and the boys packed a picnic and we drove down to Stratford in anticipation, although there was little of the usual pre-race nerves. It kinda dawned on me that at covering such a distance it's more of a run rather than a race, so maybe the pressure wasn't there. Big gathering at the start as about 5000 gathered outside the new Rep Theatre for a joint half and full marathon race. Started with Steve Rose, and although a few other BVH guys passed me by in the first few miles, I was unaware that there was such a large club turnout. The first few miles went very well, I paced for the marathon rather than the half, consistently at 8 min mile pace, and there was a good level of comeraderie as a couple of local runners talked through how the Romans used trace metals in urine to good effect. Suspicious, but a good yarn never the less. Miles were going by well and it was sunny but not too warm, with water stations at almost every 2 mile point. This meant that a few gulps at each stop was enough to stay hydrated but not overly so, although it was noticable how many people seemed to be carrying almost an armful of SoS gels - they must mint it at events like this! Split 10km at 50 mins dead and feeling very good, so picked up the pace going into the Greenway (an area of disused railway track) for the first time, and started running with Darren Crookes, from Sheffield. He was also aiming for a circa 3hrs 30mins, and proved to be an excellent companion for the rest of the race. Greenway first time round was a strange affair, as in not running half marathon pace it seemed odd that so many people were really suffering as they neared the end of theirs. At just after 11 miles, the course forked and suddenly we were alone, very alone! 4000 runners condensed to 900 and it was time to go around again. Still enjoying the pace and managed to pick it up to about 7.45 per mile between 10 and 16, and kept sensibly hydrating. It was getting warmer and the Welford Hill at about 17 miles was a little challenging, but big thanks to the girls giving out jelly babies in the local villages. Had a difficult mile at 19, at 8.30, for no apparent reason, but managed to kick out of this as we turned for a 4 mile stint back on the Greenway. Very flat, very straight and the mind does start to wander. I managed to get my head down, concentrate on the guys in front, ignore those who were now walking and laugh off even the suggestion that could be a wall. Without a wall, how could I hit it! I still felt at this point that a 3.30 was on the cards but the legs were heavy and a 8.15 pace between 22-24 miles and a 8.35 to 8.45 pace for the final couple put pay to this. Great to come off the Greenway and back down to familiar territory along the river bank, and spotted Helen + Paul, Sue + John and finally Sian and the boys, as the line beckoned. Not hugely emmotional (surprisingly) but then the reality of leaden legs took over. I could sit down, but in the style of a new-born baby giraffe, could I get up - could I 'eck! Wonderful to finish though and wear the medal with pride (although it was tight that the organisers hadn't provided seperate marathon / half marathon momentos)
As I write now, the following evening after a full day's work, it's fair to say that, boy, is this running thing infectious! Feeling mentally great, but walking with imaginery moon boots and the stairs are a new challenge. I guess it's a good week's rest now from any exercise.
It's been a journey and I hope I look back at this blog in years to come as an encouragement that if you work hard and sensibly, apply and enjoy yourself, a minimum of natural talent will not hamper the ability to reach a personal goal. Enough of the philosophising - time to Blog off!
Splits:
10km: 50.00
10m: 1.20.22
1/2 m: 1.45.00
20m: 2.40.11
full:3.32.42
Position: 167th
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Saturday 28th April
A few final words ....
Well it's the night before the big run and although heavily distracted by the Cricket World Cup final, I thought it worth penning a few thoughts. It's 8pm, kids are asleep and I've just prayed once more to the pasta god, filling me with endless supply of effortless energy for the big day! I have eaten sensibly for the past few days (forgiving the curly fries down David Lloyd!), hydrated well and feeling very positive. Haven't really had much sleep though, although this is due to James's sleeping patterns rather than any marathon concerns, but I'm ceratinly no worse or more nervous than before any other race I've tackled over the past couple of years. I've decided on jelly babies + water for the day as a fuelling strategy and the Met Check seems to throw up a warm but cloudy morning, nothing too extreme and probably a lot easier than the guys had last week for the London. I also feel well rested - no running since Wednesday, and just went down to BVH for the AGM on Thursday, with the Chairperson's seat going to Alison by the width of an midge's thigh.
Mentally I'm really up for this - my psyche just dosen't cater for failure and with four months solid training bejind me and a few really appreciated Good Luck's from some Bournville guys, I'm just going to enjoy it - true, after 20 miles every step will be one more than I've taken before in a race situation, but how many times in life do we get the opportunity to surpass a previous event, do achieve a life times first? After climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking the Inca path, completing my first 10km, then 1/2 marathon ... this is just another mouth watering personal challenge. Wonder if I'll feel the same this time tomorrow?
Off to pack and will try not to pin my number to my fingers rather than vest and my final pre-race thought is simply - whatever happens will happen, and I'm guaranteed a Personal Best!
Well it's the night before the big run and although heavily distracted by the Cricket World Cup final, I thought it worth penning a few thoughts. It's 8pm, kids are asleep and I've just prayed once more to the pasta god, filling me with endless supply of effortless energy for the big day! I have eaten sensibly for the past few days (forgiving the curly fries down David Lloyd!), hydrated well and feeling very positive. Haven't really had much sleep though, although this is due to James's sleeping patterns rather than any marathon concerns, but I'm ceratinly no worse or more nervous than before any other race I've tackled over the past couple of years. I've decided on jelly babies + water for the day as a fuelling strategy and the Met Check seems to throw up a warm but cloudy morning, nothing too extreme and probably a lot easier than the guys had last week for the London. I also feel well rested - no running since Wednesday, and just went down to BVH for the AGM on Thursday, with the Chairperson's seat going to Alison by the width of an midge's thigh.
Mentally I'm really up for this - my psyche just dosen't cater for failure and with four months solid training bejind me and a few really appreciated Good Luck's from some Bournville guys, I'm just going to enjoy it - true, after 20 miles every step will be one more than I've taken before in a race situation, but how many times in life do we get the opportunity to surpass a previous event, do achieve a life times first? After climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking the Inca path, completing my first 10km, then 1/2 marathon ... this is just another mouth watering personal challenge. Wonder if I'll feel the same this time tomorrow?
Off to pack and will try not to pin my number to my fingers rather than vest and my final pre-race thought is simply - whatever happens will happen, and I'm guaranteed a Personal Best!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wednesday 25th April
5 miles @ 7.49 p/mile
This is definitely my last run before the big event and last entry before I blog off, post marathon. A mantra of rest, rest, rest keeps nagging me but my legs fought valiantly to have one last hurrah before the marathon. Really enjoyed the run, around the University and down the canals, on a warm, pleasant evening. 4 months of training and this is what it's all about. I'm ready and injury free and just looking forward to testing my physical and mental capacities. I'm a stubborn bugger so I'm sure I'll get around - now it's just a matter of thinking out a strategy for split times. One last decision made today - I'm not going with the energy gels. I thought long and hard about it, but with amaple water and sports drink stations and a back burner of jelly babies, I reckon this will suffice - next time if I train with the gels, I'll give them a go. Been checking out the met office sites - looks as if I should be lucky - not too warm, cloudy and largely dry.
This is definitely my last run before the big event and last entry before I blog off, post marathon. A mantra of rest, rest, rest keeps nagging me but my legs fought valiantly to have one last hurrah before the marathon. Really enjoyed the run, around the University and down the canals, on a warm, pleasant evening. 4 months of training and this is what it's all about. I'm ready and injury free and just looking forward to testing my physical and mental capacities. I'm a stubborn bugger so I'm sure I'll get around - now it's just a matter of thinking out a strategy for split times. One last decision made today - I'm not going with the energy gels. I thought long and hard about it, but with amaple water and sports drink stations and a back burner of jelly babies, I reckon this will suffice - next time if I train with the gels, I'll give them a go. Been checking out the met office sites - looks as if I should be lucky - not too warm, cloudy and largely dry.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sunday 22nd April
Summary of Week 15 - 20.3 miles
Just eating up a few last miles and retaining fitness. Thinking of a strategy for next week - will probably run it out slowly first and so how it goes. Definately aiming for early nights, loads carbs and an easy week now. Running mileage a little lame this week although all part of the tapering I guess.
Run:
6.6 miles @ 7.50 p/mile
Much of my thoughts today went out to those doing the London Marathon - in record high temperatures (23 degrees) it must have been very tough. Mind you, looking at the BVH web site and hearing from Harvey, it looks as if some pretty impressive times have been posted. Gives inspiration for next week. Out early with my mum staying with us and did my last real run before the big day and bumped into a fair contingent of the club who weren't doing the FLM! Enjoyed stretching the legs down at the canals and feeling ready now. Bring it on ...
Just eating up a few last miles and retaining fitness. Thinking of a strategy for next week - will probably run it out slowly first and so how it goes. Definately aiming for early nights, loads carbs and an easy week now. Running mileage a little lame this week although all part of the tapering I guess.
Run:
6.6 miles @ 7.50 p/mile
Much of my thoughts today went out to those doing the London Marathon - in record high temperatures (23 degrees) it must have been very tough. Mind you, looking at the BVH web site and hearing from Harvey, it looks as if some pretty impressive times have been posted. Gives inspiration for next week. Out early with my mum staying with us and did my last real run before the big day and bumped into a fair contingent of the club who weren't doing the FLM! Enjoyed stretching the legs down at the canals and feeling ready now. Bring it on ...
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday 19th April
BVH
5.6 miles @ 8.39 p/m
Lots of splintered groups at the club tonight - the London guys taking it easy, others hitting the hill reps whilst I joined Martin on the evening run through Kings Norton park and down the canals. Had a good natter and drew on Martin's marathon experiences for any last minute tips. I'm confident I've done all I can now to prepare (should I have practiced with gels though?), running freely and beginning to think more on strategy. If it's warm next Sunday I'm definately gonna go off slowly and conserve energy. Seemed a few nerves around tonight as the countdown for FLM begins - i'm hoping it will be a great source of inspiration hearing their tales next week.
5.6 miles @ 8.39 p/m
Lots of splintered groups at the club tonight - the London guys taking it easy, others hitting the hill reps whilst I joined Martin on the evening run through Kings Norton park and down the canals. Had a good natter and drew on Martin's marathon experiences for any last minute tips. I'm confident I've done all I can now to prepare (should I have practiced with gels though?), running freely and beginning to think more on strategy. If it's warm next Sunday I'm definately gonna go off slowly and conserve energy. Seemed a few nerves around tonight as the countdown for FLM begins - i'm hoping it will be a great source of inspiration hearing their tales next week.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Wednesday 18th April
8.1 miles
To work: 4.7 miles @ 7.52 p/m
Back: 3.4 miles @ 7.36 p/m
A lovely day for running - dry and warm, but not too warm. The sort of day you just want to go out to the hills and do some multi-terrain stuff! Really toning it down now and just can't wait to get out there and do the marathon next week. Played tennis on Monday and too depressed with Engand's dismal cricket performance against South Africa yesterday to run (dumped out of the World Cup), so felt fresh on the way to work, and took in a couple of circuits of Canon Hill Park. Knee feeling a little dodgy, so another good reason to take it easy. After a day's work and monitor staring, the run back was also very comfortable. Will take it nice'n'easy at the club tomorrow and keep thinking, what's the next challenge after Stratford?
To work: 4.7 miles @ 7.52 p/m
Back: 3.4 miles @ 7.36 p/m
A lovely day for running - dry and warm, but not too warm. The sort of day you just want to go out to the hills and do some multi-terrain stuff! Really toning it down now and just can't wait to get out there and do the marathon next week. Played tennis on Monday and too depressed with Engand's dismal cricket performance against South Africa yesterday to run (dumped out of the World Cup), so felt fresh on the way to work, and took in a couple of circuits of Canon Hill Park. Knee feeling a little dodgy, so another good reason to take it easy. After a day's work and monitor staring, the run back was also very comfortable. Will take it nice'n'easy at the club tomorrow and keep thinking, what's the next challenge after Stratford?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Sunday 15th April
Summary of Week 14: 27.6 miles
Well, I'm getting there and still fighting fit. Just looking forward to having completed the marathon now and not having to adhere to the discipline of a training schedule! No more long runs and I'm gonna try and stock up on sleep (as James has been up at 6am every morning for a while now, it's starting to take it's toll), eat sensibly and wind down the running. In my head, the little devil inside says run hard right up to the event or you'll lose vital fitness, then the angel reminds me taht it's cool to rest, the training will see through safely. I'll trust my running angel!
Today: 11.07 miles @ 7.53 p/mile
1hr 27 mins
Last 10 miler until the marathon and hot, hot, hot! Even though I was back by 9am, we're going through an unseasonably warm spell at the mo, up to about 26 degrees later on. Run was good, a favourite route down through Bearwood, Handsworth and back along the canals. Funny thinking back over the past 4 months, through so many miles and so many different running conditions. After the 20 milers I had it all sussed as to how to plan for marathon day but now I'm not so sure - if we have temperatures like this it's going to be be pretty tough. Hope the guys for London next week have it a little easier well, we could do with consecutive Sundays of mild, cloudy mornings - maybe a little easy Spring rain! Anyhow, after warming the muscles in the first mile, no niggles or injuries to concern over. A minor persistent knee strain remains but I'm just gonna have to give it time to settle after the marathon.
Well, I'm getting there and still fighting fit. Just looking forward to having completed the marathon now and not having to adhere to the discipline of a training schedule! No more long runs and I'm gonna try and stock up on sleep (as James has been up at 6am every morning for a while now, it's starting to take it's toll), eat sensibly and wind down the running. In my head, the little devil inside says run hard right up to the event or you'll lose vital fitness, then the angel reminds me taht it's cool to rest, the training will see through safely. I'll trust my running angel!
Today: 11.07 miles @ 7.53 p/mile
1hr 27 mins
Last 10 miler until the marathon and hot, hot, hot! Even though I was back by 9am, we're going through an unseasonably warm spell at the mo, up to about 26 degrees later on. Run was good, a favourite route down through Bearwood, Handsworth and back along the canals. Funny thinking back over the past 4 months, through so many miles and so many different running conditions. After the 20 milers I had it all sussed as to how to plan for marathon day but now I'm not so sure - if we have temperatures like this it's going to be be pretty tough. Hope the guys for London next week have it a little easier well, we could do with consecutive Sundays of mild, cloudy mornings - maybe a little easy Spring rain! Anyhow, after warming the muscles in the first mile, no niggles or injuries to concern over. A minor persistent knee strain remains but I'm just gonna have to give it time to settle after the marathon.
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