Sunday 29th April - Shakespeare Marathon

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