As requested - thought I would do this so cheers for the reminder... Build up - 12 weeks of training - starting with 10 miles per week, building to 50 miles per week for the last 2 weeks. Avg times is 6 miles an hour running to give you an idea of the investment in time you need to make. Usually 3-4 runs per week during these 12 weeks. Race day - MASSIVE breakfast or fuel in the tank, drink loads of water, the day before and from 6.30am on the day. I drank 12 pints of water on Saturday, and 6 prior to 9am on Sunday, yes you **** a lot! Race plan - Target time 4h15-4h30 - having done a 4h27m in 2001 this was realistic and balanced approach. Weather - Great for running, (sorry DD racers) Drizzle all day. START - Good, huge buzz, loads of people, very busy, good banter. SPLITS - Comments KM10 - 59.13 = Good fun, enjoying it. KM20 - 1.59 = Yeah this is alright, feeling strong. 1/2 M - 2.05 = Tower Bridge, GREAT crowd support, nice views. KM30 - 3.01 = Are we having fun yet?? PAIN. KM 40 - 4.08 = Questioning my sanity - strong finish, thanks to 'Kelly' who's fantastic bum inspired me to follow her to the finish! FINISH - 4.20.05 = Result, very happy with that. Great stuff, YES go and do it? worth the effort and ticks a box, 'only a marathoner knows the feeling, pretty true! It is an amazing event, crowd is HUGE all round the course, offering drinks, sweets, bananas, shouting your name etc...I won't do a small regional marathon ever, too quiet and boring? London is about the event as much as the race! Entering again next year, DEFINITELY. |