Training Log Archive: Roger G

Nottingham Marathon

Most enjoyable marathon yet (running wise) and probably least painful. Enjoyable that it felt more like a race than previous marathons with lower numbers on the second half of the marathon course. Obviously atmosphere not a patch on London and Berlin.

Overall very pleased with PB and sneaking in front of Jon's time :). Not too worried about not getting sub 2:50, but initial look at the splits shows the inevitable slow down over the latter stages. The wind although not gale force or anything was quite a factor so had to adjust goals and tactics in the race looking to use the half marthon runners for shelter.

Very spread out for the second half with long sections on hard gravel path rather than tarmac (which organisers failed to point out), so pleased to take about 5 runners (including leading woman) and none to pass.

Further review to come.

Initial look at splits
5 19:57 19:57 3:59 153 161
10 20:16 40:14 4:03 158 166
15 20:16 1:00:29 4:03 158 166
20 20:17 1:20:46 4:03 157 162
25 20:40 1:41:27 4:08 159 164
30 20:51 2:02:18 4:10 158 166
35 21:03 2:23:21 4:13 145 167
40 21:38 2:44:59 4:20 156 176
42.33 10:20 2:55:19 4:26 172 179

21km 1:24.52
42km 2:53.58

C • Great running Roger! 10

Sheffield Park run with Jamie

Good to see the Sheffield vets out in numbers with Jon spectating just behind.

Encouraged Jamie to beat his time from last week by 10 seconds. Painfully for Jamie he was outside his cousin's time by 15 seconds. 4:20 for last km was a great effort.

Similar level of climb just more gradual this week.

C • Good luck... 5

Lots of warm up by jogging down to the park and after with Jon

Well that's it. Prep done, now for the race. Haven't focused more for a race. Managed to do more long tarmac runs than previous marathons and pace is pretty good. Still nagging doubts due to poor last two weeks (stressy work) and target is right at my limits.

Nottingham is a flat marathon but people say it is windy and therefore not fast. Good news is that the 14 m/h forecast is easterly so will help over the last 5 miles (gusts not starting to 1 o'clock), just hope not too much effort prior to that. Temperature is perfect 14 degrees and sunny.

I need to keep in mind that pb is 2:58 and anything below will be a good result but know that success is getting inside 2:50 but will be very tough.

Plan is to run at 4m/k for as long as possible, and put up the sails after 21 miles!

Quick morning run, with some strides at 3:30 pace

Manchester - 1 mile steady, 1 mile mod, 2 miles pace, 2 miles steady

7:47
6:48 4:16m/k
6:12 3:58
6:15 3:55
7:54 4:57
6:49 4:54

Felt pretty ropey after early flight and hard day. But still on pace.

Pre Circuits run in Dunblane

Pilates