Training Log Archive: Thraws

Was wearing a watch, so pedalled a bit.

Cold headwind home.

Bike service/makeover made this seem like a trip round the corner.

Event: London Marathon
 

Not worth analysing splits and pace as this was never really a ‘race’ and always more of a challenge pure and simple. Given the inability to ‘click’ in training and find a comfortable and sustainable style I had no idea how it would go. All I knew was that I’d need regular sports drinks and a gel if I was to get round without blowing up. Got that side of things spot on, and probably got early pace about right too, but it was very much a case of mind over matter in final stages. After taking 1min 45secs to cross the line, I was held up at first, unable to reach 7.30 pace for almost 2 miles. Thereafter ticked over quite nicely until about mile 9 then slowed a bit. Halfway in 1 hour 40-ish, about 5 mins down on last year, and roughly on target. Slowed slightly after here, and was just outside 8 minute miling to 18 (reached in about 2 hours 19). From here on in my only real concern was finishing and I was counting down the miles, one at a time. Mile 21 in particular seemed to take an eternity, so I decided to think of mile 24 as the finish and concentrate on getting to the point from which I could see Westminster, where I would be reasonably certain I’d complete ok. Selected 3 hours 30 as a fairly random target and 9 min miles as the pace below which I wouldn’t drop. And just gritted my teeth and fought the urge to stop. It probably helped that I was mostly overtaking, mostly people who were stopping to stretch, walk, drink. Crossed the line with what was probably my very last stride.
In the end I’m not displeased with the result. Mostly because it could have been so much worse. Feel like I ‘managed’ a difficult situation. And the occasion and atmosphere, while not as good as last year, were unforgettable as usual. You really do go somewhere ‘else’ in the course of a marathon.

Oh dear. 6 days to go and a big part of me thinks I should defer. What has all the training been about? The time doesn't bother me as I was saving myself for Sunday, but I thought I'd feel relaxed and comfortable? Far from it. Ignored Lu, Kav and Ben at the start as I just wanted to find a pace I could keep up, but turning my legs over even at this speed was an effort. Bit surprised to catch Linda at 2k but she was going slower. Felt a little better after Iford and the turn for home but was still being passed. Legs didn't feel like they belonged to me. Is there something biomechanically wrong? Which I'm using ibuprofen to mask? Won't defer as I'm not sure I'd improve in a year and I'm actually still looking forward to THE ONE. But it's going to be interesting, to say the least.

From Downs Link car park at West Grinstead to Nuthurst via Elliotts, then Cowfold via Newells Roughs, and back via Danefold. Delightful springtime walk on forest paths (bluebells) or through grassy fields. Hit 'the wall' a bit after lunchtime lemonade. Really need to sort nutrition out. One week to go!

Joined Ben for a recce of the leg I finished with two years ago, Harting Down to QECP. Car at each end to minimise effort. Took it easy and felt fine throughout. Talking pace. 20% slower than racing pace.

Along the canal to the Marina then back beside the Harbour through Dell Quay and Apuldram. Still weary.

Warm weather training. Two laps of Kingley Vale, one internal anti-clockwise, and then an external c/w one. Gentle stroll in an effort to get some 'spring' back in legs. Very enjoyable.

Traditional pre-London hard flat tune-up. From Ferring Beach cafe along the prom to SB through Worthing and Lancing. Ran rocksteady 7.29 miles with Lu into light headwind out and bright sun back. Really struggled though. Pace less of a problem than the distance. Didn't feel right from early on and was mostly hanging on till, first, the turn and then the end. Not sure I could have managed another mile, never mind another half. Weak and hungry by the finish and found it hard to stay upright. Only plus was the speed of recovery. Soon felt fine again, especially after food and drink (sugar!), and didn't have any real leg fatigue after. Strange.

Wore watch and cracked on a bit. Reckon road crossings cost me about 3 mins each way, so average rolling speed is roughly 14.5 mph.

Well, if all the mileage since December was meant to make me comfortable with long distances it seems to have failed. This was tough, and I didn’t really feel any stronger than I did at the start of training. At least I know how hard miles 12 to 25 are going to be and I can be as mentally prepared as possible going through the first half. Two things didn’t help today, though. The numbers of people ambling around everywhere and staring at their phones was tiresome. And the rucsac got very sweaty and made running/jogging later on most unpleasant. Great event though. Left the South Bank at 1020 and ran a little bit of the marathon route before heading through the royal parks to Paddington station and the Regents Canal. Then it was Regents Park and Primrose Hill, where I rested for 10 mins and had a look at the stupendous view. Wasted 15 mins leaving the park in the wrong corner then through Belsize Park to Hampstead Heath and another viewpoint. It got slightly more rural now, heading through Hampstead Garden Suburb to pick up the Capital Ring going eastwards. Missed a small turn at Highgate and wasted a panicky 10 more mins here. Really struggled to keep going through the old railway and New River sections and was very glad to reach Clissold Park, from where I speed walked. It was good to see another side of London, but I did find the sheer numbers of people everywhere quite wearisome. Bit of a nightmare in fact.

Walked the rest after a coffee and cake in the excellent café. Abney Cemetery was a highlight and the Lea Navigation section was much more runnable, but I was exhausted.