Training Log Archive: Thraws

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.