Training Log Archive: Indiana Jones

Jungfrau marathon, 2nd place behind Cardona who ran a really impressive race and won by over 2min. With a few stronger runners in the field I knew it'd be a totally different race to last year. I felt better on the flat section and ran a bit quicker for the first 25km but not by much. The group split up about 15km so it was me and Birhanu with one guy quite far in front (who didn't make it to the end) and a few guys just behind us. Once we started the climb at 25km I hoped to do the same as last year and take the lead but I felt awful and was really struggling to run it. We quickly caught the early leader then Cardona passed me and Birhanu went with him. The gap opened up quickly and I stopped at the top to get some extra drinks and gels. At that point I was wondering if I'd actually make it to the end but I kept on running and tried to refuel at the aid stations. On every uphill my legs were really heavy but luckily there were a few downhill bits to stretch out on. After Wengen I focussed on finding my rhythm again and started to reel in Birhanu about 32km. Finally I passed him and started to feel back to normal. For the last 8km I tried to push all the way in case anyone was coming through or in case Cardona was slowing down and I held the position to the end. It was a really tough race for me mentally and I'm glad I didn't give up. This year I didn't have the road training to make the first half easy enough but overall it was a good result.