Training Log Archive: Indiana Jones

Commonwealth marathon, what an experience! Hot day with forecasts saying 32 degrees maximum and 23-28 during the course of the race and full sunshine. The plan was to run by effort rather than pace and keep as cool as possible, hopefully move through on the second half. After an easy first 5km the lead pack sped up and I got isolated at the back with the other Brits. It felt a bit slow so I ran solo, a bit quicker than the Brits but slower than the quick guys. Soon I started to catch a few guys and the pace was pretty solid.

At the turnaround at 25km I was starting to make up more places and although my legs started to fatigue it was really motivating to reel in so many folk. Scottish flags and massive support all the way kept the spirits high and all the sponges and drinks kept me just on the safe side in terms of hydration and overheating. Normally at 35km my legs go but this time I was still catching guys and was inside the top 10, starting to get a bit excited! The final few km were a bit of a blur with more guys coming back and passing poor Callum at 40km, luckily he had medical around him but I had no idea how bad it had been. Looking at the footage afterwards was terrifying. Someone said I was around 4th around then so I pushed hard to catch the next guy then maintain it to the end. The biggest climb and descent was at 41km so I knew I could hold on if I was in 3rd at the top. Never been more satisfied at a race finish or glad to have got there in one piece! Ran straight to the tent with the ice towels and drinks.

Overall it went so well and I felt I couldn’t have judged the effort or heat better, whether that was luck or subconscious I don’t know. The training had been good in the build up but I think the biggest factor was having raced and collapsed in similar conditions at Sierre Zinal in 2016. It was a really tough battle but glad to have survived! Luckily Callum recovered quickly in hospital and was in good spirits when I saw him.

C • Thanks for the writup 7

Easy run around the village on the grass and pavements. Joined up with Jake Wightman for his last run before his 1500m bronze medal, must have got some inspiration for that!

Felt the legs starting to stiffen up so did another little jog and strides. Just enough to keep loosened off.

Run with Joe out to the rugby fields then some laps finishing with diagonals and easy running back. Legs feeling ok, still tired from lack of sleep.

C • good luck :-) 4

First run in Gold Coast over to some sports fields and around a few times. Felt pretty tired and groggy from a bad night’s sleep but was ok once going. Started easy then a bit steadier in the middle then easy at the end.

Last mini session before the weekend, 3 x 1km/1km steady. Going fairly well and speeding up each rep without having to push it. Happy with how it went. Seem to be fine handling the heat on the shorter runs now so hopefully transfers well to the full marathon!

Easy run on the hilly trail in the forest, everything feeling good. Another hot day with strong sun.

Easy run on the trails. Everything fine.

Steady run along the lakeside and river estuary. Legs feeling smooth, effort very relaxed too. Hot sunny day and only a light wind.