Training Log Archive: Thraws

Garmin has 26.5 miles but I think the gps was dodgy in Canary Wharf. Came to this with most of the biomechanical problems of last time, but two years of getting used to them. Training had been about what I could do rather than what I wished I could do and mindset going in was different: this time I would enjoy it. Live in the moment. Treasure the occasion. It was a good plan. Pace out the start was crucial. Going off in the 10.22 'wave' was frustrating as I had huge amounts of overtaking to do, but on the other hand I wasn't encouraged to pick up the tempo above the 7.45 miling I'd planned. Occasionally just shortened stride and reminded myself this was a marathon 'and not a sprint'. I think in the past the tendency has been to run the first half like a time trial and then see what's left. So when I got to mile 9, which is usually when I decide I can't keep this up, I was aware of loads left. Huge lift from huge crowds at Canada Water and a high five from Lu just before 11. Got the usual goose bumps going over Tower Bridge and started to plan for what I know is the crux, Canary Wharf. I'd had a sports drink as planned and took a gel when I saw them, but don't think I bothered with water the whole way. Got to the turn at Mudchute with some relief then actually felt strong going through 17 and 18 and started passing slowing runners, which was another boost. The crowds in North Colonnade were incredible and I must have had this huge grin on my face as I felt so much better than usual (as this is traditionally the point at which you start to just hang on). So rather than focus on the finish and counting down to it through Poplar and Limehouse, I tried to take in the surroundings and get in the moment. I was hurting but comfortable. Pace was gradually slowing, but not by much. We'd seen mile 23 (the Tower) the night before, and reaching it felt like the end was coming into reach. It almost comes into view after you dive into the tunnel and emerge on the Embankment at 24. I felt pretty good knowing I could pick up the pace if I wanted. From the 40k marker I was just appreciating what a magnificent event this is and trying to savour properly the huge sense of achievement it provides. I knew sub-3.45 would get me good for age at 60 so it was a sort of target, though I wasn't that bothered. Making it so comfortably (almost without trying?) was the cherry on the icing of what is the most remarkable day.
According to the results service I overtook 5532 people during the course of the race and was overtaken by 244. Felt like that as well. Was 253rd M50-55, but almost top 100 M60.

I'm a minute inside the 'tough' new qualifying time for Boston.

London calling.

Made the most of feeling 'ready' by fitting in one last 'hill' session to get heart working hard. Too nice an evening not to.

Virtual parkrun. Hard on the hills; otherwise easy.

Watch alerted me it had synced to phone while I was walking up the garden path. Bizarre tech.

Minor collision on way home with bike on wrong side of path on blind bend.

Well, I’d hoped for a boost. But didn’t get it. On the other hand, there were no real problems for this final shake out before LM#7. Steady effort out the start meant a few I’d expect to beat were ahead at halfway. I wasn’t bothered about position, but it was nice to pass them all the same. The strength I had in the last 2k was reassuring. So was the fact my biggest handicap early on was uneven ground. I’ve been training on good roads and I’ll be running on them next week. Had a good warm up so chest tightness wasn’t a problem. I’m far from perfect but I think I’m ready. (New route round rather than through final 'paddy' field probably added 300 metres/1 min 20 secs.)