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Another awesome inspirational day for the thread.
Brilliant half marathon PB there Leslie and looks like you finished strongly too.
Jools, incredible getting a 2.49 time
, really inspiring!
MsE, incredible getting a 2.59 time, so pleased you cracked the sub 3 hour time.
Badbark, amazing 2.51 time and a 3 minute PB too, enjoy the beers!
Great report GE and please you got your GFA and a sub 3.15 to boot too. Know how you feel about the cramp!
0052 Nicely ground out sub 3
Well fought out 3.13 Sandy.
Good result and very close Death Punch, Manchester for 2016?
The Purple fairy did well today and seems to have go his picture on the BBC and Daily Mirror website!
Not bad you lot.
Not bad at all.
Hi guys, just dropping in. Well done all. It's fun this marathon stuff int it?
2:22:17 for me and 11th Brit, 29th overall. Not sure on the improvements Lorenzo, other than lots of hard work, an understanding family, a bit of talent and understanding the marathon quite well! I will go quicker though, of that I'm sure. My engine is a sub 2:18 engine but my legs aren't up to that yet, so speed is my next focus.
Hoping you all had fun and thanks for the cheers Minni & Speedy.
OO - well done on another sub 3.
MsE - congratulations - shame about the water bottle. Take care now.
Lorenzo - great result - looking good for Comrades.
RJ - fantastic result - just unbelievable. Good to hear from you.
Just waiting for one or two more peeps to report in...
Yes Race Jase, quite unbelievable- great to see you progress over the years.
Strange race for me one a day of mishaps. Starting with no spoon to eat my porridge, then missing all of you at the start huddled in the changing tent hiding from the rain.
The race went to plan, holding 6:45 pace for the whole race more or less. Great shout outs from Minni, my family and a few club friends really lifted me. My left quad was in a bad way from 18 miles onwards and threatened to sieze once or twice. That really scarred me and made me much calmer and doubtful about the chances of a sub 3 finish. 1:28:45 at the halfway, and 42:XX for al 4* 10k splits.The last 3 miles were hell but strangely the pace hardly dropped, just the pain increased. Not the same elation I got last year at the end, just quiet satisfaction at a plan executed well. I only saw Lorenzo at the pub but had to get off with the family.
In the end I'm very pleased with a new PB by over a minute. I had a quiet target of 2:58 so close to my best hopes. Very pleased for you all- some great times and another amazing year on the 3:15 thread.
Simply stellar stuff, nice cool conditions and those who had put in the work really cashed in. In no particular order...
Joolska, BB - fantastic. 2.59 is hard enough but smashing so many minutes below that is immense.
Precision time and finishing from MsE and OO.
GE,SB,DPOD - gutsy runs through the dreaded cramp and various other stressful issues, and very satisfying results all round.
Lorenzo - looking strong for next month. See you there.
As for Jason - amazing, just amazing. Quality PB too Leslie, that's worth a minute or two off your mara time.
Been a bit of a lurker in the shadows since my showdown with PMJ at the Wokingham half. 3.13 for me yesterday. Went through halfway in 1.31 in search of a GFA 3.05, but knew I'd worked too hard for it and was going to suffer. And suffer I did, were it not for the amazing crowds I'm sure I'd have been crawling instead of running. Still, a 16 minute PB so I'm pretty happy.
Well done everyone else, seems like there were some absolute brilliant runs yesterday!
Mine was a slow one: longest non stop run of 2015 had been a couple of Parkruns but in the last 2 weeks the injury has felt like it's turning a small corner - I can now kneel again, although more than a couple of hours in a plane, train or automobile makes the whole leg seize up. It's especially bad in the morning; whoever invented handrails on staircases deserves an award. I decided to run yesterday as a calculated risk - finishing London in one piece would make Comrades next month look a little bit more doable. Disaster yesterday would have ended the stress by making Comrades as good as impossible.
I donned the full Carmen Miranda outfit which went down a storm, ran steadily to halfway in 1.46.36, carried on running up to about 16m then decided to consolidate. The injury seemed OK, the finish time was immaterial; the priority was to avoid risk and ensure rapid recovery. So I walked a bit, stopped to talk to people, had a swig from someone's beer (nectar!), dealt with cramp, kept the bananas from falling off, and generally slacked. At 21m I was accosted by Rod Hull and Emu, aka T Audenshaw, so we had a natter and ran together for a bit before he disappeared ahead.
I finished OK in a lowly 3.54.33, a rubbish time really but in the circumstances a minor miracle and certainly encouraging. The leg feels OK today, might try to knock another slow one in a couple of weeks' time.
Had a chat with TAR in the Mall, then with Minni/MsE/Lorenzo in Chandos.
So that's 10 consecutive LMs ticked off, mara/ultra no 58 in total. A very positive day and fingers still crossed for next month. And as ever, a pleasure to see so many of you performing so well and receiving the rewards for all the hard miles. Who's racing next?
Oh, and best of all, I had dug an old pair of shorts out of the running cupboard and found a crisp new 10 Euro note in the pocket - result!!
Only 1 picture from yesterday, but it shows how happy MsE and Lorenzo were with their races. Lorenzo - you have a DM
MSE-sub 3 well done
0052-another sub 3
Lorenzo- great run with no garmin !
Poacher-amazing you made it round at all after only running 5ks
BR- a bit pb anyway you are going the right direction
Race Jase-getting very near the pointy end now ,hard work has payed off
hi all - quick check in - not read back yet, will do so at leisure later, don't want to just skim read -
bare stats - 3:18:43, 25th VoGit. After each marathon since age 47 being slower than the last, was good to actually be faster than the last 4, and almost 16 mins faster than Mable last autumn.
btw, went in Chandos - it was rammed, so poacher will have to wait for his pint
Congrats Birch! That's a great achievement - true class. I can't wait to read all the gory details...
Wow everyone, just wow! Some great performances and times. Keep the reports coming!
Well, some superb results !!
Jools, wonderful again - you just get better & better . . .
MsE - brilliant & big PB - well done, esp in view of bottle incident . . .
Badbark & OO - congrats on PB's . . ., also Death Punch with a big one . .
Lorenzo - nicely run esp with Comrades-focussed training this time
good work by SB & GE (well done coping with the cramp - not nice)
Poacher - fine job completing (again) after recent issues (& hope you spent the 10e wisely)
not forgetting Jase - marvellous work
lastly, a word for leslie - half PB well-bagged
a great day all round, then - I suppose I'd better get round to compiling a report . . .
Race Jase - you are an inspiration! Your training really shows me how much dedication is required to take it to another level. Congratulations!
Birch - outstanding time! You are definitely not losing your touch. Sorry to have missed you if you were indeed at Chandos.
Training for VMLM 2015
Having not run further than 16 miles in training for the last marathon, I thought that increasing training volume alone would help with my endurance and so entered the UK Club Championships for the London Marathon 2015 with a view to increasing mileage. I decided to try Pfitz’s 18 week 55-70 mile plan but after the first 4 weeks of base building had to take three weeks off training when I sprained my medial collateral ligament slipping on a muddy grass bank watching my son play football. As annoying as this was, I was actually quite pleased that it was not a running-related injury that was the cause of the interruption to training and was able to bear this much better as a result. My time off running in San Francisco had taught me to take advantage of enforced rest and focus on alternative forms of body conditioning so I upped the yoga and strength work. I switched to the 12 week plan (feeling strong) when I was able to resume running and while I didn’t follow it to the letter (I skipped a lot of speedwork and volume, peaking around the mid 60s, and a few minor Achilles niggles that necessitated a few days off at a time), I successfully completed the 12 week training schedule, pretty much uninterrupted. Towards the final few weeks of the training I also signed up with a local running coach who now advises me on form and will take me through a weekly speed session on grass. Just a few sessions with him before the race flicked a lightbulb on in me and I felt like I was finally understanding what I was doing wrong all these years.
The race preparations
The night before the race I stayed with friends who live on Shooters Hill in Blackheath. The perfect place to be pre-race. After a childfree evening and fitful night’s sleep (which involved dreaming about mum’s gambling habits and negotiating with a casino as to why they couldn't continue to take money from a widow in her mid 80s), I woke early to swallow a small slice of toast with honey down a non-too-enthusiastic oesophagus. I then showered, dressed in race kit, foam rollered and rested watching Paula Radcliffe’s documentary on the BBC to get into the mood but try stay relaxed. With the requisite further (internal) ablutions achieved, I sauntered over to the Championships Enclosure at 9:30am. I spotted some club members, a Thunder Runner (Caroline) with another mutual friend (the super speedy Michelle), a handful of RW forumites (Jools, Literatin, tinyrunner) and the lovely Sally who I had met while training with the coach, and suddenly it was time to get to the start line. A short trip to the baggage lorry, a quick wee, waiting no time at all in the small queues, and we were on the Blue start line.
The race
I was in a group with my club team mates (Susanna, Cecilia and Caroline) and Sally feeling quite relaxed in the pen (it was nice being in a smaller huddle than the mass participants’ pen). I shared my bin liner dress with a lady who looked like she was about to keel over from the wind chill as I had a top on underneath as well. This was quickly shed as we moved forwards ready for the starting klaxon, the Club runners being given the front section with the Blue pen runners held back.
After hearing Paula Radcliffe and the elite men being announced, the race began somewhat discreetly and it didn't take long to cross the start line.
Miles 1 (6:40), 2 (6:41), 3 (6:37)
Downhill. Rolling with the crowds. Trying not to get too swept away with those pegging it and yet go with the slight downhill. I take a gel at mile 2.
Miles 4 (6:45), 5 (6:50), 6 (6:50)
Not quite finding a rhythm yet. We have been joined by the red and green starting pens by now and I am finding myself being jostled by runners (mostly men) who seem intent on getting in front of me. This is off-putting and making it difficult to find my stride. This also makes me overlook the many discarded water bottles that are already littered on the ground and I step on one twisting my ankle quite badly. I gasp out loud and hear those around me catch their breaths but decide to keep running. I realise that if I stop I will lose the rhythm I am starting to find and if I continue I can determine if it is bad enough to need to stop and bow out.
Miles 7 (6:44), 8 (6:44), 9 (6:42)
Getting into a rhythm now I am not thinking about my foot although it is clearly not right. It is not the first time I have run on a twisted ankle however. I take gel number 2 at mile 8. The crowds are rather noisy. Hmm. I recall this from my first marathon.
Miles 10 (6:42), 11 (6:43), 12 (6:43)
I am noticing the gun time on the mile markers and I think I am on track, possibly a bit down, at mile 10. Feeling quite comfortable, however, and holding form. I have decided that form is King. The time is immaterial (I change my mind about this later of course).
Miles 13 (6:50), 14 (6:44), 15 (6:47)
Tower Bridge is suddenly looming and the noise is deafening. Looking up I feel slightly choked at the beauty of the bridge and the sense of occasion. Then I spot the camera and, remembering my friend Elly’s advice, smile. Gel number 3 is taken at mile 14 and the first injection of caffeine welcomed.
Miles 16 (6:47), 17 (6:47), 18 (6:52)
I somehow miss mile marker 16 (I have form for missing the giant balloons) and am pleasantly surprised to see mile 17 already. My Garmin shows pace on track but I am aware that it is beeping before the mile markers. I do a manual reset in the hope this will correct my average pace. Not that I know how this all works really. After the pleasant surprise of mile 17 suddenly appearing when I was expecting mile 16, I feel a sudden drop in my mood. No matter. I. Am. Prepared. I have been expecting you, crap feeling. Come on. In the words of Delia Smith, let’s be having you!
Miles 19 (6:37), 20 (6:34), 21 (6:45)
As suddenly as I felt a lull in my mood and energy levels, I recover and am trying to keep my feet pitter pattering as the coach has advised. Final gel at mile 20. More caffeine. I start dedicating a mile to each of my children. Mile 20, I think of MsEtte1. Ah MsEtte1. My lovely little munchkin. How I missed you last night. God, the crowds are noisy. Mile 21, the lovely MsEtte2. Sweet MsEtte2, the family peacekeeper. How I adore you. The noise is deafening. I am overtaking people. This is good.
Miles 22 (6:49), 23 (6:49), 24 (6:59)
I am still contemplating MsEtte2 in mile 22. I think it is the noise of the crowds and also a large bottomed lady who looks like a charity runner but is running strong who distracts me. She clearly has so much talent. Mile 23, time to switch to MsEtte3. Loopy but adorable MsEtte3. Mile 24, MsEsq. The loveliest boy a mum could hope for. But I seem to be losing focus as I am doing battle with a lady from Winchester who has a lovely gait and pace. She seems to know what she is doing. So I lock onto her until I realise by locking onto her I have inadvertently started slowing down. Pace judgement is much harder these final few miles and I realise it is a mistake to assume others are running evenly. I continue to overtake people.
Miles 25 (6:49), 26 (7:02), 0.46 (6:47)
I overtake Winchester Lady and push on myself making a mental note not to lock onto others. MrE, mile 25. Amazing MrE who could not be more supportive of my running goals since he has realised how much running means to me. Admittedly, it has taken him the best part of 15 years to realise it. The final mile was meant to be for dad but suddenly there seem more runners to navigate and They Are In My Way. I cannot run as fast as I would like for all the people around me. I realise it is because they are all hanging onto their sub-3 goal. which must surely be just around the corner. I have not given it a second thought until now as I have just been running each mile at a a time. I know I must be close as I think my pacing was fairly even, The signs are encouraging with just 800m to go, 600m to go, 400m to go when a man shouts out, “who wants to hold hands with me?!” and for some inexplicable reason, I hold out my hand. I instantly regret this as it is actually impossible to run properly holding someone’s hand. We cross the line together and part ways before I have a chance to see who it was who I was clasping. I have no idea of my time although I feel confident I have come in under 3 hours. It is only when I see my club team mates and their families later on that I find out I have run it in 2:59:12. This was a bit close for comfort and had I known at the time, I think I would have focused more in the final 10K, ignored other runners, not held hands and, in the style of those men at the start of the race, pushed on for the finish line!
A huge thanks to those who cheered for me. I knew it was you because I didn't have my name on my vest and when I did hear a cheer, it made it all the more special. While the noise was generally an unwelcome distraction, the cheers I heard from you were certainly a welcome boost and for that I cannot thank you enough!
Oh and I checked. I beat Winchester Lady
Final thoughts? I must keep a better eye on the gun time. And stop locking onto others and run my own race. The entire way.
On reflection, Lorenzo and Poacher are right and I should take pride in having run sub-3 on my first attempt at it. I am my own worst critic and it is something I have to work on. I can see so many areas where I could have done it better and saved time. My legs were not too tired and my lungs had plenty to give. I think the mental aspect is one I still need to work out. 26.2 miles is a long way to be in your own head and while I am used to being with my own thoughts on the trails, this is a very different sort of run from road racing. I have a trail marathon in a couple of months before buckling down to train for another road marathon in autumn and I am looking forward to seeing how much I can knock off my time.
Sorry that was a bit me me me and loooooooong
A great run Lorenzo and quite evenly paced too.
Congrats on the 25th VOGit placing Birch AND a very respectable time. Good to know that you have run quicker than you did 4 years ago and 16b minutes better than the Mablethorpe mara. Did you have Ric Krispies & tea for your pre race breakfast?
Awesome time Jase - you are in another league! I read you blog and your training just shows what is involved to get to where you are, not forgetting the dedication too! Hope you get into the top 10 next year!
Well done on the 16 minute PB Brixton runner - a big improvement.
Poacher - amazing time considering your longest run leading up to this was 5k! Must be a good confidence boost for Comrades?
MsE - love the report, very personal. Looks like you had a very well and evenly paced run which seems to be the best way to run the marathon. Enjoy your recovery. I feel excited even now to see how you get on in the winter. Which marathon are you looking to do?
Awesome MsE, awesome! You should be so proud. Fantastic report, had me choking up a touch here as I relived the emotions that we all go through when we fight the 26.2 distance. I need to man-up!! Congratulations on an incredible time and battling through with such determination after a potentially race ending setback. If that's a 12 minute PB, I want the same training plan, nutritional info, brand of trainers, everything!
To all the others that run yesterday, congratulations. Your stories entertain and inspire. Some truly heroic performances Only 2 weeks since I ran Brighton and I'm already looking at a base building plan for this summer in order to be in peak condition for my debut GFA race at VLM16. Your experiences and advice are really motivating.
Well done all, what a successful thread it's been so far this year.
GD
Super stuff Birch. Faster again next year?
Great PB BR!
RJ, well deserved sir. Olympics next?
Havent read back yet, just home.
as stated a few weeks back, changed plan for a 3:22:30 or there abouts, started at 3:15 pace with a friend who I saw and also saw Lorenzo. Pace was manageable, but guts were not... loo stop at 10m.
This was a blessing, as afterwards sett;ed in to my own pace and loved it and cruised round to a 3:22:12, 4th fastest for me but my best paced race. loved it.
More later over the coming days.
MsE - wonderful, wonderful report. You are a true star and an inspiration. Can't say any more than that.