I'm running Chester for the first time in October (it's actually my first Autumn marathon - I've done Manchester three times and Liverpool twice) and was wondering about the course. I've seen it touted as a PB course, but I've also read reports that it is undulating (with a hill at mile 24). Just wondering which is the case! Obviously Manchester is as flat as a marathon can be, but I'd describe Liverpool as hilly whereas one of my friends thought it was flat (it bloody isn't!) so I realise opinions are subjective.
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Thanks
Cal -I'm in! Have just entered and (assuming small daughter doesn't get through the trials and start playing county netball!) I'll be there.
Seem to remember we ended up running a decent chunk of Manchester advertently v close to each other so will try and say hello this time!
What time are you aiming for - I managed 4h14 at Manchester and although would like to go faster (ignoring all talk of hills) I suspect a lazy summer has put paid to that.
If I don't manage it here I have Valencia in December, but it would be nice to do it as I've been running well all summer.
Welcome Neil!
Am not too worried about the grassy finish as have done Halsted and that is a grassy uphill narrow lane just before mile 26 - it's a bridle path and last time it was v dry so very uneven and not nice on sore toes....
Cal no glittery t-shirt here but sounds good! not in a club any more so just wear whatever feels right. Hope we can say hello! Manchester was weird for me in that I just randomly stuck with the pacer against any expectations. Past him in the last few hundred yards.
Ideally I would have a go at 4h10 but not really sure my training has been up to that. I really enjoyed the space and atmosphere at Manchester so am looking forward to similar at Chester. :-)
not quite sure how this has happened (16 years after the first and only episode and after running fairly consistently over the summer) but I seem to have come down with shin splints...
It's just my right shin and while I'm running it's not too bad, completely bearable, but afterwards am suffering. Am actually limping around when I get out of bed in the morning
So I completely know that I should stop running, RICE and probably pull out of Chester - but I really really don't want to pull out.
So am thinking about pulling right back on training and just focusing on enjoying the day at Chester. Maybe run with the 4h30 pacers this time instead?
Belated thanks to Ian, Neil and CSMLFC for your earlier info.. Sounds not too bad, although I don't fancy the race track in heavy conditions...for a finish.
Sunday's marathon went reasonably well; only fading a little in the last two miles. Happy with 4:08, but it was a really flat course. Checked out 'all the moving bits' this morning in a 10km run. All seems good, I'm pleased to say. Now...ten days of 'training' before a two week taper! Never quite sure what to do with these short gaps between marathons, so I'll muddle through and hope to be ready for Chester. Happy running/resting everyone.
MrM2, good result for you. The least I've had between maras is six weeks, which was this year between Manchester and Liverpool, where I managed to get shingles right between the two. Still managed to do Liverpool and only 4 minutes slower than Manchester, so that was a result.
Hope that you are making good decisions and good progress, Gladrags. Trust you will make it to the start (and finish!) at Chester. Happy running, and tapering, everybody.
Go Cal! Great stuff - haven't even come close to my half PB since I set it in 2003!! Sounds like Chester could be your marathon PB?
I have been taping and stretching like crazy but shin definitely still very sore. Really want to run Chester (as it will be a long weekend at the in laws without a long Sunday run!) but have to say it is in the balance at the moment.
Got the pack through yesterday - always gives me a buzz to see the number!
Managed a 13 miler pain free on Monday so I'm a go for Chester.
Monday I ran 16.5' then a 10' on Tuesday. Happy to have got those miles done; now for the serious taper....although I could be tempted out for a very easy short one later today?
If anyone is interested, I'm 3436 (my number, not my vital statistics!)
We did a little list in the Manchester thread with numbers and time targets on, the idea being you cut and paste the other numbers and add your own.
Cal - 3436 - targetting 4:15.
Not many sleeps left now.
Mr M2 3693 Hoping for sub 4:10.....there, I've said it! Trying to behave for another few days...?
Happy tapering everyone.
3473. definitely not my vital stats!!!
Cal - 3436 - targetting 4:15.
Galdrags-3473-Time ?
Mr M2 3693 Hoping for sub 4:10
Ian-1714 hope for 3:15
Went out for four miles this morning, including three at mara.pace. All feeling good, but the test will be in three days time, and for longer than four miles! Happy.
erm- I will be disappointed with over 4h30 so I guess i’ll Stick 4h25 down as a target. Shins permitting