London GFA entry submitted for another year. Not much of a margin less than the qualification time, is 8 months enough time for me to identify myself as a woman and gain another 45 minutes' margin?
This year may well be different. Last year the new times were announced a week before vmlm, meaning London was the only real opportunity to achieve them and that turned out to be very hot where even champ level runners didn't manage gfa times.
You can normally get a pretty good idea by looking on runbritain rankings and seeing how many runners in the rankings have times between 2.45 and 3hrs within the qualifying window then going to v40 and see how many runners have a 3-3.05 time, then maybe add 750 on for the other cats or continue the exercise further down.
I'm planning to do Boston next year, so there's a part of me which is hoping that my 4-minute margin isn't enough to get me into London. I did them both in 2017 and really struggled to get round London, 6 days in between marathons isn't really recommended!
Hoping my 2m15 margin will squeeze me in; similar position to Rodeoflip as I am planning to do Boston - assume I can defer London; but the 2 marathons in a week challenge could be "interesting".
I also did Boston 2017 and after a very hot run, deferred the VLM place. Glad I did. Trying another marathon just 6 days later would have been horrific! Kudos to rodeoflip for taking it on!!
Conversely, after a 'difficult' warm run at Boston that year I ended up going quicker at London. I spoke to a few others afterwards who had done something similar. But then conditions at London were very good that year.
Cheerful Dave - Boston 2017 was hard going and they had a much higher DNF rate than usual. I ran Boston in 3:24 despite walking for at least 2 miles (set off at 3 hour pace, but that didn't last long). Absolutely knackered at the end. Got on a plane home that night and could hardly walk on arrival back at Heathrow on the Tuesday. Still couldn't walk properly when I got to the London start line, and set off at hobbling pace with no expectations at all. Fatigue really set in for the last 6 miles, but still managed a surprisingly good 3:14.
So yes, race the first one, get round the second one.
Apparently the GFA entry results are out on Thursday. Good luck everyone!
In, but with a 40minute buffer not too surprised (Old age has its advantages) just got to remember to actually enter. Will be my 20th London in 2020, might put that on the T
Sorry you didn't get in, Nicko. Does that mean they've moved to a Boston style qualifying model? Bloomin' unlucky there.
Mine's a pint of Peroni...
Yes I think it's Been Boston style for the last couple of years; though now actually tougher than Boston to qualify. Hopefully there's no big shift on the BQs for this year. Not too fussed TBH as done London enough times.
Comments
This year may well be different. Last year the new times were announced a week before vmlm, meaning London was the only real opportunity to achieve them and that turned out to be very hot where even champ level runners didn't manage gfa times.
You can normally get a pretty good idea by looking on runbritain rankings and seeing how many runners in the rankings have times between 2.45 and 3hrs within the qualifying window then going to v40 and see how many runners have a 3-3.05 time, then maybe add 750 on for the other cats or continue the exercise further down.
Correct approach there I reckon, DT.
Cheerful Dave - Boston 2017 was hard going and they had a much higher DNF rate than usual. I ran Boston in 3:24 despite walking for at least 2 miles (set off at 3 hour pace, but that didn't last long). Absolutely knackered at the end. Got on a plane home that night and could hardly walk on arrival back at Heathrow on the Tuesday. Still couldn't walk properly when I got to the London start line, and set off at hobbling pace with no expectations at all. Fatigue really set in for the last 6 miles, but still managed a surprisingly good 3:14.
So yes, race the first one, get round the second one.
Apparently the GFA entry results are out on Thursday. Good luck everyone!
G-Dawg - I fully intend to celebrate national burger day after track with the filthiest burger I can find, no matter the result!
No email yet for me either, I've got almost a 7min cushion so should be fine. Nicko you've got a couple of minutes haven't you? I think you'll get in
It's 11.35 here so lots of time for a burger!
Nicko, I'd be surprised if sub 2.58 didnt get you in. Getting a bit older has its benefits!!
Needed 2m40s and only had 2:15 margin
Oh well 5 other majors to do anyway....
Very pleased to say I'm in! Only took 10 years
Time for a burger.
Commiserations nicko - you're the first person I know of not to get in.
Mine's a pint of Peroni...
Yes I think it's Been Boston style for the last couple of years; though now actually tougher than Boston to qualify. Hopefully there's no big shift on the BQs for this year. Not too fussed TBH as done London enough times.
Peroni eh? You're an expensive date!