After bad day yesterday I'm trying to work out what went wrong and was wondering if other people have races they just never seem to perform well in.
First marathon 2007, London - thought I was in 3:15 shape, but crossed the line in just over 4 hours. Looking back , 3:15 may have been a bit optimistic for a first marathon, but thought it was possible.
Fast forward to yesterday, 5 marathons under belt and a 3:14 Pb set at Chester in October. I was sure a 3:10 was possible, but struggled accross the line in 3:41. Did more long runs than Chester and faster speedwork, so why did it go wrong. Starting to think never run well in London.
Must say that support yesterday was unbelievable and although didn't get time was amazed by the number of people around course; seemed far more than 2007.
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Comments
Yes
I think it's a combination of bad timing and crowds. The date is set just when it's getting hotter, just as hay fever is starting to kick in (I got my annual hay fever kick-off migraine at the finish yesterday), and too long after cross-country. And I suspect the crowds and hype just get to me - it makes it hard to concentrate and I think simply uses up too much mental energy.
So I take other races seriously and just run London for fun now.
Same with me, I've felt nauseous and fallen apart both times (like you, 2007 and yesterday).
I just think the whole thing is a bit overwhelming and that nerves get to me. I managed to pull off a PB yesterday but it was a battle.
Much as I try to tell myself that I've done all this in training and that it's totally achievable some part of me either won't listen (or can't hear above the crowds)
And Gatton - you make a great point. Yesterday there were problems on the Central Line- goodness knows how many runners had to find alternative routes - and the overground from London Bridge was packed and very slow. I got up at 5.30, to Blackheath at 8.30 and crossed the start line at just before 10 .
I guess if you don't start relaxed how can you run relaxed?
It's usually just as the weather changes and you've not had many warm runs.
I was a bit disappointed by the lack of rain yesterday. Today would have been much better to race in.
Done London 3 times and its too much over the whole weekend imo. Something smaller like Nottingham, Abingdon or similar would be better.