An eventful day which ended with a PB and a few ales @ Dad's birthday surrounded by lots of family I rarely get to see. All good really.
Was good to briefly meet a few Fetchies before and mid run. Just managed to shake FD's vaseline free left hand and introduce myself prior to him being whisked away by Radio Notts pre race. Wonder how it feels to do 100 marathons? Congrats to him for that. Was then passed by Malc26.2 in his naughty schoolgirl outfit @ about mile 16, he did ask if I was going with him but at his pace was never happening. Then Gymfreak passed @ mile 22 doing her second marathon in two days, fair play she looked fresh as the proverbial daisy and made plenty of sense when she said to 'keep going is nearly over' shame my legs wouldn't listen too great. Is nice to see friendly faces and was a major boost seeing family @ various points mile 15 through 19, thanks to them for the support. Now I'm obviously no marathon veteran but I found the overall support a little disappointing although reading other comments from more seasoned competitors seems was quite good, is difficult for me with only London to compare to.
So how did my race go?
Felt quietly confident pre race although legs immediatley felt heavy once started but after a mile that feeling had passed and was strong, going through mile 17 was averaging 8.34mm and happy, miles 18-21 I averaged 9.20mm and started to feel it but still comfortable but last 4.2 miles averaged 10.26mm and that was through gritted teeth. The last 4 were worse than London and that was with a better preparation so what was the reason?
1. Going off to fast? Although I was aiming for 8.30 - 8.40 pace and trained accordingly?
2. Although was quite hilly first 10 there were as many downs as ups but they still take it out of you?
3. Was a little warm, around 20 degrees, ran in warmer though.
4. Bit of a stressful weekend with youngest in hospital Friday night and then making the decision when they released her @ 8pm to go to Notts then and have a restful Saturday rather than travel early Saturday morning. Ended up arriving well after midnight and grabbing about 6 hours interuppted sleep and another interrupted sleep Saturday night because of youngest's cough, poor baby, and, I guess, pre race nerves.
So I guess any of the above could have contributed to the death @ 22 miles although I am aware that is the typical place to hit the wall and is probably just another one to put down to experience. Still a pb is a pb, 2 marathons now, both sub 4, something I never imagined I would do so don't want to sound like I'm complaining because I'm not just trying to avoid it happening again next time (did I say next time?)...
