Blog & Latest News
Here you can find my regular blog, which I hope you will find interesting and original. My aim is to keep you all up to date with my latest thoughts, plans and adventures.
Virgin London Marathon 2011
Apr 18, 2011
Yesterday I got the chance to run my first road marathon and pounding the streets of London in one of the world’s biggest running events certainly lived up to all my expectations. The atmosphere incredible, the race tough and all the runners I met inspiring.
As a newbie to the world of running, and after a number of off-road races this year, this was the first and longest road race I've ever done. My training and preparation went well and I set myself a target time of 3 hours 45 minutes (although in the latter weeks of training believed 3 hours 30 was achievable if I ran a strong race). I had a clear race strategy and felt confident. However, my race strategy and pacing went out of the window after the first mile...the combination of excitement, adrenalin, thousands of competitors and the cheers from the spectators got the better of me. I was determined to run my own race and not get sucked in to what was going on around me but when chickens and gorillas were overtaking me I assumed I was going too slowly so picked up my pace. I ran the first half in 1 hour 42 minutes (way ahead of my target pace) but was feeling strong and believed that my target time was extremely achievable...
Moving through halfway I clocked my fastest mile of the race. Over the next few miles my pace progressively slowed as energy levels dwindled and the temperature increased. I think a combination of pushing too hard in the opening 13 miles and the heat really began to hit me in miles 20-24 where I clocked my slowest miles. Realising that my target of 3 hours 45 minutes was out of reach I had to focus on going under four hours. The last miles were hard...I was feeling dehydrated and my legs were in pain, but there was no way I was going to go over four hours. I crossed the finish line in 3 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds (no honestly I did) – well off my target time and I am slightly disappointed to not have gone faster but there are plenty more marathons for me to run in and lots to take away from this race for future marathons.
Thank you to all my family and friends for coming out to watch and for all your support around the course. A top effort and I think I saw people I knew 7 or 8 times throughout the course. Also thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far, all your donations are greatly appreciated. For anyone who still wants to donate to the Outward Bounds Trust please CLICK HERE...
...and finally a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to all the runners who ran for the Outward Bound Trust - great effort by all and good to meet some of you and see you during the race.
Comments: 0 - Make a Comment
Digg
Email
Facebook
TwitThis
Make a Comment
Note : All comments are moderated before publication.