Running thread

[A J Styles]

Yeah, I don't intend to stop running, just not this distance. It will be for enjoyment in future. I've volunteered to be a run leader for the local run club, on the short runs though.

To be fair mate, Mile 18 I was saying to myself this is my first and last marathon but after finishing it stronger than I expected. I want to properly train and get everything right on the day now, looking at ones around april/summer time. Maybe give it another few days and see how you feel, but we got it done!

 

[franksinatra]

Nice one Frank. It's an excellent time for a first marathon and only bit slower than predicted ? But the time does not matter for the first marathon.

You'll now understand the saying that the marathon does not start until 20 miles? With more experience, training and even pacing you'll knock another 15 minutes off if you want.

Thanks for your comments and for all the advice. I shifted positions so often on my expected time I was probably a little quicker than my last prediction, when I started to be a bit more realistic on my abilities.

My pacing I was really happy with up to 35K there was no more than 20 secs difference between all my Ks, but annoyingly this slipped quite a bit over the last 5/6ks.

Yes structured training is the key. As you know its a huge commitment and I do think it can be detrimental to overall enjoyment, so whether I could sign up for that, Im not sure, as I do just love being out on trails rather than do interval work etc.

Yes definitely about the 20 miles. Its a whole new mental ball game from that point on. I used the tactic of counting in my head to deflect my focus from the pain. I really thought I could tap into life events as a motivator, like when someone has doubted you, said you would not achieve anything etc but by that stage I was too tired to think that deeply. Would love to know what other people use in these moments.

One big difference with the trails is with the incline its usually the thigh muscles which go first, but today it was my glutes. Never expected that and probably under trained them. One lesson learned for next time.

 

[franksinatra]

Well done, everyone on completing the marathon or half marathon. Very inspirational running from you guys, and this group is the main reason I entered my first Marathon today.

I completed it in 5:43, and I'm delighted with the time. The support from the crowd was phenomenal, from children high-fiving, adults calling out the athletes names, through the whole 8-9 hours, and bands and choirs entertaining. And from Sale onwards, people offering jelly babies and other snacks. The whole experience was very uplifting, and emotional at times. My family supported me at three places too.

I made it half way round without any stops. It was the last three miles that I struggled with, and I walked most of this distance, from Stretford to the finishing line. As a result, my body cooled down, and I was cold as I finished.

Luckily, the Alzheimer's Society gave me a nice cup of hot sweet tea at the end, and this staved off some nausea.

I'm not sure that I got my nutrition quite right, but I've no previous experience of this.

Back at home, I suffered an episode of heat syncopy as I climbed out of the bath. But all is ok now as I rest up in bed.

This was always going to be my first and last marathon, and it's safe to say I will be sticking with that resolution. What an eventful day though! And thanks to everyone for your help and advice.

Great post Paladin and a fantastic achievement. As has been said my @ob yours was a proper inspirational story and kudos to @BlueHammer85 as well for organising events this last year, which motivated quite a few of us to push ourselves that bit further.

Great thread this and long may it continue.

 

[city114]

Sorry but I think the majority couldn't wing it. I know how I felt after every single HM I've ran and the thought of having to run the same distance again makes me shudder.

I agree! And having done one and experienced the pain, it might be twice the distance of a HM but the final 6.2 miles feel like a third HM! I don't even remember the 20-25 mile section of mine. Was in a whole world of pain.

 

[Stockton Heath Blue]

I have ran a lot this year, over trails, steep hills, coastal paths but the last 10k was really tough today. Not a second went past when I was not in pain. Much more respect for the distance now

That's why it's not for me. I don't mind hard work (I've done a few 100+ mile rides) and training but 4-4.5 hrs hours of running just doesn't turn me on. Nothing but respect and admiration to those that have done it.

 

[Paladin]

That's why it's not for me. I don't mind hard work (I've done a few 100+ mile rides) and training but 4-4.5 hrs hours of running just doesn't turn me on. Nothing but respect and admiration to those that have done it.

It was more of a bucket list thing for me. I trained for one back in the 80s but never entered one. Now I'm 60, it was a now or never event. I'm so glad I did it, but no more for me.

 

[Tommy_Catons_Perm]

Thanks for your comments and for all the advice. I shifted positions so often on my expected time I was probably a little quicker than my last prediction, when I started to be a bit more realistic on my abilities.

My pacing I was really happy with up to 35K there was no more than 20 secs difference between all my Ks, but annoyingly this slipped quite a bit over the last 5/6ks.

Yes structured training is the key. As you know its a huge commitment and I do think it can be detrimental to overall enjoyment, so whether I could sign up for that, Im not sure, as I do just love being out on trails rather than do interval work etc.

Yes definitely about the 20 miles. Its a whole new mental ball game from that point on. I used the tactic of counting in my head to deflect my focus from the pain. I really thought I could tap into life events as a motivator, like when someone has doubted you, said you would not achieve anything etc but by that stage I was too tired to think that deeply. Would love to know what other people use in these moments.

One big difference with the trails is with the incline its usually the thigh muscles which go first, but today it was my glutes. Never expected that and probably under trained them. One lesson learned for next time.

I also prefer the trails and hills to running on flat roads and it is different. I think you can train mostly on trails early in the program. But then stick to flat roads in last third of training plan.

If you get the training, eating, drinking and pacing right I found I could maintain good pace well past the 20 mile mark and further even to 24 miles. Then only need to dig mentally for last 10 - 15 minutes. You also overtake loads of people in last 5 miles who went off too fast which in itself is a good motivator. I think a key to this is to train a lot up to say 16 miles with just water...

Train and race to get to 20-22 miles in top condition for optimal marathon time.

 

[Paladin]

I had a celebrity fan cheering me on.

 

[Tommy_Catons_Perm]

bitter sweet for me. Was comfortable at 13 mile on target for just over 4 hours. Then my calf went at exactly half way. and could hardly walk for the 2nd half. My garmin added on 0.4 of a mile extra. So think I hobbled in at just over 4 hours 45. I should be happy to complete my first marathon but gutted my body let me down. That was a tough last few miles when I could hardly walk. Hobbling to Trafford bar after was hardwork. Well done everyone. Just check my time it was the same as my watch 4 hours 51

Been there, done that. I've had perfect, average and disastrous marathons. The nature of the beast. Better luck next time.

 

[Pezzer2]

Some great posts on here. Very Inspirational!!
I didn’t sleep very well last night, hallucinations from my body trying to regulate itself and my legs seized up. I was like an extra out of the walking dead taking the kids to school this morning.
What an experience though , the crowd was fantastic . Not easy having to run past several pubs and a McDonald’s near the end. I wasn’t expecting them hills around Altrincham either that was hard work.