Another London Marathon done and dusted for this year. I finished in 2:57:36 which is my personal slowest time. The result is slightly disappointing as I thought my preparation actually went reasonably this year. I felt well rested and capable of going under 2:50, but just didn't have it on the day – no excuses
In the last days leading to the race day went well and I was feeling good and loose. The weather was good and it looked like it was going to be a hot race day. What a change on the race day – when I woke up the sky was overcast and with it my legs felt quite sore somehow. By the time we got to the start it was raining and it felt quite cold.
This year I was starting from the red “good for age” start which follows a different route for the first 3 miles. Despite being late I managed to get right to the front and was in the first line. Soon enough the gun went and we were off.
The first 5 miles, as usual, were quite quick, perhaps a little bit too quick, but felt very comfortable. After 5 miles quite suddenly my hamstring locked up and the pace immediately dropped by 30 seconds per mile. Just like this, no warning, no gradual slow down, it just happened and the race for time was over. From that point I knew it was going to be a long 20 miles to the finish, shuffling along. I think Jim passed me at about 10 miles, but I was in a world of pain and didn't even recognise him.
I got to 20 miles in 2:14 and had to pick up the pace to make sure I got in under 3 hours. Why? No reason really but 2 things I really didn't want to do was to drop out or finish outside 3 hours. The last few miles were not so bad and even actually quicker than last time I run the marathon. Seeing Big Ben and then Alex at 800m to go and eventually the finish was a welcome relief. It was over for another year, I didn't drop out and was in under 3 hours!
Very sore now on the plane to China for some well deserved rest. On reflection happy to have finished and I think the training done and completing the marathon is going to pay off later in the season. I've made some mistakes in the lead up to the race, for example slightly low on mileage, not enough race pace preparation and only completing one half marathon in spring. Something to learn from for next year.
