Just wondered if anyone on this board is running the London marathon tomorrow, or has done it in the past. I'll be taking part for the first time in this event.
No, but running my first this September in Berlin. How’s training gone? Time you hoping for? All the best mate!
No, but working on it for what feels like the millionth time. Directing cameras at Cutty Sark so give us a wave. You should hopefully still be in good nick at 6 miles. Gonna be a warm one.
Training went pretty well until a couple of weeks ago when I started to get plantar fascia problems. If you've not encountered this, it's a kind of pain you get in your instep when you push off with your foot when running. Anyway, I've been pretty much immobile for the last couple of weeks, hoping for it to recover. Tried to run the last couple of days and it's been ok, so hoping for the best Sunday. As far as time is concerned, I don't think it will be anywhere near my best marathon time (2hr 51 mins). It's going to be 23c on Sunday or thereabouts, so I reckon everyone will be slower - well, I most definitely will in that temperature!! Btw, I'd love to do the Berlin marathon. Did you get in via ballot, fast-for-age? I always seem to forget about it then when I check it's already full up - not sure when the registration is.
Yes I have done it 5 times, the atmosphere is magnificent. The advice I was given by a 2.30 marathon runner was start slow carry on slow finish slow. In other words don’t get carried away in the early miles and keep your pace even. Sip liquids little and often. If you have people watching arrange what mile they will be and which side of the road they will be. Depending on what time you are aiming for your following could see you upto 4 times. If you have done your training you will be fine
Yes, I think it is the crowds and atmosphere I am looking forward to as much as anything, should be quite a buzz. I'm not sure a 2hr 30 minute runner is following his own advice about running slow though But I know what you mean, keep it even-paced.
Sorry for that useless bit of advise (your post with your time hadn't come on the thread when I posted) I hope your injury doesn't scupper the experience for you. Can you post your time? Just out of interest how many marathons have you run. Good luck to you and anyone else doing the marathon today
Finished in 2 hours 58, and 7 secs. In the conditions I'm really pleased with that - I came 83rd in my age group (45-49 years). It was a bit of an ordeal in the heat to be honest. There were various points where I thought about withdrawing - my calf was very tight throughout. One of the main reasons why I do these stupid distances is the generosity of spirit amongst the crowd and fellow competitors. People just coming up to you and congratulating you and engaging in conversation. I feel like my right calf has been hit with a crow bar and could only hobble to the station. A lady came up to me and asked me if I was OK, and if I had someone at home to look after me She was a northerner obviously, but how nice was that? To answer your question Hotbovril: I've run the Farnham Trail Marathon, Abingdon, Manchester, York and now London. I also did the High Wield ultra 50k, and in February I ran the North Downs Ultra (66 miles) - I'm looking to collect enough UTMB points to do one of the shorter Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc runs next year.
I doff my cap to you, having tried to break 3 hours at a couple of London's I gave up. Ultra running is in a different world. My next goal would be an ironman. I glad you enjoyed it and I hope you recover soon
Cracking that, congratulations! And yes, via the ordinary ballot for Berlin. It opens a few weeks after the race sometime in October.
