London Marathon 2019

Possibly the most popular marathon in the world, and here I am treating it like just another long run!

Given my PB at Paris a couple of weeks back, I had neither the energy or inclination to go out hard at my thirteenth marathon, but instead chose to focus on enjoying it. The crowds and sights at London Marathon are like no other, and sometimes that gets lost when one is tunnel-visioned on PBs.

On the flip side, this would be my wife’s first time running this marathon thanks to our running club, and she was targeting another PB despite already achieving a ten minute PB at Paris.

Pre-race

Being my third consecutive year running the London marathon, much of the preparation felt routine.

The Expo was notably quieter than in previous years, last year having a crushing crowd that hindered a basic walk at the venue. This year, we’d arrived there only a few hours before closing, so presumably we’d missed the crowds.

As I’d planned to take it easy, I took the opportunity to try out Eliud Kipchoge’s world record 4:38/mile pace on a special treadmill for 400m. Weirdly, it didn’t feel too bad!

My main annoyance however, was the late information regarding start zones. We weren’t informed which start zone we were allocated to until we picked up the bibs; not helpful when you need to plan out the morning journey through the Underground’s labyrinthine system. Fortunately for my wife and I, our zones were literally right next to each other. I also question the use of fiddly timing chips when every other running event has them attached to the bib, or as simple bands that loop through laces, but I digress.

The Race

Within moments of entering the start pen (and apparently within moments of the baggage truck closing), I’d met with my training partner Paul, as well as James and Mark from my running club, and Rohan and Carl who I frequently see at races. I’m still not accustomed to knowing so many people!

Go!

Despite planning to take it easy, I’d considered trying a 6-minute starting mile to see if I could maintain it, but as I was boxed in for the first 3 miles, I just went with my intended 6:30/mile pace for a 2:50 time. My reason for targeting this time was that it’d be faster than my previous PB of 2:51 set a couple of years back, checking if I could comfortably beat it now.

Remember me being shocked I know so many people? Around four miles in, I randomly heard from a runner, “Your name Shaun? I follow you on Strava!”

Embarrassingly, he didn’t look familiar to me at all! “You and 300 others!” I remarked, allowing Andy to formally introduce himself before letting me know he was targeting 2:45 and zooming off. Though he didn’t achieve it, he still scored a PB, so kudos!

I felt a bit of lethargy struggle at mile five. I wasn’t sure if it was just in my mind or Paris haunting me, so I dug out my mental Rolodex of people to dedicate miles to. It helped, getting me to mile 9 to take my first energy gel.

Around mile 11, I regularly heard cheers for “Patrick.” It got a shade irritating, mainly because I felt left out! It was timely then, that right at that point I heard, “go Shaun!” from runners from my home parkrun! They were so enthusiastic and energetic, and all I could manage back was a cheesy grin and thumbs up!

And then a few hundred metres later, I heard another cheer! It took a minute of scanning my memories, but it was a similarly-paced runner (who got a Championship time a week before me) who I’d almost bumped into a couple of months back on a long run!

A few miles later… and yep, another supporter! Spectating from the same place as last year, this one was fellow blogger Liz who’s a regular source of positivity, whether on screen or in person!

Around mile 19, I had cheers from the only supporter I’d actually expected to see, a colleague from work! One day I’ll have to be the one spectating and supporting!

Not long afterwards, a strong London accent introduced themselves next to me… Martyn, whom I’d met at a Nottingham marathon, and ran with at last year’s London marathon! He’d ran at Boston recently, so was taking it relatively easy today. We caught up on our recent adventures and our plans, him intending on the Valencia marathon for his second sub-2:45. A capable runner (and holder of a course record and a Guinness World record), I’m sure he’ll do well.

I’d felt pretty strong throughout, even during the final 10k. No hitting The Wall, no issues with hydration. I hadn’t even monitored my pace that much, just letting my legs run at the pace set at the starting mile. As such, I really could just enjoy the crowd support, see the London Eye, Elizabeth Tower and other sights.

Talking of support, there was one last spectator who called out my name a mile from the end; Marvin, another Strava follower!

Frustratingly, my watch distance was way out from the markers, so though my watch said I was on track for a sub-2:50 finish, the markers said otherwise. A couple of kicks in the final mile to try to rectify it…

Post-race

Finishing time – 2:50:50

Not bad, at least it’s within the 2:50-area and is my second-fastest marathon nonetheless.

The goodie bag was plentiful, with protein bars, an apple, Lucozade (in case the thousands given out weren’t enough…), water and the usual flyers and whatnot. The medal was its usual design. It’s nice, but virtually identical as previous years.

On the long walk to the baggage lorry (my bag being in the very last lorry!), would you believe I met yet another familiar face? This one was a runner I’d stuck with during the Ashby 20, who’d already had a few sub-2:45s to his name.

Having lost them immediately at the start of the race, I ended up bumping into James and Paul again, both of whom bagged PBs; James with his first sub-2:50.

Taking a break while waiting for my wife, I could then do some remote spectating of my own, monitoring runners on the app. Unsurprisingly, my friend Barry got a PB and beat my time with 2:41. No doubt we’ll race each other from the Championship pen next year (assuming I don’t end up racing Farah)!

Frustratingly, my phone connection kept dipping in and out, preventing me from checking my wife’s time. From what I breifly saw she was on track for a PB, but I couldn’t see anything beyond 35km. Would she hit The Wall? Would I need to greet her with tissues?

Nope! Despite getting a PB by ten minutes two weeks ago, she only went and got a PB by another thirteen minutes, 4:04!

All in all, a great day. While waiting around, it struck me how emotional everyone else was in completing it, many likely for the first time. Though I’ve got the sensation of feeling like I’ve conquered the marathon, I suppose I shouldn’t take it for granted. No doubt next year when I go all out, I’ll recover that same sense of awe about it.

Strava data here.

 

15 – 21 April 2019

You’d think a guy who’s ran 26.2 miles 12 times over (plus thousands of miles in between) would have an idea of where his road might lead. But this journey has been filled with so many twists and turns, dead-ends and new avenues, my destination is uncertain!

Thank you all again for your comments, likes and reactions on my recent Paris marathon success. Without reservation or exaggeration, I appreciate all of them.

Monday – 5k

With the weekend being such a whirlwind, I’d written “You did it” on the back of my hand before I went to sleep, expecting that my first thought in the morning would be that I dreamt the whole thing!

If nothing else, my legs reminded me it was a reality! You won’t be surprised to learn that this jog was struggle, barely managing 8:30/mile pace.

Strava data here.

Tuesday – 4 miles

Well, this is another fine mess I’ve gotten myself into! I’m participating in London marathon next week, and I have no idea what pace to aim for!

It was all well and good telling myself that I’d attempt 2:45 at Paris with London as a backup, but I didn’t expect for it to actually happen! Shall I just jog it? Go for another sub 2:45? Aim for another PB?

I was given some sagely advice though: “The choice is yours.”

I admit, it’s refreshing that I can run my next marathon with no pressure attached to it. It’s not overly pricey, so it’s not like it’d be a total waste if I got a disastrous time. I safely have a Good For Age for next year.

And most importantly, I feel like I don’t have anything else to prove with marathons. Unless London yanks the rug from under my feet by changing their Championship criteria, there’s nothing material to be gained by a faster time.

So where to now? I’m not sure yet, but I can take the time to find out.

Strava data here.

Wednesday – 5 miles

The pain starting to subside in my legs, my speed is coming back with a comfortable couple of miles at sub-7/mile pace.

This was a great afternoon for running, with the sun out, appearing as though summer is earlier than expected. Let’s hope London won’t be as sweltering hot as last year…

Strava data here.

Thursday – 5 miles

Another jog while I await full recovery in my legs, I gave a lot of thought as to how I pulled off a PB despite not putting as much effort in my training as I have with previous cycles. My conclusion was that much like how The Karate Kid developed skills by performing mundane tasks, I’d done suitable training unawares:

I hadn’t followed a training plan, but I’d learned from others’ training and adapted my own approach accordingly.

I didn’t have many hill sessions, but I’d walked or ran up the 7 flights of stairs in my office every weekday this year.

My speed hadn’t been up to scratch on the track, but running in decrepit trainers forced my legs to work harder during regular runs.

I hadn’t run many consecutive miles at marathon pace, but I’d run close to it for 10k wearing a backpack on commutes, maintaining the pace up a killer hill.

I hadn’t ran long runs at a decent pace, but I’ve regularly done squats, stretches and horse stance to strengthen my legs.

So, training comes in all forms, not just from the obvious. I hope I get to be a Mr Miyagi in the future, I’d love to impart wisdom in this style! Now if only I could find a way to incorporate wax-on, wax-off into running…

Strava data here.

Friday – 11 miles

With a Pokémon battle in the city centre and a day off work, my first instinct was to run there. Scratch that; it was my only instinct! It wasn’t until I set off that I realised it was the most sensible course of action, given the notorious bus schedules on a bank holiday.

My legs seemingly recovered, I was comfortable at a 6:40/mile pace there without paying attention. On the way back, I felt a slight twinge in my left leg, so I consciously held myself back rather than risk injury.

It was a nice sunny day to take it easy though; when I was a kid, bank holidays meant pouring rain and James Bond movies!

Strava part 1 here.

Strava part 2 here.

Saturday – 5k

You guys were impressive with parkrun today, loads of fast times all over the place!

It’s annoying that I can’t capitalise on my newfound speed yet though; I’m not at 100% yet, can’t race the day before London marathon next week, out of action the week after… in short, it’s not until mid-May, maybe even start of June before I can next race a parkrun.

But when I do return, I’ll eagerly see what I’m capable of!

Strava data here.

Sunday – 5k

I was going to run a 7 miler, but time constraints meant 5k would have to suffice. As aforementioned though, I’m not under any pressure or target for next week’s marathon, so I’m not concerned about needing a “long run” for now.

However, I find myself at a crossroads with where to go next with marathons. Like a repeated joke that’s worn out the punchline, I’ve mulled over my Paris time so much it no longer seems impressive. Granted, it’s in the top 200 British marathon times so far this year (even faster than Farah… only because he hasn’t run one this year yet!) and still likely to be in the not-to-be-sniffed-at top 500 by December. And it’s a marathon time faster than virtually everyone else I have the pleasure of knowing (the exceptions are a guy I met at Brass Monkey last year with a recent 2:37, and fellow club member of 2:41).

However, most of my contemporaries will likely shatter it by this time next week. I feel a responsibility to give a great performance at next year’s London marathon. And I wonder what I’m truly capable of.

Which is why… I’m considering aiming for a sub-2:30 time next year.

Yes, it seems crazy. Yes, it’s probably unnecessary.

Call it finally believing in myself, but I don’t think it’s impossible.

The only question I’m struggling to answer, is if it’s the kind of runner – the kind of person – that I want to be. Hundred-mile weeks, heavily-focused on diet, essentially a change in mindset to become one of the top 100 marathoners in the country, running becoming all-encompassing.

It’s ambitious, but I’ll give it some thought. Like I said earlier, I may not know where I’m going, but I can take the time to find out.

Strava data here.

Paris Marathon 2019

Paris; the home of revolution and defiance. It is here where I’ve began to learn to not let anything hold me back from what I want to achieve.

I’d booked this marathon almost a year ago (and gone through a lot with bookings, medical certification and travelling), so expectation and excitement was high! I’d thrown caution to the wind a few weeks back with a good 20-mile performance, now aiming for a sub-2:45 time which I hadn’t planned to target – or certainly, not hit – until next year. It was a fool’s errand, a gambit which would ruin a perfectly good trip and what would have been an enjoyable marathon.

However, never did I actually think things would turn out this way…

Pre-race

Having not carb-loaded as much as I would have liked the day before and with less than perhaps five hours sleep, my confidence had already been shattered. Coupled with an 8:30am start (you know what I’m like in early mornings), I’d pretty much planned to use these as my reasons for a poor performance.

And yet, there was worse to come! I’d been reasonably diligent in the trip’s preparation and navigation, regularly checking the runner’s information guide. So when we arrived at Franklin D Roosevelt station – right next to the start line – in good time as directed, imagine our shock when the baggage drop turned out to be nearly a mile away with no marshals to inform or direct us!

The faffing around with getting there and back along with three security checks shot down all pretense of a relaxed start. And despite the effort made in getting to the sub-2:45 area, I had missed that start and was back in the sub-3 group. Barely.

Struggling against a pressing crowd, I had to climb over the 8-feet-high fencing into the pen, then push through the already packed group of runners. Somehow I managed to get to the sub-3 area, as the last of the runners of that group to set off.

The race

Miles 1 to 5

Err… go? It was a surreal start, and not in any good way. As the last of the wave to set off, I was literally running by myself, with a couple of non-participants on the course actually running in the opposite direction, with nothing to suggest that I was supposed to have set off yet. I honestly thought I was dreaming at that point!

My body in overdrive, I would now be playing catch-up the whole time, dodging runners while trying to get to target pace. Two miles in, I randomly heard behind me:

“Shaun Hemmings!”

Eh? Who on earth…? “Rohan!”

I’d met Rohan at the Stratford-upon-Avon marathon back in 2017, and again at London 2018. It was nice to have a reminder that I wasn’t alone in Paris (I’d even ran into another friend at the Expo!). It helped to settle me a little bit, as well as focus my mind on dedicating miles to people, as I’d done during London 2017. This block of miles was dedicated to members of my family.

I felt energised throughout this portion, with my pace coming in on or a shade faster than target. But the opening miles of a marathon are deceptive… anything could happen…

Miles 6 to 10

Though still on target, my watch was about 0.1 miles out from the mile markers, likely due to me zig-zagging and not following the marked out ideal marathon route. So I regularly calculated what my pace was based on the markers, as well as trying to convert it into kilometres. Whatever to help get my mind off the race!

Of great help were the crowds. Advised by a buddy the night before to expect “allez!” throughout, it was all I heard! The support comparable to London and Manchester, it was reassuring that no matter the language we speak, culture we follow or country we come from, we’re united in running and the support of those pursuing their goals.

Taking my first of my four energy gels at mile 9, I didn’t feel like I needed it, but knew it needed to be in my system well before it became necessary. I’d heard (but not researched for myself) that due to the limited amount of energy the body can store, it tends to be at mile 22 when it is used up. Yep, The Wall. I therefore planned to regularly bolster my energy throughout in anticipation. But with no energy drinks or gels being given out, I had to wear my running belt to carry gels, which I hadn’t worn for at least a year! No time like the present!

These miles were dedicated to friends who got me into running.

Miles 11 to 15

Still feeling good, the 6mph headwind was hardly noticeable, even though I had no-one to use as a windbreak, exposed to it the whole time. I hit the halfway point (by marker, not watch) at about 1:21:30. This was almost a minute faster than my bare-minimum target, but about 45 seconds off my dream target. I wasn’t too concerned, although it felt like fatigue might creep in at any point. Not helping was a slight hill I hadn’t expected. I took it carefully without exertion, focusing on the apex which would allow me to pick up the pace again afterwards.

It was strange (and still feels so, writing this) that occasionally my watch would flash up sub-6 pace. During a marathon. How far I’d come, that I could still remember when 6:30/mile would make me smile!

Four of the miles were dedicated to members of my running club, one of whom placed first at a half marathon recently, and another who’s wife had bagged a second Championship-worthy time at Manchester last week.

One of the miles was for the parkrunners I’ve met. In fact, it was at a parkrun where I’d first met… no, save him for later.

Miles 16 to 20

Right on cue, I could feel the first wall hit me at mile 17. Not the “lack of energy” kind, but the one where doubt hits. To take my mind off it, I recalled the energy gels I’d had at miles 9 and 14, and another at 18. I had the energy in me to do it, so there was no reason why I couldn’t. And I managed almost this pace just a few weeks ago on a far harder course. I can do this.

Unexpectedly, we went under a loooong tunnel, cutting off my GPS and the crowd-cheering, with nothing to hear but echoing drums at the entrance. Concerned that my pace might drop with nothing to monitor, I latched onto the first runner I’d seen all race with a pace similar to mine.

Eventually emerging into daylight, my pace was unaffected. Shortly after, I reached a crowd of cheering Brits! I tell you, I’ve never smiled so broadly!

Powering onward, the first wall was long forgotten and I came closer to mile 20. The limit of where I’d been at this pace. Where the marathon truly begins. Of course, this mile was dedicated to Barry, who’d got me in this mess to begin with. Sure, I’d planned to try to reach 2:45 at some point, but it was he who told me about the Championship pen for London. He must have known I wouldn’t be able to resist the challenge!

Other miles were dedicated to runners I’ve met throughout this crazy journey.

Miles 21 to 26.2

I’d reached the 20 mile point at just under 2:04. A low 2:03 would have been nice, but I nonetheless had a 41-minute 10k to do, which was about where I wanted to be at. Importantly, I was still feeling good; my legs didn’t feel fatigued or in pain, I regularly let my arms relax, my breathing wasn’t laboured at all. Even a sharpish hill at 21 miles wasn’t too bad, and I continued to focus on the apex as I did before.

Though I was still on target, my mind started playing math games, seeing how much I could slow my pace by to still hit sub-2:45. Though I could have theoretically dropped my pace from 6:11/mile to 6:20ish, I didn’t dare lose the momentum. 9 seconds becomes 19, and before long, I’d be walking.

Mile 23.1 hit, or as because I was in France, Kilometre 37.

5k left. As long as I run, I will likely forever utter these words, as much as it annoys me:

One. parkrun. Left, I growled.

The first few miles were dedicated to my family again.

Mile 25 belonged to you. Followers on Strava, current and future readers of this blog, people who liked or commented on my Facebook and Instagram posts, every runner I’ve met. You’ve all helped me become the runner I am today, so thank you. Of course, that also means that this is your fault! Reminding myself of the shame that would befall me were I to fail in the final miles, I pressed on, though for the first time it felt difficult.

The final mile passed in a blur, the crowds cheering louder than I could imagine.

“Vive la France!” I cried out, my arms spread out, grasping the hand of a nearby runner. Again, running; the activity that unites us!

The finish line grew closer… and closer… I was slightly panicked that my shenanigans at the start might have messed up my chip time, particularly as the clock showed a way-out 2:48 compared to my watch’s 2:43.

Finish!

I stumbled across the line and just let myself collapse, much to the chagrin of officials who hauled me to my feet again!

Looking at my watch, I couldn’t believe it. A sub-2:45.

“How the hell did I do that?!” I repeated over and over again for the following half hour.

Strava data here.

Post-race

Dragging myself to the meeting area to wait for my wife (who bagged herself a PB by 10 minutes!), I’d got a text to confirm my time:

2:43:13

How the hell did I do that?

I’d had maybe two high mileage weeks, one complete hill session (two failed ones), hadn’t maintained marathon pace in training for longer than a few miles at a time. It shouldn’t have happened. Part of me tells myself I didn’t deserve or earn it.

The clock tells me otherwise.

A PB by 8 minutes, coming back after injury when I thought PBs were behind me. I’m satisfied, knowing that – yes, maybe one day I might tackle a sub-2:40, but – this is an accomplishment to always be happy about, just like my 2:54 at London. For now though, I’m happy to take a break from marathon training and its PBs, and instead focus on a sub-75 half marathon and sub-17 5k over the summer.

But of course, I know what you’re really here for; you want to know about the goodies!

Though the medal looks really basic, the t-shirt design is nice, and is quite comfortable to wear. And although the goodie bag didn’t hold much in the way of treats, that it’s an actual backpack – of a good design, no less – means I’ll get some use out it.

The course itself is reasonably flat, very much comparable to London. Although there were hills around 13 and 21 miles, they were quickly dealt with by decent declines. Whereas a number of marathons tend to venture into deserted countryside area, this remained metropolitan, but also through some parks to provide nice greenery.

I highly recommend the Paris marathon. Even if I hadn’t bagged a PB, it would have been an enjoyable race nonetheless. However, entering early is a must; though they don’t use a ballot system, the prices increase quite dramatically so it’s best to get the “early bird” price.

As for me, I now have my sights set on other international marathons; Berlin, Tokyo, Boston and New York, to name a few. Before then though, I’ll let my legs recover and try to come to terms with this achievement!

 

 

 

 

 

8 – 12 April 2019

Au revoir! On the day the UK was to leave the EU, I find myself leaving the UK for the EU. What are the odds? Anyway, I thought I’d leave you with a brief run-down of my running week, full of light sessions to avoid injury and exhaustion, while keeping my legs ticking over and ready to absorb carbs.

If you’d like to live-track my progress, click here for instructions to download the spectator’s app. My bib number is 01209 (not to be confused with the famous Beverly Hills postcode!).

Monday – 5 miles

One of my pet hates is starting a run while it’s already raining. If it starts while I’m already out, so be it. But as it started pouring it down just before I set out, I was left with little choice.

The temperature was actually fairly warm, and a slight breeze actually made the run enjoyable! The rain making the cycle path glisten, I was glad to be out, fantasizing about what Sunday will bring. Hopefully drier weather!

Strava data here.

Tuesday – Intervals: 12x(200m sprints with 200m jog)

Day 100 of running! Many times I thought about taking a break for a day, but one of my foibles is an insatiable curiosity. What would the effect on me be if I continued? How long could I maintain the streak?

Mentally, I now set out for a run without a second thought, whereas before I’d consider each run as the be-all and end-all of training. Physically, I feel in better shape than I did at the start of last year. I look forward to the next 100 days!

Tonight, I had a speed session. Five days before a marathon? Yep, my tried and tested formula! One last blitz to remind my legs what it’s like to run at speed, also getting them hungry enough to store the carbs I’ll inundate them with in the next couple of days.

200m reps being short enough to not be exhausting, I could have gone on for longer but know this is not the time to push myself. On the flipside, I found myself easily reaching faster speeds than I normally would, even hitting sub-5:00/mile on the first rep!

Strava data here.

Wednesday – 2 miles

A really light slow one today, barely enough to get my heart rate up. An improvised route gave me the exact two miles I needed. Weather was great today, in this country. But every time I look at the Paris forecast, the wind grows stronger while the temperature drops…

Strava data here.

Thursday – 3 miles

After a slight panic of forgetting to buy energy gels, stuck in traffic on the way home, preventing me from getting to a running shop in time, I went to four shops to attempt to buy some. Eventually successful at a Halfords, I had just enough time for a light, quiet jog.

Strava data here.

Friday -2 miles

Just another couple of miles. I have to keep holding my excitement back, feeling ready to go!

Goal A: Sub 2:45. I’ll aim for 6:10-6:15/mile for the first 20 miles, putting me in good stead for the final 10k.

Goal B: Sub 2:51. This would get me a PB. I’ll revert to this if the first 5 miles prove to be a struggle, but should allow for a decent run. I’ll then re-attempt Goal A at London.

Goal C: Sub 3. This would be just to get a Good for Age.

Strava data here.

1 – 7 April 2019

Well, well; you lot have been a busy bunch, haven’t you? With my Strava feed filled up with PBs, accomplishments and National performances, I’m reminded that despite all my solitary runs, I’m not alone with my ambitions. So with more meaning than just an orange thumbs up, kudos to you all.

Monday – 4 mile jog

Just a relaxed jog with my wife.

Strava data here.

Tuesday – 200m hill reps

Returning to the session that was cut short last week, I played it somewhat cautiously, staying as far from the kerb as possible! The reps came at a fairly decent pace, though I’d also tried not to push it too hard, given marathon day is just around the corner.

Strava data here.

Wednesday – 5 miles with strides

Maranoia? Psh, I’ve run my fair share of marathons, I’ll be cool with it.

…is what I thought a couple of weeks ago when my Facebook feed had a number of “maranoia” articles. But it suddenly hit me today that my runs had been relaxed since Ashby, and my muscles might atrophy from not going at marathon pace enough!

I threw in strides in this jog to make myself feel better, though the concern persists. I’ll be glad when Paris is over, and I can relax. Oh wait, I have another marathon two weeks after that…

Strava data here.

Thursday – 5k with strides

With Madonna playing, I once again added strides to my jog to help combat maranoia. It felt good, slipping into controlled speed rather than wildly lurching into sprinting.

Strava data here.

Friday – 7 miles with a couple of fast-paced miles

“Feels like I’m wearing nothing at all! Nothing at all! NOTHING AT ALL!”

With all my usual running socks in the wash, I was forced to use a pair that I think I won at a race a while back. I don’t wear them as they’re really thin and I’m paranoid about tearing through them.

It was weird how much of a difference it felt! My usual socks are quite thick to help prevent blackened toenails, but these were so thin I was immediately reminded of the classic “feels like I’m wearing nothing at all!” scene from The Simpsons! I’m seriously tempted to wear them for Paris, a lighter feeling potentially helping to conserve energy.

Strava data here.

Saturday – 5k

With a busy day ahead but thankfully not needing to have fast-paced or long miles in, I opted just for a short 5k. The route strangely full of pedestrians, it was a nice reprieve for people to actually move out of my way!

Strava data here.

Sunday – 10 miles

Ah, the famous “last long run” before the marathon. I was actually looking forward to this, knowing the hard work had been done and there was no feat to be achieved with a long distance or fast pace.

As I ran through Brindleyplace, I was reminded of when I almost collided with a runner there at the same pace in the opposite direction. I started following him on Strava since, and he achieved a 2:44 marathon at Manchester today!

It’s a confidence boost to see others of similar ability achieve the goals, yet I was also reminded of how the wheels can come off a perfectly good marathon at 23 miles in. For all the training and miles, I have no clue as to what will actually happen on race day. All I can do is try my best and temper my reactions, regardless of a PB or DNF.

Next stop: Paris!

Strava data here.