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Apr 2021
5:45pm, 22 Apr 2021
11,872 posts
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chunkywizard
good point Vrap, I might just enter one for that very reason!
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Apr 2021
6:19pm, 25 Apr 2021
872 posts
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Big_G
I did Shepperdine Marathon today, which is my first marathon for 13 months! I have been nursing a foot issue, but I've rested it for a few days and felt it would be okay today, which it was.
At the car prior to the race I was umming and ahhing about what to wear, but in the end went for a vest, which was 100% the right decision for me. I even took the gloves off after a couple of miles. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't too hot or anything, but I was definitely wearing the right gear for me. It was good conditions.....except for some wind on certain parts of the course.
This course is out for about 5.5 miles, around a 5-mile loop (3 times) and then back along the 5.5 miles to finish. It's a certified/measured course, so all accurate, and chip timed. A very nice, a pottery medal and a T-Shirt for £25 is very good value.
On the 5.5 mile out there are a couple of small undulations, but they were fine on the way out, and the 5-mile loop is basically flat. The main issue was on part of the loop we were running into a headwind. It wasn't brutal, but quite strong, and it did slow me down along there all 3 times. To make matters worse, the return 5.5 mile leg also had some of it into the wind, but I enjoyed the picturesque course very much.
My very rough race plan was to go out at around PB pace, and then pick it up from 13.1 miles if I felt okay. This worked quite well as for 12 miles I was in and around 7:45s, and then I decided to up the pace at around mile 12, a mile earlier than planned. This was a conscious decision as a chap went past me going a little bit quicker and we worked together for about 7 miles, which was great.
Trouble is, I popped at 19-miles and he then ran away from me. Quads started hurting, but I told myself just to get back to 7:45s and I'd get a small PB. They started slipping and then I told myself to make sure to not go over 8s, but that went out the window and the last 2 miles were a very hard shuffle/death march at over 9s, not made any easier by the headwind. Also, the small inclines I flew over (comparatively!) on the way out felt like mountains on the way back.
So in the end, no PB, but honestly I'm really happy with a chip time of 3:22:52. Bearing in mind for the last 6 months I've only done one 20 miler and one 17.5 miler, I'm really pleased with that. I think the lack of long runs, along with the head wind, is what did for me but if you look at my splits from about 13-19 I was flying along. OK, evidentially too quick for me, but I'm still glad I tried it and as I say, I'm pleased with the time and it's the best I could do on the day.
I'd definitely do this one again. There's no doubt it's a fast course for anyone looking for a low key GFA race. Splits below.
7:45, 7:40, 7:31, 7:37, 7:38, 7:36, 7:37, 7:30, 7:42, 7:39, 7:39, 7:28 (all pretty much to plan).
(Then the faster chap came along, who I consciously tried to hold onto) 7:16, 7:15, 7:20, 7:23, 7:06, 7:06, 7:09
(And then I popped) 7:37, 7:38, 8:05, 7:54, 8:16
(And then….) 9:21, 9:13 and 2:37 for the last bit.
As I say, I know this obviously shows I went too quickly in that section, but I’m fine with it and I’m glad I at least tried, so I wouldn't change anything (except for the wind!). It's good to be able to add a marathon to my list after such a long time.
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Apr 2021
6:36pm, 25 Apr 2021
572 posts
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jelly (limegreenjelly)
I won’t be looking for a gfa until I reach my 70s! That is if I can maintain or improve my pace by then, although saying that I’m not that kind of runner, I don’t train 😂
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Apr 2021
6:52pm, 25 Apr 2021
2,961 posts
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Oscar the Grouch
Top work, G. Hopefully slowed you down to my pace next week!! :-D
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Apr 2021
7:18pm, 25 Apr 2021
11,896 posts
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chunkywizard
Nice work G, it was windy out today.
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Apr 2021
8:22pm, 25 Apr 2021
873 posts
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Big_G
Thanks all, it's nice to be able to write a race report for a marathon after such a long time.
Oscar, I can guarantee my time at Plym Trail will be nowhere near as quick as today's effort! The main aim will be to see if I can get up the return legs in one piece!
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Apr 2021
9:43pm, 25 Apr 2021
2,963 posts
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Oscar the Grouch
I hear the returns are interesting
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Apr 2021
8:57am, 29 Apr 2021
878 posts
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Big_G
Morning everyone. It's coming towards to the end of another month. Could you message me a few words about how your running and your mileage goal is looking, and I'll collate responses and post in a couple of days 
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Apr 2021
10:14am, 29 Apr 2021
11,919 posts
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chunkywizard
Will do Big_G, thanks for collating
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Apr 2021
5:42pm, 30 Apr 2021
881 posts
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Big_G
Hi everyone, I've had 4 responses so far, so if anyone wants to add a few words about their progress, please let me know
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