World Marathon Majors - a 6 star quest
32 watchers
Mar 2023
11:10am, 29 Mar 2023
1,008 posts
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Maccathecracker
Big_G I'll wait to see the jacket in the flesh before deciding. I was hoping for blue/yellow (see I have been sucked in) and also wonder how often I'll wear it. If the £/$ exchange rate continues to improve it may help the decision.
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Apr 2023
1:37pm, 5 Apr 2023
2,406 posts
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Big_G
Boston is getting close now. I got my ‘digital number pick up pass’ yesterday and I’m trying not to look at the weather forecast as it seems pointless this far out. Getting excited now. It seems to have been months in the planning! Usual stress at home with Dad, but I’ve done all I can there to smooth things out as best as possible, and I’m flying out Easter Sunday for a few days in NYC first. Girlfriend has never been so we thought we’d combine the two cities, and then we are catching the train up to Boston, which by all accounts is a fairly pleasant journey (about 4hrs or so). Training wise, when I look at the 12 weeks before Seville where I BQ’d, mileage included some high 50s/low 60s and also a 90+ (due to events I did), plus a PB at 5K and 5M, all from a very good base built through 2021. For this, the last few weeks have just been high 30 miles with an occasional 40 (and also a 6 where the foot was sore), and I’m probably 3+mins slower at 5K and although I’ve done what I can this time, I’m nowhere near where I was. But on the positive I’m back running relatively pain free at the moment (I’ve had PF, which is still being managed), and I’m looking forward to the event a lot. Really not thinking about London at the moment, as I’ll think about that when I’m back in the UK. It is a bit odd as a main focus for me over the years was securing a GFA time, and although I managed that, I just know I’m not in shape at the moment so London almost seems like an afterthought at the moment! |
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Apr 2023
9:44am, 13 Apr 2023
1,013 posts
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Maccathecracker
Hope you're having a good time in NY Big_G, combining both is a great idea. I won't be near my qualification time either. I may drop back a coral or two just so I'm amongst similar paced people or may stay where I am, set off too fast, and get the full Heart Break Hill experience. Looking forward to it.
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Apr 2023
1:52pm, 16 Apr 2023
2,415 posts
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Big_G
Good luck Macca. Have you got the expo and everything sorted yet? I’m still a bit apprehensive about pre-race logistics in terms of breakfast, loos, the bus to the start etc, but I’m sure it’ll be fine  Our train up from NYC to Boston was delayed by 2.5hrs on Friday, due to a system wide issue between Washington and NYC, which meant I missed the expo on Friday, which was a shame. I’d planned a parkrun Saturday, but I was keen to get the expo done, plus we had a harbour tour booked for around lunchtime, so I canned the parkrun, which unfortunate but felt the right thing to do. Expo was heaving but extremely well organised with loads of volunteers and I didn’t see any stock issues. We were there around 10 and everything was well stocked and getting restocked. I bought the jacket and a cap, had a good look around, and then went to the finish line area for some pics. The organisers must make a fortune out of the merch sales as loads of people were buying. Whilst in NYC, whilst going through security for Liberty Island, my Garmin strap snapped. I fashioned a repair using the cord from the headphones from the flight, but there was a pop up shop opposite the expo that had straps, so I picked one up there
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Apr 2023
1:58pm, 16 Apr 2023
1,857 posts
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Vixx
All the best for tomorrow!
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Apr 2023
10:27pm, 17 Apr 2023
2,416 posts
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Big_G
Well, what an event that is! Not sure where to start really, so this may be a bit rambling and all over the place. There were just so many interactions and memorable things that happened throughout the day. I think, for me, the downside of the day is the logistics. With me starting at 10:25, but getting up at 5:30, 45mins into town, bag drop, 1hr bus to the start, the usual faff before a big race, the question of what to do about food, and when/where to eat it was a concern, but I just ate little and often, mainly on the bus there. Although there was a large amount of time between leaving the hotel (which had breakfast sorted early to cater for runners) and toeing the start line the time did go quickly but there is a lot of walking about before even getting to the start line. I’d estimate I probably walked about 2.5 miles before the start. But the organisation was flawless, and everyone so friendly. It’s just the point to point nature of the course that adds to the whole thing, with everything taking longer than you’d otherwise think. It was drizzly rain and actually quite cold in the start area, but I knew I’d be fine once I got going and I was happy in my vest. I was warm enough as I had some throw away clothes. The organisers were very strict about starting waves and I got into wave 2, corral 2 and was over the line in about a minute I think. I knew 100s of runners would go past me, but I had a rough pace plan, and I stuck to it. Basically, coast the downhills without pushing too much early on, get up the uphills as best as possible, and run the flat bits to feel. And that plan worked very well for me today. The course and support is simply amazing. I absolutely loved it. The route goes through mainly residential areas, and loads of people are out in their gardens, cheering people on, music playing, etc. There was quite a lot of ‘Boston Strong’ things going on, a nod to it being 10 years since the bombings here on marathon day, but I didn’t feel that people were apprehensive. I felt bystanders were delighted we were there, and honestly I felt proud and happy to be there. I got to half way in about 1hr50 and I was pleased with that. I was feeling ok, and the foot was behaving. At 10am I put some ibuprofen gel on it, and at 2hrs I took some pain killers and although not perfect, it was manageable. At half way I sometimes step it up if I feel I can, and although I felt I could, I decided to hold off doing so until I got over the famous Newton Hills. Before those though, the college girls were out and I could hear the noise about half a mile away. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget - a simply incredible atmosphere and probably I did step it up a bit going through there. At about 17 miles I saw OH who made it out there and it was great to see her. We had a quick chat, and then it was Newton Hills time. There are 4 hills, between 17 and 21, culminating in Heartbreak Hill. But they weren’t horrendous - we have worse in Devon, that’s for sure. I did slow and had my slowest mile up there (9:07), but I then knew the remaining 5 miles were essentially downhill and it did up the effort a bit here. Not quick really, but more of an effort certainly, and I was passing people here (there were still others passing me). Eventually I got to the 1 mile to go sign, we turn right and OH was amazingly right there and I waved, then we turn left onto Boylston Street and you can see the finish. I don’t mind saying I got emotional here, couldn’t believe I was going to finish. I’m not even American obviously, but it was just brilliant, and we passed the place of the bombings where there is a memorial, and then I crossed the line. I held it together and managed not to blub, but it was close I don’t mind saying. 102 marathons, but this one got to me. My time was 3:41:36 and I’m really pleased with that in the circumstances with the plantar fasciitis. Better than I had hoped for really, so I’m pleased with it, but it wasn’t about the time for me really today. I just wanted to enjoy it, hopefully get around fairly pain free, and I managed that. I was pleased with how I ran it, finished strong, and although I purposefully walked through a few aid stations (paper cups, you know how it is!), I feel I ran well and managed the foot well. Nowhere near a PB, but I’m totally fine with that. I went through and got my bag, and OH and I had decided to meet at the Common, which worked well. We’d heard the official meeting points are chaos, and our tube was right there back to the hotel. So many things to say really, but that will have to do for now. Onwards and hopefully upwards. |
Apr 2023
12:26pm, 18 Apr 2023
950 posts
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Rog T
Nice one Big_G, sounds amazing. Might just have to go back on my list now that I seem to be getting back running again.
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Apr 2023
1:24pm, 18 Apr 2023
2,365 posts
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SailorSteve
Great run and nice write-up Big_G It’s certainly my favourite marathon, in terms of the one that pops into my mind when that question gets asked. |
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Apr 2023
1:41pm, 18 Apr 2023
2,418 posts
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Big_G
Probably this sums it up! Still processing it all I think. |
Apr 2023
2:00pm, 18 Apr 2023
5,900 posts
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Windsor Wool
Nice Big_G, very nice. You handled it much better than my club mate who was there. He hammered the early downs too hard, went through HM in 80 mins and then suffered home in 3:05. I did the same the time I ran Snowdonia. I’m planning it for next year so in good time I’ll look forward to any advice on logistics too. All in good time though. Good to read that news Rog T. |
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