Run > Race

Manchester Marathon (62nd & big PB)

I didn't train specifically for this race and had planned on doing it as a training run for Comrades, but of course being a fast flat course, there was no way I wasn't going to push things if I felt good.

Last week was my biggest week ever (170.9k) so I implemented a rapid week long taper building up to this race... ie I sat on my butt for three of the seven days. This seemed to work really well as I woke up on Sunday morning feeling great, despite a restless night's sleep.

I went into the race with a sub-2:45 time in mind so set a goal pace of 3:54/km, but I wasn't sticking to it too strictly as this was a week after a big week and not a race I'd specifically tapered for.

Things started off really well and I found the 3:54 pace really easy. So easy that I ran quicker than desired pace until the 26th km when I finally slowed slightly. I then held a pretty consistent pace around 3:54 right until the end. I felt really good throughout the race but definitely found holding this pace a little tougher towards the end. My mind was telling me to hold back something for the end but my legs were telling me to just keep ticking over the k's at my planned pace so I followed my legs, which is just as well as I didn't have much left in the legs for my characteristic kick at the end.

Crossed the line feeling very chuffed with myself. I'd finally got the sub-2:45 I'd wanted from Berlin last year and in the process smashed my previous PB by nearly 4 minutes. I also now qualify for the Championship start at London next year, if I choose to enter it. Who am I kidding, of course I'm going to enter 😁

Fantastic flat race with a great crowd throughout. I also found it quite warming and familiar to hear my name being called out in a genuine friendly and encouraging way in a Mancunian accent.

Official results:

Gun/watch time: 2:43:52
Chip time: 2:43:39
Postion: 62/8689