Run > Race

Berlin Marathon 9st 13 1/2 two days before race. A really memorable day. I didn't get the time I hoped for but I still enjoyed doing it. I was a little disappointed with myself because I hit the wall at about 24 miles and just succumbed to walking. But even before that I probably wasn't going to hit my target. I wanted to run 3.45, which needed an 8.30 pace all the way round. But it was a very crowded course and it was difficult to get into my running for much of the race. When the course was on dual carriageways it was just about ok, but when it went down to single carriageways I was constantly having to cut my pace. Whenever I went for a drinks stop the crowds around the table meant I lost about 3 seconds per mile each time. It was quite warm, but not unbearable. The traffic was the main issue. I ended up running an extra half mile! I didn't hit my goal pace until the 5th mile. I spotted the 3.45 pace balloon about 150m in front of me and aimed to catch it steadily. It took me about 10 miles to catch up with it, but when I did I had real doubts about the paceman's ability to run 3.45 ( he was an oldish, portly guy) and his pace wasn't up to what I thought it should be. I went past him, and although I finished in 3.55 I'm pretty sure he didn't pass me. I never did get my average pace down to 8.30 - the nearest I got was 8.33. Fatigue hit me with about 2-3 miles to go. I think perhaps I didn't work hard enough in training. Switching to Newton shoes probably will take time to reap the benefits. The course was flat, but crowded. I had 2 x porridge with water and 2 slices of bread and honey 2 1/2 hours before race. Had Isogal 20 mins before start. Had a gel every 3 miles, including a +gel at 21 miles. Only drank water about every 5k. Cals 3057.