Run > Race

Very proud of myself - and very sore! Decided to go for sub-3:20 and ran 3:19:11. Wouldn't say it was the most pleasant experience - it hurt far earlier on than any of my previous marathons, thanks in no small part to the piriformis niggle that's been bothering me the last few weeks. By halfway it was referring all down my right leg and my calf was very sore and tight. Had to keep trying to flex it as I ran so it didn't seize/cramp up. Usually I find the pace comfortable until about 16 miles but the brisk pace from the start made it so much tougher. Had intended to start slower but ran pretty even splits (not sure where that 8:06 came from or even if it's right). Really pleased with this though and that I managed to stay strong despite the pain! Weather wasn't too bad - cooler than forecast thankfully although a little humid when the sun broke through. Huge downpour just before the start though which was a bit grim - was freezing!