One of the benefits of running marathons on a frequent basis is that it allows for a great deal of experimentation with tactics, preparation and fueling. If things go wrong at least you get a nice long training run logged and a medal for your efforts. Following a couple of maras that didn't quite go to plan I decided to return to what I know works well for me and have another go with early walking breaks. I had a look at the Jeff Galloway 'Magic Mile' calculator which suggested that I should go with a run for four minutes, walk for 40 seconds strategy and through this could achieve a time of 3:35:52. On the basis that I have just stepped up my training volume, hadn't tapered and was intending a reasonably hard effort at parkrun the day before the race, I thought attempting to knock 23 minutes off my marathon PB might be slightly on the ambitious side. Or completely stupid. Not to mention impossible. I decided to use a run for nine minutes, walk for one minute strategy as that, a) would be far easier to work out during the race and b) just felt right for me.
At parkrun I had half an idea that I might attempt an assault on my course PB but my legs felt very heavy after some hilly ten milers during the week and I finished almost a minute outside the target, slightly disappointed but at least I felt like I had put in decent effort for the whole 5K. Mandy and I enjoyed a good journey over to Kent and spent a very enjoyable evening with various running friends we happened to meet up with but got to bed a little late bearing in mind the 7am start time. As normal, though, I was up and ready to leave in plenty of time!
The day dawned very calm and clear and was forecast to get quite warm during the morning but I felt ready for that, my only real concern was that my stomach had been unsettled for a few days, Imodium had been taken and I was carrying a further emergency dose. Traviss gave his race briefing; the course was pancake flat and followed the coastal path from Birchington-on-Sea up to Reculver Castle and back, the 6.55 mile loop was therefore to be completed four times.
It was liberating to begin a marathon feeling like I was able to go at a reasonable pace from the start; music was on, weather was good and I felt in decent shape. The only minor irritant was the thousands of tiny black flies which coated shirts and shorts and necessitated running with mouth shut as much as possible at certain parts of the course. At the top of the first loop, however, I suffered the first stomach tremors so took my emergency dose. Mandy was running one loop as part of her training and by the time I reached her on the way back I was convinced I would have to visit the public toilets which were situated a couple of hundred metres beyond the turn-around point. Luckily things had calmed down sufficiently for this to be unnecessary by the time I got there so I continued but was soon experiencing difficulty again, only for it all to settle again a short while later.
This pattern continued; the run/walk was working well, I was being very disciplined with the timing, the stomach issues waxed and waned, and gradually I began to think I could control things sufficiently to complete the race without incident. This was day two of a double which meant that a fair proportion of the runners had run the same course yesterday. Being on comparatively fresh legs meant that I was towards the front of the field from the start and was able to slowly work my way further forward as their tired legs suffered in the heat, feeling I was making progress in this way was a boost although I was very well aware that I had a distinct advantage.
I had completed each loop in just under an hour which was provided a comforting cushion for the final loop. As I approached the last turn-around I was aware that my pace was dropping but had 33 minutes to complete the return and accomplish a 'sub four' for the second time. It was really hot by this time and with no shade on the course the full force of the sun was being felt by all competitors. It took a fair bit of teeth-gritting to maintain the cadence of my footfall, I concentrated on keeping good form and trying not to calculate required pace until I was close enough to go for the line. With three minutes to spare I had a clear view of the finish but it was difficult to judge how far away it was. A friend also completing the race overtook me looking strong. I decided to 'hitch a lift' with him but just didn't have the legs to do so. I picked the pace up as much as I could and tried to ignore my loudly complaining legs. It was a great relief to hear Rachel, the official timer, announce: "Three, fifty-nine, oh three... four... five!" as I approached and crossed the line. Another sub-four in the bag!!
After the traditional rolling around on the grass trying to work out which part of me hurt most I soon recovered enough to be able to, with Mandy's assistance, dash back to the hotel and enjoy a brief soak in the bath before the midday check-out. One of the benefits of the organisers' penchant for very early starts! Traviss and Rachel put on really enjoyable, runner-orientated events, it's almost like going out for a relaxed run with a load of friends but at the end you receive an outstanding medal and goody bag and have added another marathon to your total. I recommend them very highly.
It was very satisfying that the disciplined run/walk approach worked so effectively on a hot day and when I had to cope with the stomach issues. I certainly think walking every ten minutes helped settle things down in that area. It was gratifying to finish eighth overall albeit a somewhat false position due to many running their second marathon of the weekend. I'm not deluded enough to think that would happen if everyone turned up with their race legs on, but it does make me feel like I'm making some progress. There have been many moments of self-doubt over the last couple of years during which I would never have believed it possible even with advantage enjoyed on this occasion.
8th June 2014 Viking Coastal Summer 3:59:05 #37
