So, last race before April marathon. Having knocked 3mins off last years time in a shorter race a few weeks ago, as ever, I was hopeful for a big reduction on this one.
Last year 2.33.59. It’s lumpy to say the least but I have a lot more mileage under the belt this year including some longer runs.
However..... ....I have a niggly knee and forecast was windy.....turned out windier than forecast.
So race plan was to aim for 1.15 at halfway point, which would be a minute or so up on last year. Holding back (assuming I am so much fitter ) would mean I could stay strong for second 10. It’s broadly uphill for first 10 and down for the next 7 and up for the last three, so hopefully will stay strong for those last three.
Off at 9.30am, cold and very windy. The field spread out fairly quickly and I settled into a steady pace. 7.15, 7.23, 7.31, 7.39 for the first four. Happy with the pace and the knee is fine. The field is strung out so can’t really tuck in, but helpfully there are a couple of runners staying 30m ahead so helped with pacing as the undulations made it difficult to settle.
7.20, 7.49, 7.39, 7.28 for the next four. The 7.49 was with a long uphill section, so despite the fluctuations in pace, I am happy. I know from last year that the next 2 miles are pretty much all uphill, so not expecting to maintain the pace.
7.41 and 7.54. So halfway 16.1k 1.15.33. Last year 1.16.08, so not quite the minute up I had counted on but ok, particularly as the wind was brutal for the full two miles uphill.
Mile 11 slowest yet, the hill dragged on and on before cresting, fortunately a good downhill to come. 8.02, 7.30, 7.23, flew down the hill but a few warning twinges from the knee. At this point, one of my “pacers” is still ahead and I am pulling a few others back.
7.31, 7.35, 7.37, 7.39 for the next 4, at this point things are hurting, feet, knee, and generally feeling old but strangely feeling strong enough to finish well.
I was into the last three miles that are steadily uphill all the way and some long sections straight into the wind. This had a huge impact on pace and what energy I thought I had went. My pacer left me for dead and another half dozen came past.
Last three 8.15, 8.34, 8.20 and some change for the extra .2.
Overall finish 1.34.18
52/430
3/18 ag
Pleased, but not pleased, I thought the wind would be a factor, but not to the degree it was. More disappointed that knee is swollen and not good today. Decisions needed on marathon in 4 weeks.