Marathon Aftermath
I've had a few days to reflect on Sunday's marathon and although initially I was a little down I've learnt loads from the race and there are a few things I'd do differently next time. The first big learning point was my pace. I didn't take into account how the stops would affect me and in hindsight I dwelt on this too much and beat myself up mentally about it. Looking at the run trace post run this wasn't as bad as I imagined it was. I can't wait to do another one.
Secondly the cramp was bad and is one of those things which you have to deal with. I did this but let it get to me. Rather than trying to make up lost time. I need to gradually build back up to pace. This way I believe it will recover better and most likely end up going quicker.
Thirdly the fuelling. I think I got this spot on I wasn't out of energy but did get sick of the energy gels. I had 5 gels in all. One just before the start and then 1 every 30mins. Later in the race I was grabbing orange slices when offered and had one lucozade sport drink. At the finish didn't feel desperate to eat. In the future i'm going to experiment with flapjacks or bananas to see how I get on with these instead of the dreaded gels.
And on the plus side despite everything I still got a PB!
Medals and race numbers from 2016 and 2013
The most important thing for me though is the training plan has been so manageable and I can't wait to get back into training. Before when I did the marathon I was sick of training and didn't run for month afterwards.
Feet condition report (warning slightly graphic foot pics).
Only really had a couple of bad blisters so overall not bad.
Secondly the cramp was bad and is one of those things which you have to deal with. I did this but let it get to me. Rather than trying to make up lost time. I need to gradually build back up to pace. This way I believe it will recover better and most likely end up going quicker.
Thirdly the fuelling. I think I got this spot on I wasn't out of energy but did get sick of the energy gels. I had 5 gels in all. One just before the start and then 1 every 30mins. Later in the race I was grabbing orange slices when offered and had one lucozade sport drink. At the finish didn't feel desperate to eat. In the future i'm going to experiment with flapjacks or bananas to see how I get on with these instead of the dreaded gels.
And on the plus side despite everything I still got a PB!
Medals and race numbers from 2016 and 2013
The most important thing for me though is the training plan has been so manageable and I can't wait to get back into training. Before when I did the marathon I was sick of training and didn't run for month afterwards.
Feet condition report (warning slightly graphic foot pics).
Only really had a couple of bad blisters so overall not bad.
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