The training:
Having had success with the Hansons 50 - 60 miles per week plan over the summer I decided to attempt their 60 - 80 miles per week plan. This involved running 7 days a week, six 20 mile runs and two "sessions" a week along with a lot of easy running. For sanity's sake I capped the maximum mileage at about 75 miles by shortening some of the warm ups and cool downs.
I survived the plan but found it brutal at times. The week before the Wilmslow Half I did two 20 milers in quick succession to free up the Sunday for "just" a Half. This madness combined with slightly ill-fitting trainers resulted in a blood blister which forced me to have a couple of days off. I also had a couple of weeks early on where I just jogged the miles as I had a cold.
The race:
Having done a 3:19 marathon last autumn I now wanted to go sub 3:15. The plan was to get with the 3:15 pacemaker and hopefully speed up in the last 6 miles.
On the day the weather was perfect and my niggles had almost cleared up so there would be no excuses. After a crowded first mile in 7:36 I then locked into 7:20 pace to catch the pacemaker. After catching him about 5 miles in I tucked in behind him for a few miles, just rolling along with the group and conserving energy.
My experience of marathons is that if you don't reach halfway feeling strong you are in big trouble so the first half should be a steady jog; almost boring!
The pace for a 3:15 marathon is 7:25 mins per mile so after a couple of 7:30 miles I decided not to trust the pacemaker and push on a bit. I sped up very slightly and that was the last I saw of that group (thankfully!)
The support in Altrincham at halfway was fantastic and I went through in 1:36:30 so well on target. The next three miles felt fantastic as I cruised along at 7:20 pace, energised by a gel. However after 16 miles the fatigue started to set in but I had enough effort in reserve to just try a bit harder to compensate. It was now a case of counting down the fractions of mile to 30K (18.6 miles) and then 20 miles when the countdown could start in earnest.
I got some great support from fellow Bramhall Runners along this section of the course which made a huge difference. A big thanks to anyone who turned out on the day to cheer.
Apparently in a marathon the race begins at 20 miles. However, having pushed on a bit in the middle of the race I didn't feel able to speed up. I did manage to avoid much fade and just kept cruising along just under 7:30 pace. There were a few Chorlton Runners around so I took pleasure in overtaking them!
At about 25 miles the course turns on to Chester Rd towards Old Trafford and now it was just a case of using any energy that was left. This was going well until I saw the 25 mile marker positioned about half a mile late. This really confused me and I lost focus. Thankfully the 26 mile marker soon appeared and then it was just a case of turning down the finishing straight and sprinting for home. I knew I would be under 3:15 but was pleasantly surprised to see 3:12 on the watch!
All in all a very uneventful marathon. No cramp, no wall, just a long run with free drinks at the end!
I have read a few reports of the Hansons plan where runners have said they have enjoyed the second half of the race. I think the constant running on tired legs prepares you mentally and physically for those 26 miles. It may be a while before I contemplate doing that plan again though!
