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LittleBigMan
1064 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 11:53:49 AM
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Abingdon Marathon Race Report - Here goes!
Excuse the length - just skip what you deem rambling:-)
well the day finally arrived and Gill and I were up at the crack of dawn to ensure I could eat early, get ready and travel to Abingdon. Probably didn't eat enough, as I only fancied a yogurt, banana and fruit juice. I did top up with Gatorade periodically as we were en-route though.
Arrived OK at Tilsley Stadium, 15 min walk to stadium from car park, massive queues for the loos, which was worrying given that we were being called to the start at 8:45 and I had to queue for 20 mins. It was now 8:40 ish as I got my turn. Talk about close! The organisers were also adamant that there wouldn't be a delayed start, queue or no queue. Hmmm???
Anyway, lined up on the athletics track roughly where I thought I should be and we off on the button at 9am. Started my Garmin, or should I say started the timer, but realised I'd inadvertenty turned the GPS off - disaster I though initially, but decided I'd just have to go by mile markers and timer. This worked pretty well and I managed to stick to the pace overall in the first 9 miles, but did go off a little faster than I'd planned, but nothing serious.
I had given Gill details of my expected times to reach various mile markers and she said I was bang on the button for 9 & 18. This helped Gill, who provided me with great support (and drinks, gels as needed) although I made sure I had two gels with me and a Gatorade just in case.
Although I wasn't over pacing overall up to 9 mile, I realised I was too fast at 13 miles which I hit at 1:29 - clearly too fast. I'd obviously upped the tempo after I passed Gill, David and Jeannie at Milton (9 ish mles) Thanks for the great support! Really appreciated it! Problem was, it obviously lifted me a tad too much :-)
At the half way point, which followed a pretty tree lined path I felt strong, but was beginning to wonder if my choice of footwear (Saucony Fastwitch flats) was ill advised, as some of the surfaces were very hard under foot and I hadn't run more than 19.67 miles in them before. I got away with it at RNR and was fine, but that was tarmac, whereas this course had long stretches of pavement. This was really taking its toll on my feet and hips. I'd read many reviews on the suitability of these shoes, which largely agreed that unless you were a lightweight and relatively fast, they shouldn't be considered for anything over half marathon, but hey, I'm only a wisp, so it must be the surfaces or my speed.
Just before 18 miles I took another gel and finished my Gatorade, so I could swap for a fresh bottle when I got to Gill again. I hit 18 miles on the button again, which pleased me, as it proved my judgment was pretty good without the Garmin. Gill exchanged my supplies with military precision. Don't know what I'd have done without her really, she was a star! The lift I got from the support of Gill, David and Jeannie, especially at 18 miles was tremendous and really helped me to refocus - Brilliant!
I'd not long passed 18 miles when I picked up a stitch (very rare for me) just above my left hip. I can only attribute this to the persistent joltng from stepping on/off pavements on the course. I went down a particularly high one and felt the jolt and the stitch almost immediately. I'm convinced this triggered it. I managed to run through it though and it was gone within a mile or so thank goodness.
Support around the course generally was terrific, and through the pretty little villages I came across some terrific support from the locals. In one village, a little old lady standing on a corner cheered me on both loops, so she must have stood there for ages. Given she was about 90 I reckon, that's just fantastic to see, so I acknowledged her with a wave and thankyou on both occasions :-) In the same village two particularly loud youngsters made me laugh as they roared almost aggressively 'Come on 523, you can do it, come on!!!'
When I hit 20 miles, the brilliant marshalls (who were ubiqitous it seemed) kept driving home to runners the need to keep their heads together and stick with it. I know from all the advice and stories I've read that this is where the race really begins, so it was dig deep time. This was all too eveident when I spotted a runner, head bowed and walking disconsolately at the side of the road. I asked him if he was OK, but he was on another planet and in no frame of mind to talk.
Come 22 miles ish, the pain in my feet and hips was seriously beginning to impair my performance with an inevitable drop in pace. It was going to get worse I knew, as my shoes weren't suitable for slow running, so I had a choice to make, pick up the pace in the hope of minimising the pain or just soldier on and hope I could make it to the end. Well failure wasn't an option, as Gill said I couldn't come home if I didn't go sub 3:15, so it was try and pick up the pace. The problem was, when I did it exacerbated the pain I was feeling in my feet and hips, obviously due to increased impact. Therefore I just maintained the pace I could and hoped I'd have something left for a stadium finish.
The last 2 miles for me were killers and reenforced my belief that I should have perhaps worn my Brooks Adrenaline instead. They are heavier of course, so some some loss of speed over the first half was likely I'd guess, but I'm sure that would probably have been offset my the comfort they'd have offered me for the last 6-8 miles.
That could have made all the difference and helped me finish stronger than I did. I'll certainly be reviewing what to wear next time. Having said that, it may well just have been the hard surfaces for large sections of the course, whch was the culprit. I'm convinced that the cumulative effect of my choice of shoes and the surfaces actually cost me about 4-5 mins, so I'll expect to prove that next time :-)
As I entered the last mile, I was gardually catching another runner, although I didn't think I would, or even cared  A supporter clapped and commented to me 'you're catching him, well done!' When I saw the the stadium entrance in site, I tried to pick up the pace a little and managed to take the other runner. Not sure of this demoralised him, because he seemed to give up, or at least I didn't see him again. Hope I didn't have that effect on him.
I spotted Gill as I approached the entrance to Tilsley Park, and she yelled at me (REALLY LOUDLY )to pick up the pace, as she knew how much I wanted that GFA place. The startled marshall standing by Gill reassured her that it was in the bag and that she also had time to get back inside the stadium to see me finish on the track, which she was concerned about I undertand why now, as I thought that once I turned the corner I'd be on the track in no time. Well, no such luck! I had to run a loop of the park's footpath, which deflated me momentarily. I looked at my Garmin and realised that I could do it and was on for about 3:09. Then I heard some clapping as a marshall directed me onto the track to run the final 400 and my spirits lifted. I ran that 400 on my own, which seemed a little strange. I spotted the clock, so made a final dash for the line over the last 200. I'd done it! I was overjoyed  3:09:18 / 10th in category/116th overall.
A marshall stopped me dead to remove my chip, and I nearly had to hold on to him to steady myself, but just managed to stand without assistance  Blue lipped and unsteady I kissed Gill and begged for a cuppa tea. Problem was, I had to scale a flight of steps to get at it  Same for the results, but thankfully, Gill offered to go up instead when she saw how unsteady I was
What a day! What an event! What an experience! Absolutely awesome! I admit to feeling very emotional when I crossed that line.
Gill and I waited around for a while then headed back to the college car park, where we also found a vantage point to welcome home DaveM. Thankfully we spotted him and cheered him home. Well done Dave! I didn't realise until afterwards that James Barnes also ran, so apologies to James. We'd have certainly cheered you home too had we have known.
That's three finishers at Abingdon from UKNR! We also spotted the same guy I had spotted earlier at 20 miles at the side of road, but now draped in a foil wrap, obviously determined to finish, which I'm sure he did. I'd have liked to have been around to hear the cheers in the stadium when he walked onto the track for the last 400! The guy must have gone off to fast I reckon and fell apart at 20 miles, but that's just my guess.
All in all a terrific event, experience and result, so I'm delighted! Thanks again to Gill, David (HW) Jeannie, to everyone on the day and to all UKNR nutters that have encouraged me! I'll be back! :-)
Splits tell a story - pain, pain and more pain from 22 miles
1-2 14:06 (average of initial 2 miles 7:03 m/m)
3 6:29 m/m
4 6:43 m/m
5-8 26:59 (average of miles 5-8 inclusive 7:31 m/m)
9 6:58 m/m
10-11 13:47 (average of miles 10-11 inclusive 6:51 m/m)
12-13 13:56 (average of miles 12-13 inclusive 6:56 m/m)
14-17 28:24 (average of miles 14-17 inclusive 7:16 m/m)
18 7:35 m/m
19-20 15:13 (average of miles 19-20 inclusive 7:27 m/m)
21 7:38 m/m
22 7:40 m/m
23 7:51 m/m
24-26 25:11 (average of miles 24-26.2 inclusive 7:49 m/m)
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"The will to win is worthless, without the will to prepare."
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Edited by - LittleBigMan on 19 Oct 2009 8:11:17 PM |
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StephenPrice
2113 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 12:02:21 PM
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Well done Ian, those last few miles are indeed tough but you know what it's all about now and can plan better last time.
Hope the legs aren't too bad today |
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JonHullis
66 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 12:38:22 PM
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| Brilliant run Ian. Really impressive time. And you're already planning strategy for the next one! Well done. |
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LittleBigMan
1064 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 12:58:59 PM
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Thanks Guys!
*Stephen
Yes, best laid plans went out of the window, but only because I screwed up with GPS on Garmin. I knew exactly what pace I needed to go out at, and did pretty well to keep to it in the first couple of miles, but erred a little later.
My racing flats are great and good up to H/M and even RNR stage 12, but not supportive enough for a marathon in my opinion. I believe Saucony now also do a compromise between fastwitch 3 and an out and out stability shoe, which I'll look at as a possibility for my next marathon.
Incidentally, legs are up on the recliner at the moment and have been since yesterday
*Jon
Thanks, yes I am already planning my strategy and its funny you mention it, because normally after a big race Gill hears me say 'never again' On this occasion though I said I wanted to do another one just after crossing the line
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"The will to win is worthless, without the will to prepare." |
Edited by - LittleBigMan on 19 Oct 2009 1:02:59 PM |
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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 1:08:26 PM
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Glad you've got your feet up Ian
Brilliant report - it comes across so clearly that you really enjoyed the whole experience - fantastic |
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LittleBigMan
1064 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 1:17:58 PM
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Thanks Matt
I certainly did enjoy it, but as for 'whole' I'm not so sure
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"The will to win is worthless, without the will to prepare." |
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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 1:40:59 PM
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| What I mean by the whole experience includes all the marathon-centric training you've been doing, not just the race. And let's be honest, those hard parts during a race, which aren't fun at the time, make it more of a rewarding experience when you've finished |
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LittleBigMan
1064 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 1:45:08 PM
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Yes, thanks Matt - I did understand what you meant
I was just being humerous, given my current condition
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"The will to win is worthless, without the will to prepare." |
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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 2:06:02 PM
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| aaah, my bad |
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StephenPrice
2113 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 2:11:50 PM
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LBM > I think Adidas do a good range of intermediate trainers to fill the gap between supportive & flats.
Am still wondering whether to try a marathon in my Asics Hyperspeed as there really is nothing to them. Plenty of time for that though.
Enjoy the post-marathon relaxation |
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LittleBigMan
1064 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 2:42:17 PM
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Thanks Stephen, I'll check out a few options including the Adidas.
When it comes down to less support as you get with flats, much depends on how fast the runner is of course, as to whether you'll get away with them on longer distances.
I don't know anything about the Asics Hyperspeed, but I'll have a read up. With your faster pace, you're more likley to get away with wearing flats than I though obviously.
Having said that I may still be tempted to run say a 20 miler in my Fastwitch to corroborate my belief that the pain I suffered was at least partly attributable to the hard surface in parts at Abingdon.
Back to the relaxation
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"The will to win is worthless, without the will to prepare." |
Edited by - LittleBigMan on 19 Oct 2009 2:44:32 PM |
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krissienewton
1268 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 2:46:26 PM
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Fantastic Ian! Great running and a really moving report. So glad your experience of your first marathon was mostly a positive one and what great support from Gill Congratulations on the good for age too!
Krissie
Get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race - Ron Hill |
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LittleBigMan
1064 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 3:03:07 PM
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Thansk Krissie!
It was a great day indeed! I'd certainly recommend Abingdon if you're interested for next year 
Cheers!
Ian
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"The will to win is worthless, without the will to prepare." |
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deano
818 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 3:24:06 PM
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Well done Ian, great first marathon mate what a run...brilliant time as well,don't know how you do it..ha..ha..
Deano.... Always enjoy your running. |
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DaveM
608 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 3:52:52 PM
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Sorry but it's my turn to ramble on now!
I had initially planned to drive down to Milton Keynes the night before so I would only have twenty minutes or so drive to the start, but was unable to do this so I was up at 4am and driving down the road at 5 (after porridge and toast).
Arrived at Abingdon at around 8am, which gave me an hour to prepare.
It was colder in Abingdon that at home (around 3 deg.C) so I was glad I had brought gloves just in case my hands were too cold.
Walked to the start at the Abingdon Athletics stadium. Saw Mick and Phil warming up (didn’t see them again on the course – hopefully they finished ok). Noticed Ian stood with the elite at the front (almost) at the start, but didn’t have time to walk to the front and return back to the back of the field before the gun went off. Apparently Susan Dando was there to start us – didn’t see her but could hear her voice (shame!)
Started off nice and steady – after around one mile I saw the best group of supporters ever……..around 200 Turkeys all gathered at the edge of the fence gobbling away (is that the politically correct word to use? ) looking at the runners as they ran past…..maybe they were pleading to come with us bearing in mind the proximity to Christmas!
Kept a good even pace of around 9.1/2 minutes per mile running close to a group from the 100 marathon club ( I assumed that they would know the best pacing strategy) and refuelling at every feed station (every 3 miles). I had decided to break down the race into 3 mile chunks, so this fit in nicely with the feeding stations. I was taken aback at one point when a car squeezed past with the driver shouting out of the window….however I realised it was Ian's wife Gill asking if I was ok and if I wanted any Gels!
Passed Gill again around the 9 mile point (thanks for the support!)
Another mile or so later I saw Dave and Jeannie – didn’t recognise you at first Dave…I just thought it was a crazy guy taking random photographs (thanks for your support!)
Stopped for a banana and a drink at the next feeding station which was also the f***h point – so we got plenty of encouragement.
It seemed like ages to get to the halfway point but my time looked good (around 2 hours 6 minutes) it wasn’t long after that the lead runner passed on his second lap – he had a good lead and no one else passed over the next two miles.
My legs had felt good up until mile 18 (Dave K commented that I was looking strong – which I suppose I was at that time), by which time they started to tire a bit. By mile 21 I was feeling sick (probably due to the two bananas, handful of jelly babies, 3 gels and two bottles of Lucozade sport plus a copious amount of water) but was too tired to physically be sick . By mile 24 I was really struggling (although my pace had only dropped to 10mm). Before I knew it I was back at the car park and at mile 25. I had just walked around the corner and noticed Gill and Ian shouting encouragement …..thought I had better run again – the next half mile back to the athletics park was congested with a lot of happy finishers walking back to their cars (plus the tin foil guy that Ian mentioned who was still walking back looking very sorry for himself!), still it pushed me to run back (sorry shuffle back!) The finish as Ian stated was around a field with a final 400m on the track. I was ecstatic to reach the end but had nothing left (although I managed to raise my arms for the finish photo!). After collecting my medal, goody bag and technical tee I laid on the grass to recover. It must have been a sight when I tried to stand again, I had to raise my knees and roll over like a turtle to try and stand (it amused a couple walking past anyway!)
I really enjoyed my first marathon – felt like my strategy was ok (just lacked a bit of strength at the end) and came away with 4hours 19minutes and 55 seconds – which wasn’t bad for my first effort. The event was well organised, very well marshalled, and I think I will be back next year (after the VLM)
DaveM
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Edited by - DaveM on 19 Oct 2009 3:55:41 PM |
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StephenPrice
2113 Posts |
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Abingdon Marathon 2009
