Gloucester Marathon 2012

This was my second running of this race. It's organised by Beyond The Limitations who also offer an ultra distance at the same time, on the same course. It's a small event that is well organised. If you live down that way or have family close by (as in my case) I can recommend it as an event.
 I was allowed a one week mini taper prior to the race. Unfortunately, a touch of man flu set in during the days approaching the marathon. I don't think it affected me on race day (it didn't help me run any faster either). I had also tweaked an arse muscle in a showering related incident on the previous Sunday. It had been quite sore up to Wednesday/Thursday. I was praying it would be okay on race day. That's all the excuses out of the way, so on to race day.
As previously mentioned (in my first Blog) it's a 7 mile looped course, with a bit at the beginning and a bit at the end. My plan was to run with my new found friend, Jim Murray (Bideford AC, Devon), for as long as possible. I knew he was going for sub 3 and hoped he could drag me along. My GPS watch was set for 6:48 pace. This would give me a time of 2:58.
My nutrition plan (practising for Outlaw) was to use High 5 gels, High 5 2:1 (drink) and flat coke. The coke was to be saved for latter part of race.

Just after the start

The first 4 miles I kept it steady, running just behind Jim, trying my best not to go out too fast. I have previous convictions for hammering it at the beginning only to suffer later. You're then out onto the 7 mile looped section.

I lost about 20 yards on Jim at a water station. The volunteers were not handing the water out, it had been left on tables for us to collect ourselves. A small issue, but one that created a gap. Not to worry, as we still have a long way to go. I kept pace with Jim for the first lap. He was forced to stop for a comfort break which allowed the small gap to be closed.

Between 11 and 12 miles the previously mentioned arse muscle tweak started to cause problems. It became sore very quickly, which was worrying. Do I continue and risk an injury? Do I stop and risk being called a fairy? Do I 'man up' and continue regardless? It's a looped course so would be really easy to stop once back at the start of the loop. This conversation, in my head, continued for the next 6 miles. I had, however, made the decision to ease off the pace. Bye Bye Jim. I watched as my sub 3 attempt disappeared. The gap gradually increasing, until finally I could no longer see him.

Our team managers, Lesley and Sam, were stood at the end of the loop (mile 11ish, mile 18 and mile 25ish).  Both had a full list of instructions as to what and when to pass nutrition products. The conversation in my head was getting quite heated now. I knew I was approaching Lesley and could easily stop and watch the remainder of the race. Within earshot of Lesley I heard the words "Come on! Where have you been?" I briefly explained my predicament to be told "O get on with it. You'll be fine" I collected my flat coke, sighed, slumped my shoulders down and continued onto the final lap. I was at 18 miles.

I had previously used flat coke in training, but had never used it in a race situation. On the advice of my coach I was giving it a go. I had been advised to leave it until the latter part of the race. My coke was sipped until I ditched it a mile 20. The decision had been made to pick up the pace for the last 10k. I managed this reasonably successfully and overtook several runners during this section.

By the final loop I was lapping the tail end of the field. Some looking in a real sorry state. These runners get my full respect, as I'm not sure I could be out there for 5 or 6 hours.

The run-in was uneventful. I was unable to hold off a youngish lad that came passed. He was going well and my legs were completely spent. I did manage to sneak a place on the last 200 yards though. I was glad he didn't follow, as I had no desire for another Chester Marathon style sprint finish.

1st place was 2:41:45
My time 3:09:16 in 25th place out of 374 finishers.
Jim Murray 2:58:49 15th. Well done Jim.

Jim approaching the finish

Me hoping the guy behind doesn't go for it!

The decision to continue was the correct one.
This race was practice for Outlaw. The marathon at Outlaw is a 4 lap course, passing the start/finish several times. The temptation to quit on a looped course is high when your race is not going to plan and/or you are knackered. So, I'm glad I 'man'd up' and continued.

Now to try and get downstairs