It’s was Manchester marathon this weekend. I’m now starting to taper my training for the 10in10 in May and my weekly mileage is reducing. Going into the race I knew my legs would be a little fresher than recently and wondered what time I could do. It is the 10in10 that is important and I can’t run at a pace that might detriment my 10in10 in less than 3 weeks but I fancied pushing it a bit.
Conditions were perfect for running, dry, cloudy, cool and calm. I set off with the intention of getting to half way with a pace that would put me on target for around 3:15, which would be an excellent time but also meaning if I slowed I would still be well within 3:30. I went through half way in 1:35:10 a little inside my plan. Shortly afterwards I took on my first energy gel and seemed to feel very strong and to my amazement increased the pace to 7 minute miling.
Through the third quarter of the race I roughly keep this fast pace going and the further I got into the race the more I realised how strong I felt and the closer I was going to be to my 15 year old PB! All I could think was this wasn’t going to last.
After 20 miles the pace just slipped a little but I rallied again at mile 23. It was great to see some old friends at the Swinton Running Club water station and even better to see friends at 24 miles at the Astley & Tyldesley water station. I powered past them making mile 25 my fastest of the race. As I came into Chester Road I could see Old Trafford stadium in the distance and really dug in hard for home as I knew I was on for one of my fastest times ever. I sprinted into the finishing straight while seeing Craig Brad and Debbie in the crowd cheering, dipping through the finishing line with an official chip time of 3 hours 6 minutes 50 seconds. A mere 47 seconds off my PB. Almost a shame I didn’t break my long standing PB but that wasn’t the aim for the day but I had still taken it bit conservatively especially during the first half. I wonder want is still possible with the right conditions if I do push it?
Nice to meet up with Steve from A&T at the finish for a chat while we waited for Dave and Ian finish. He described my running as “Slowly Faster” meaning he’s noticed me slowly getting faster. Let’s hope he is right and maybe there will be another marathon PB for me one day in the future, something for many years I had completely written off.
Extremely pleased today, my time was far better than I could have ever hoped for. I wonder what London will bring next week but again I do have to look after myself while I’m tapering for the 10in10. At least I know both my endurance and speed are there and ready for the 10in10. I just need to stay well and injury free for day 1 on the 8th May.
