Finish time: 3:26.02
(looks like their timing data was wrong yesterday)Rather pleased with that.
I had a plan. I had pace bands (with a selection of paces to choose between) and pockets stuffed with gels.
Lined up at the start a bit flustered after the park and ride debacle, and queued for 30 mins for the toilet. which I desperately needed.
As mentioned I started quite a way back so had a bit of traffic to fight through for the first five miles or so, so couldn't get a smooth pace going.
Upped my pace slightly above my planned pace for the first half to "make up" for the poor start and seemed to be flying. Got through the half marathon point at 1h35. so looking good so far.
Beautiful course, gorgeous weather, not too hot, and massive crowds cheering on all the way.
Right and then it got a little harder, I always suffer on my long runs at about the 18mile mark, managed to stretch that out to the 20mile mark this time, and slowed up while my legs sorted themselves out.
Two miles of suffering and then I managed to pick the pace back up and kept pretty smooth until the 25 mile mark.Then had the hardest mile to run I've ever had.
pain. pain. and a bit of pain.Finally the 26 marker and the signs counting down, so just keep those legs spinning. and over the line. awesome. and well up!
I'm really pleased with that result.
