After 16 weeks of training, running about 4 times a week, the day has finally come!
This is my first ever marathon and it is taking place around Liverpool.
Frances and I caught the 8:13am train from Leasowe to James Street on race day to ensure that we get to the start with plenty of time to spare. After we dropped off my bag in the baggage area inside the echo arena we even had time to watch the start of the half marathon.
The marathon start time was delayed to about 10:10am.
This was a photo of me at the starting coral pen 6. The weather was a lot cooler than previous days and luckily it did not rain.
I had started the race quite steady and not to go out too fast too early as they all say. I kept my pace to around just under 9 mins miles as my goal was to get sub 4hrs.
My first unplanned loo break happened after mile 8, probably drank too much liquids, probably cost me a minute. Then just before mile 13 I had to take another loo break but inside a portaloo! This probably cost me 2 mins.
So, until about mile 16 everything was fine but then after that I really struggled to maintain my pace of around 9mins per mile. I was starting to tire and could only manage 9min30s to 10mins pace until mile 20. Just before mile 22 the 4hr pacer finally caught up with me, damn! There was no hope of even staying with the pacer, my legs were aching all over and every step was a struggle. My legs refused to turn any quicker. So the last 4 miles was a struggle and I can barely keep a pace of 10:30mins/mile.
At last the finish line came and I could hardly put in a sprint for the line, the tank was empty and was so glad to see my wife cheering me over the finish.
This is the race summary on endomondo
And this is the video from Frances of me crossing the line
A well deserved medal!
A close up of the medal
And final thoughts? There were so many amazing supporters to thank who gave out hydration and all the marshals around the course. The crowds were amazing too.
The course was really cool, passing goodison park, anfield stadium, penny lane, cavern club and china town.
A sub 4 marathon is definitely a challenge for me and I reckon it is achievable.
