I was more worried about the route for today's marathon - it's one I've taken on training runs and a lot of it has a nasty camber that plays havoc with your ITB and ankles. For that reason, I've booked a massage for the evening of each of the marathons that takes this route.
I had another night of not sleeping very well, dreaming that I slept all day and missed the marathon, then being awoken by an almighty crash caused by Gitcat knocking things over - his way of asking to be let out. I did test my legs a little and they seemed more comfortable than last night so I tried to get back to sleep but not very successfully.
Denzil had said I could start early with a couple of other runners so after a soak in a hot bath, I set off for Coalbrookdale, parked at the Youth Hostel and walked to the start of the race. It was another foggy morning, more damp than yesterday so I decided to put my lightweight waterproof on. We started at 9.00am and the two other runners were soon leaving me behind, along with Denzil's lovely dog Meg.
My Garmin was running but I decided to just run/walk according to how I felt and only glanced at it occasionally. We had to do three out-and-back loops. It was 4 1/2 miles each way so I was prepared for it being a little over the 26.2 distance by the time we finished. I ended up running most of the first lap, only walking where the camber was too steep for comfort and having a good stretch while walking. I was surprised that my legs actually felt more comfortable over the first few miles than they had yesterday and more comfortable than they had felt walking from the car park. I chose to run through the muddiest parts of the path as it was softest on my feet. This often meant I was weaving in and out of potholes and puddles but I had a vague theory that would mean the muscles having to work in more different directions and they'd complain less than if I stayed on the easier but firmer sections of the track. It seemed to work as the ITB discomfort started a lot further in than I;d expected.
I'd also expected this route to be more mentally challenging and monotonous but weaving in and out of the potholes and through the puddles was strangely entertaining - a bit like being a child again. There were also some lovely views - I think this route is most beautiful in autumn with the changing colours of the leaves and the mist hanging low over the trees and the River Severn. There was a pair of donkeys in a field, one resting his head on the others back, having a nap. Squirrels kept scurrying across the track. Once I was on the return leg of the first lap, the later starting runners were coming the other way and we exchanged smiles and encouragement. Later on, several of them would overtake. This wasn't disheartening at all, I was fully prepared to finish last and it was just nice seeing people. There were only 17 of us running today. At the end of the first lap, I was given a wristband to show I had finished one lap. My friend Jenny had appeared on her bicycle and cycled alongside me for the second lap. We had a good natter and I was staying at a similar pace to the first lap, following the same strategy. I did notice small uphill bits I hadn't noticed first time round but they were very small.
We reached the halfway point at the fuel station at the Bridgnorth end of the track and I was on course for completing the second lap in about 2 hours, so a very similar pace to yesterday. I was then planning to slow down and take it more slowly on the last lap. The last stretch of the lap seemed to go on for ever and the surface of the track was a lot harder on my feet, some parts were concrete. I walked a lot. As soon as I could see the Gazebo at the end of the lap, Denzil was shouting encouragement which was really uplifting. I was given another wristband to show I had two laps down, one to go. My back was hurting again so I took a painkiller. Jen came back with me, on foot, for a mile, most of which I walked while eating a few dried cherries. Then she turned back, wishing me good luck and I started running again, following the same strategy of running on fallen leaves and through mud as much as possible. I walked in the same places as before, stretching my arms and holding my swollen hands in the air until the swelling went down. When I got to the far end of the track, I got my water bottle topped up and took a jaffa cake to eat as I set off on the final leg. I said it looked as if the distance would be over 26.2 and was told it was nearer to 28 miles. I wasn't surprised but it was good to be prepared.
I felt fairly comfortable keeping to the same sort of pace and walking breaks, saw several runners coming the other way again. I tried to look at my watch as little as possible and was surprised when it told me I'd completed 26.2 miles a few minutes quicker than yesterday. I had sort of promised myself that once I'd passed that point, I would walk to the end but I felt comfortable plodding along so I kept going. The two runners I had started with passed me soon after this - they were managing an impressive pace and I was content to be last. I'd just tripped on a rock or tree stump covered by leaves and although I didn't fall it had jarred some muscles a little and I was a bit shaken so I walked a few steps then started my steady run pace again, speeding up a little once I could see the finish and hear my welcome. No wristband this time - just another huge medal to add to the collection. I had completed 27.82 miles in 6:01:44, a slightly quicker pace than yesterday. Certainly not what I had expected.
I'm really happy with this - I have never run the day after a marathon or even the day after a half-marathon so I genuinely didn't know I was capable. This week is all about answering the question "I wonder if I could ?" I'm pretty sure I'll have to slow down even more now but it really doesn't matter - anything after this is just a new achievement really.
My ITB is pretty sore but I've had a good sports massage so it may well feel better in the morning, just need to wait and see.
And fellow beyonder
ReplyDelete