Hello
All,
I
hope you are well. The season is off to a blistering start already. Last
weekend we travelled to London to support the London Marathon
participants. What an atmosphere. Like no other. A massive well done to all who took
part. We were particularly impressed by
my Mum who took 25 minutes off her previous PB.
A
big well done to Laura who has already achieved her new year’s goal of getting
a PB in a half marathon. She came 10th
at Plymouth half in a time of 1:28:20.
We are both looking forward to competing in the Leaky Freaky next week –
an interesting 5k run, 45k bike, 5k run, 45k bike, 5k run. Can’t wait.
If you are keen to try this or any of the Freak Events races use my
discount code (PW16) at www.freakevents.co.uk.
This
month’s blog is written by my mum. An
account of how her marathon training came together on the day. Good luck this month. Enjoy the read.
My London Marathon Journey
I was
determined to beat four hours in this year’s London Marathon. The qualifying
‘Good for Age’ time for a 60-64yo woman this year was 4½ hours so my 4¼ hours’ time in the 2014 Liverpool Marathon
gave me the chance to show that I could do a lot better than that - even for
someone like me who had never run for anything except a bus until six years
ago.
Pete
would be my personal coach, albeit remotely. He sent me a customised 17-week
overview plan after Christmas. And then he sent me weekly plans based upon the
feedback I gave him, and his feedback on my feedback. There was nothing
off-the-peg about Pete’s plans – they were just for me. Some of the training
was tough, but the plans gave me confidence as there is not a lot of advice out
there for relatively inexperienced 62yo runners!
In
preparation, I entered a 10 mile race, a half marathon and three 20 milers
before a three-week taper. Pete devised the plan around these races, giving me
target times, pace times and nutritional advice. He modified each weekly plan
to take into account my feedback on how the previous week had gone. I gained
confidence with every race, each performance bettering the one before. I felt in
control. I knew what I was doing and felt in the shape of my life. I felt
strong, well-trained and mentally prepared. I was ready for this!
The
atmosphere on the day was electric. I stuck to my plan, steady for the first 15
miles, sip of gel every 15 minutes, swig of water every 2 miles. Meeting every
mile target, not too fast, not too slow. Picked up the pace round the Isle of
Dogs, spectators cheering all the way. My ears were ringing. Passed Tower
Bridge and picked up the pace again.
This
for me was the most difficult part. I felt full of running, but others were
meandering, falling and cramping up in front of me. I had to weave around a lot
and concentrate and anticipate what the runner in front might do. I belted down
Birdcage Walk, turned into The Mall, round the Victoria Monument I could see
the finish, the crowds were roaring. I crossed the line in 3.50.14. With miles 24 and 25 completed in 7.33 and
7.06 minutes respectively. I had surpassed my expectations.
This
was like having a baby. You go through the pain, walking hurts for a few days,
then you feel so happy you want to do it all over again!
I
could never have done this without a clear overall plan to follow, with weekly
plans and getting feedback. I knew I had to commit to the plan and, as I
result, I felt my self- confidence growing as I could see and feel the progress
I was making. I did a faster second half so think I can reduce that time. We’ll
see!!
Pam
Clarke
April
2016
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