Used the Manchester Marathon as my long training run for this one. It was a week early according to the training plan that I’m using so had a cutback week then picked up the plan with three weeks to go.
I did some research into pacing strategy for this one: roseabi found a plan that advises taking it steadily for the first half, upping the effort for the following 10k or so then “really racing” to the end. Spoke to the RD at my local ParkRun (who, having run a 3:25 marathon, should have some idea) who suggested aiming to maintain a steady pace throughout. He also said that I probably need to take on more fuel during my run. So, I was aiming for a steady pace around 6/km, increasing my effort from half way. I also took an extra flapjack with me.
Anyhow, with this being advertised as a flat race, I figured that I might be on for a PB. Started off fine but couldn’t find the energy to increase effort after half way and my pace began to dwindle. I also tried to eat more but there was only so much I could handle. Think I need to work on my nutrition!
I finished about 10 minutes outside of my PB which was disappointing. Looking at the course profile on Strava, there’s a difference of about 40m between the lowest and highest points which isn’t too bad (although most of that climb is towards the end). However, it’s a bit like a coast path in that there are lots of small ups and downs (mostly through underpasses) resulting in a total climb of 223m. Comparing that with Manchester at 120m (where I set my PB), I think that explains why I was slower. Earlier on, I was able to pick up speed on the short downhills but that became difficult towards the end. Someone I know from the local ParkRun was also doing the event and he seemed to be about a minute in front of me for most of the event so maybe my pace was the result of the conditions and the course.
For me, the most memorable part of the run was the finish (which I mentioned in my previous highlights and is shown in the photo). With about 200m to go, I put in some extra effort. Then the guy in the dark blue top with the white cap sprinted past me. I wasn’t going to take that so, with 50m to go, I went for an all-out sprint! It made for a fun ending and he shouted some encouragement as I went past. I wonder what the guy in red thought about the two of us sprinting past him right at the finish? Must have made an impression because someone from the crowd complimented me on my sprint finish a little while later.
Finish time: 4:26
Things that I’ve learnt:
It’s worth leaving some warm clothing in the bag drop unless staying a few minutes’ walk from the event.
Check the elevation profile! Even if it’s described as “flat”.
I need to work on what I eat during long events.
The electrolyte drink that I use does its job (others runners were in the ambulance area at the end because they were dehydrated).
Also, I’m planning on starting some strength training which should help. Be interesting to see how I get on with that! The next Marathon that I have booked is Newport in October.
Milton Keynes Half Marathon 
Manchester Half Marathon Race Report