I wrote a report on Saturday but I was conscious that lots of people were racing on Sunday & I didn’t want to be negative so didn’t post.
Some of you will be aware that I really want to do a marathon so this HM race was a test for that. I think that’s why I’m so disappointed even though I got my time goal & I took 8 minutes off my HM time as I had hoped to be quicker under race conditions.
I run most of miles easy with the occasional park run at 5k pace. I’ve done some marathon pace work but not consistently which I think has not helped with my long distance speed.
Anyway, onto the race. It was a two lap course along the swan river running over bridges & through parts of Perth. The Perth Marathon route also shares some of this route. It’s quite flat but lots of uneven path & cobbles through some parts of the city. My initial plan was to run consistent splits at marathon pace I had done a 10 miler at this pace in training but I also wanted to make sure I was pushing myself. .
The race started half an hour late due to the porta loos not turning up so we had to hang around for ages which didn’t help my nerves. I set off too fast & my heart rate flew up. I felt really comfortable though so decided to ignore my heart rate & run faster than my MP. This worked well for 12k until it didn’t. Rookie error 🤣
2nd Lap was painful as I was struggling to even keep to my MP. I’ve always thought I don’t care about being a slower runner but when you’re in a race & there is no one really at your pace it’s a lonely place to be. There were a few people I passed but it felt like a solo run so I had to work hard to get out my head. As the 2nd lap continued I started to see the casualties of long distance running. An elite looking chap sprawled over the pavement with a horrendous cramp that a Marshall was trying to help with. Someone had passed out totally on the last bridge & was being stretched off in an ambulance. That was very hard to see as he was so grey and didn’t look conscious. (Another young male) My no.2 son was running his first half so I was super worried that he would have over cooked it. It gave me the final push to keep running to see him at the finish line. No.2 son had a great run coming in under 1:45 for his first HM & first race. So proud of him although those fast runners ate all the brownies and lollies 🤣
Some reflections for me. I need to work on so much before I’m ready to physically & mentally run a full marathon so it was a good reality check on that front. I think Perth Marathon may not be the best marathon for me to enter as a first marathon as it’s a fast marathon so if you’re trying to just make the cut off. You’ll be on your own. Our amazing Aussie runner Jess Stenson ran her PB at Perth in 2:25:13. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry that I couldn’t even manage to run a half in that time on Saturday. I know comparing yourself to an elite is not helpful.
So there is my race report. Please be gentle. I feel like I know what I need to work on but I hadn’t expected to be so disappointed with my first race. I definitely need to work on that as there were positives. ❤️🏃♀️🏃🏻♂️
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RunWillie
Metric Marathon
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Oh my word! I'm so full of admiration that you got round really I am. All that training though and you still went off too fast and slowed at the end, I suspect most do in their first race.
The disappointment though? I can relate to that. My first 10k took 1 hour 43 minutes and I was disappointed for days, I'm so slow, nevermind that I ran the whole way,
Be proud that you ran, that you made the distance and that you learned what you need to do to improve your overall race next time.
And remind that son of yours next time to save you a brownie at least
Speed shouldn’t be an issue as we’re really only racing against ourselves outside the elite world but I do think the cut offs on road races make it hard. There was a 1.5 hour half way cut off for the HM on Saturday.
The other year I almost entered the Brighton half marathon, the cut off was 3.5 hours, I convinced myself I could do that..... On a good day but only just and decided not to even try, especially when I realised I'd be out doing long training runs in the cold and dark of winter
Well done you, you stuck with it and finished. I also started too quickly so next time I thought I would follow a pacer at least for the first 10k. I found it difficult to really manage my pace in the race. I’m sure you will do a marathon when you are ready.
I think you're being very hard on yourself RunWillie ,sounds like there was a lot to contend with within that run but you kept going and finished and your learn from your experiences what works and what doesn't, you should still be proud of your achievement, big hugs and don't let it put you off xxx
I’ve been thinking about you RW and wondered how you got on.
I’m sorry you’re feeling disappointed. I’ve had a few of those myself and know how you feel. We put so much pressure on ourselves sometimes.
But it’s worthwhile to remember how far you’ve come. You ran over 13 miles! In one go! You trained hard, you turned up, you toed the start line, you controlled your nerves, you ran all those miles and you crossed the finish line. All of those things need to be applauded and celebrated. There is so much to be positive about.
Once things settle down you can think what you want to do differently for next time. Because there will definitely be a next time!
Well done and congratulations to you and your son. Such a gorgeous memory for you both, to have run in the same race 😍 But boo that they ate the brownies ☹️
I hope that poor man is ok 🤞
But keep looking at that medal RW. You did it! You ran it! No one can take that away from you 👏👏
I’m sure it was. Fingers crossed for him. Hopefully you’ll hear something through the organisers.
At one of my races years ago I saw a runner unconscious over the finish line and an ambulance had to come. I did contact the organisers afterwards to ask if she was ok and they told me that she was. But it was very worrying.
I hope you aren't feeling too disappointed about your run and can take the positives from the day. After doing my two first HMs last year I was similarly disappointed about lots of things (performance, preparation, keeping my head together ...). Looking back now it feels a bit better and I'll certainly hope to profit in the future by learning from those experiences. I hope that you aren't too hard on yourself and will see it more positively too.
And isn't it frustrating when all the food is gone at the end (same thing happened to me in Munich ... all the cake gone and all I got was a pretzel ! .... grrrrrr ) ... it almost feels like someone's said "sorry mate, you should go faster!" - which is a message I definitely don't want to hear at that point.
It was certainly a reality check on booking the marathon for this October. I certainly need to work on some things first. I’m going to enjoy training for some longer distances without the pressure of the race scenario. I listened to a good podcast yesterday where I was reminded that “It’s okay to not be ready for something but to keep trying for that thing”.
Boo to all those greedy fast runners who eat all the cake 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
So you hit your actual targets, but inside you were aspiring to do even better. You lost a measure of control over your pace in the excitement of the run and because you were running with lots of speedy runners. Reality is that you took on a huge challenge, you ran really well to knock 8 minutes off your PB and you will learn so much from this experience. This run was an investment.
By way of contrast, I did the GSR last year and started towards the back of the field. I ended up passing loads of people, many of whom were lovely people out to raise funds but not real runners, and apart from dragging one leg around most of the course when my calf went, it felt like success. The feel good factor was enhanced by meeting up with VRBs and having a good laugh. A completely different experience which taught me nothing about running and everything about enjoyment.
You will learn so much from this experience and be better prepared and more street wise in terms of pacing. It’s like another event in your training programme for the marathon which will inform your future training. You took on a really hard challenge and succeeded; you should be proud of yourself. As for me; fun runs only I am afraid 🙂
You hit the nail on the head with your assessment Beachcomber66
I think that I was secretly hoping that in race conditions that Paula Radcliffe might emerge 🤣I might need to lower the bar on that expectation but I do think there is room for improvement so I will continue to chip away.
Thanks for the encouragement. I do love this forum 👍🏻
Me too. The amazing thing is that every HUer I have met is, at least, every bit as nice in person as they are on the site. I am certain that you will run further and faster, when you and your legs are ready.👍
You ran a brilliant half and you should be very proud of that. No one can take it away, and I'm sure that penny will gradually drop.
I ran the GSR (10 Miles) in 2018. I have never been so disappointed with myself. I too beat my goal time, but I just wasn't happy. I couldn't really pin down why I was so disappointed, but it was a horrible feeling. It was actually my first ever big event too. But somehow it didn't put me off, I kept (and keep) on entering events and have never felt that disappointed again.
Expectations have a lot to answer for. My GSR reality check has, however, stood me in great stead down the line. I have since come to terms with it, and went back last year to slay the demon 😍
Whether you enter Perth marathon or not is a decision probably best left for a while. It does have an unusually tough cut off time; I'm not sure I'd want that on my first marathon - after all your first is a guaranteed PB and there to be enjoyed, right?
Finally. In case you still need to hear it straight: RW, you are a phenomenal runner, you just ran a phenomenal HM and you should be every bit as proud of yourself as you are of your son!!! Smile and celebrate a great achievement 🥰
Thanks for sharing your experience. Going back next year to slay that thing sounds like a good plan. I’m happy with my decision to not run Perth Marathon this year. I’m conscious that a full marathon is a whole different beast & I really need to get comfortable at longer distance before I take on that challenge especially with cut offs in play. I’m so looking forward to next months HM. I’m running that in my easy zone. I’ve also got my eye on that metric marathon badge ❤️🏃♀️
Well done RW. I cannot comment on the whys and wherefores of racing, because I've never raced. But three cheers for getting out there and having a go, and may the next one be better! 👏
RW you’re a star in a family of stars! You did amazingly well in my opinion. It’s a long way, and the fact you knocked 8 minutes off your PB is something to be proud of. I agree with the others though, the cut-off was a bit harsh.
As regards a marathon, I’d definitely pick one with a generous (or no) cut-off. You’ve no doubt learned lots from the HM at the weekend and I’m sure you’ll smash your goal, whenever that might be. We’ll be with you all the way!
Keep running and keep smiling. It’s our choice to run, so keep it fun. ❤️
I did have the biggest smile on my face as the gun went off so that was a fun part. I also loved seeing no.2 son so excited with his first race so on reflection lots of positives. I realised it was also 13mins off my HM time not 8.
It is amazing we get to do this & I never take that for granted ❤️🏃♀️
I think everyone has said it all already RunWillie so I don’t need to chip in when I don’t even want to put the training in to run a HM. But I can say in the short time you have been with us, you have done amazing things and this race sounds like another one. I can confirm that whatever the distance, we have all fallen into the trap of running too fast to start with, I even do it at parkrun, and I know I do better with a slower start and negative splits.
Also, sometimes the cut off times are there because local authorities put pressure on to reopen roads as fast as possible, or it’s a way for organisers to restrict the numbers of entrants. I feel proud that the London Marathon time is set to allow charity and fun runners in all sorts of fancy dress to take part too. If you can find a race with a longer cut off you will find there are more runners who run like you. And you will overtake many more.
We put pressure on ourselves, but be proud because you put all the work in to earn that medal and you beat your PB. How you do that in the Australian climate also amazes me. Also, I love your T-shirts- is that your family team colour?
There you go, I’ve ranted on despite what I said. 😂
I’m not known for self control at park run so I probably shouldn’t have been surprised that I overcooked it in the first few Km’s . I’m feeling better today after everyone’s lovely comments. I also realised that the HM took my overall distance to over 5000km since I completed C25k. That’s a milestone to celebrate.
The t-shirts came with the race entry so hubby, no.2 son & I all have one. Our younger boys were fighting over my medal so I do need to run some more races to bring home at least another two medals.
I love watching London with everyone’s fancy dress although I reckon being absolutely smashed on time with people in full costumes would be hard too. 🤣 ❤️🏃♀️
Yes I remember watching one of our c25k grads running at the GSR 2018. She was determined not to be beaten by a running portaloo, and that’s what kept her going!
Well done, it sounds like you both had an awesome race, it’s a shame you feel disappointed & even worse, you didn’t get cake! Look forward to hearing about your marathon training 👏🏽
Oh RunWillie , I'm sorry you've been feeling so down about your HM, especially since it seems to have given you doubts about your ability to run a marathon. That boggles my mind a bit, because as I've said before, you've been putting in way more miles on your HM plan than I've seen or done on a marathon one. I genuinely don't know how you manage it all, I'd be physically and mentally drained.
I know the high mileage is down to the training approach you've chosen, but dare I say it - maybe you should try something different, even if just for a short while. Forget the performance aspects and just run for fun. Or, if performance is essential to you, mix things up - pace, route, terrain, whatever's do-able.
Also, re "I wrote a report on Saturday but I was conscious that lots of people were racing on Sunday & I didn’t want to be negative so didn’t post." That's really kind of you, not wanting to spoil the party.
However, it also saddens me that you didn't feel able to post sooner. As I said to MissUnderstanding , while sharing in and celebrating each others' successes is great, I think it's important that we don't only see triumphant race reports on here. It should be a place for other experiences too.
I know Easter is a busy time for you, but try to be kind to yourself, and eat ALL the chocolate (once Lent's over, of course)! 😘
I’ve been thinking about different approaches but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m happy to take the slower approach to doing a marathon. If I wanted to get faster sooner - I would probably need to do some strength, speed work & reduce my running days to allow for recovery/time. That all sounds not fun to me. I do love my easy runs by the ocean each day. I didn’t do much long distance last year due to Covid, and my big stack so my plan is just to build some longer distance up this year. Last year 30miles weekly felt a stretch & 25 miles felt comfortable. This year 30 miles feels comfortable so I’m slowly building my base.
I’ve got one more run tomorrow before I’m calling it for the week as the next few days will be busy for us. We’ve got four services & there will lots of chocolate 😋
I was very happy to hold back my negative thoughts until after everyone’s race. We’re a team on here 🥰
Pretty much all types of training sound like not fun to me RunWillie ! I suspect that you don't need to speed up to do a marathon, you just need to find one that suits you, whatever combination of date, location, cut-off times, terrain etc it takes. Whatever you choose to do, whenever, have fun running!
Wishing you well for your next event RunWillie . Disappointment can be a hard emotion to process, even if you logically know you’re being a bit harsh on yourself. Sometimes with time you can look back and find positives but even if not, you’ve found some things to work on which is positive in itself! It’s absolutely ok to have a wallow and pick yourself up afterwards. Hoping you get buckets of chocolate over Easter. Usually the Easter Sunday service is enough to lift anyone’s spirits ❤️
I echo all that's been said to you RW. Sorry you're disappointed but I know it's hard not to compare yourself. I am always astounded at the speed some manage at these races, but also know that's not me! I have to say though, if possible, read Lisa Jackson 'Your pace or mine?' It really makes you reassess why you run from a very different perspective AND watch Anna run / walk the Loch Ness marathon.... it made me think I might manage it..... AND enjoy doing it! Happy running - you did an amazing thing running that race. 👏
it's amazing to me that you can be disappointed with something I would be so happy with
you did absolutely wonderfully, embrace your achievement (13 minutes off your PB????)
I just got an email today for the Paris Marathon next year, kind of tempted, but I have to get through C25K yet again first before I decide, see how everything hangs together!
First please let me say well done for getting round. The disappointment is understandable but don’t let it stick around. This sounds like it was a good test to see exactly where you are and what you need to focus on next. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately too. My longest training run for a May mara was this morning and it was challenging (horrible?) and slower than I wanted. Yes on lonely stretches you can easily get into your head and throw off your plan. Also very familiar. Sounds like this was a hot one? If so have you tried salt tabs? This made a big difference for me in the heat (with plenty of water) So happy for your son. That is a really good time. I’ve been trying to just get 1:45 for some time now, my closest was 1:47 way back in 2019 😅. Onwards!
It was a humid day. Thanks for the tip on the salt tabs. I’ll give them a go.
No.2 son hit 3:12 pace at the end to get his time. I’ve seen him do his all out sprints at park run & he is all legs flying everywhere. I was barely shuffling by the finish line 🤣
Oh RW, I’m sorry I’ve taken so long to get to read this. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re doing brilliantly! A first HM race is a tricky thing, it’s not like the shorter ones as it really is where the endurance training and the speed training meet. It’s taken me quite a long time to realise this. Just keep at it and you’ll get there I’m sure. Also, try not to overthink the marathon thing. Yes, it is a big, long race but I found that if you’re given a fait accompli and you care enough about the thing, it’s amazing what you’ll do to complete it.
As for the HM, maybe mix the training up a bit more - I found the Big Half 9 week training plan really good (I mainly chose it because I’d left it a bit late and only had 9 weeks 🙄😄). It is also similar to the sort of online plan you’d get for marathon training, so you’d know what you’d be opening yourself up to.
Try not to be downhearted - think what you’ve learned from the experience. And don’t forget the old adage about comparison being the thief of joy (I know, it’s easier said than done…it would be lovely to run like that, I dream of it too!). Onwards and upwards!!
I’m feeling much better about it now. Lots to work on but lots to celebrate. Least I know I can run over two hours at a crazy high heart rate. Garmin helpfully told me that I was overreaching. Thanks Garmin. I think I worked that out 😂
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