So early in the new year I had a focus - To get fit and fast for 26.2 miles.
For training, I loosely used the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) marathon programme, which focusses on only 3 runs per week plus cross-training. The advantage of this programme is that, whilst it is concentrated on high-intensity training sessions, the weekly mileages are low. This helps reduce the risk of injury. In reality, my training wasn't as successful as I'd hoped, because:
1. I was training really well in January/February. But then went skiing in February and this really upset my training
2. The combination of speed intervals, tempo and fast long runs was very effective
3. I didn't manage to incorporate very much cross training
4. I should have spent more time/money on stretching/sports massage, as road running is just bad for your body
5. I didn't do any races within my training window. This would have helped mentally with the preparation
6. I did too much road running, which was hard on my body
The race day itself was a mixed experience. On the positive side, I could not have prepared myself for the support all along the race route. On the less positive side, I didn't feel strong, my hip was painful for quite a lot of the race (but eventually loosened-up) and the last 3 miles were particularly arduous.
Still, I finished in 03:22:36, which was a PB by about 5 minutes over my last marathon in 2010 (the Shakespeare Marathon).
My splits weren't too bad - A gradual slowing throughout:
So overall, good to do, but road marathons are not for me. Would I recommend the London Marathon? Yes. It's such an occasion. Would I recommend road marathons generally? No. They are just so brutal on the body. I can't wait for my next long trail race...
