M7 wrap up

3:30:21 official time. 1:38:43 first split, 1:51:09 second.

Was feeling good Friday and Saturday, no injuries and the groin issue apparently fixed. Started out well, staying just off the 3hr pacer through the first 2 - 3 km (maintaining under 4min30/km - admittedly only over a short distance). Made it to about 13-14km before the 3:15 pacer caught up. The calf had started feeling tight coming up some of the first climbs, but I eased the pace and put up with the discomfort. Made it to half-way in 1hr38 which would have to be a half marathon pb by a few minutes (this time actually is suprising as I wasn't going very hard).

Took in my two gels over the first 20km, expecting to pick up some more at the drink station before half-way. Was excited to see Mr Donges there cheering me on and taking my photo that I forgot to pick any up. The gatorade water bags were doing the job, however I could have done with the sugar and caffeine over the last 10km.

Got passed by Mrs Artup's relay partner Mrs Symonds at about 25km. Would have loved to have been able to stay with her however knew the legs couldn't hold up over the next 17km if I wasn't careful. We passed the lead runner with second place and Mr Ben Artup hot on his heels with only 5km to go (for them). Was inspiring to see Ben looking so good running so fast. Unfortunately not inspiring enough to ease the pain I was experiencing in my calves, quads and hamstrings.

The rest of the run was simply about continuing to put one foot in front of the other and doing battle with those inner demons and protesting muscles encouraging me to stop. Proud with myself for resisting these strong urges, as in training the focus tends to be lacking and the mind gives in to the body. Not very happy with the pace over the last 22km (~5:29/km) to give a split of 1:51:09, a hefty 12 minutes slower than the first half.

Found something left in the tank as I approached the last hill to come off the bike track, running down 4 or 5 runners in the process. I'm left wondering whether the finish would have been better had there been a 3:30 pacer to carry me home. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough and it was left too late to come in under the 3:30 goal. However, happy enough. As pointed out philosophically at the finish line, you can't go too hard on your first attempt, as you need to be able to better it on the next attempt.

Was good to meet Scurry, who needs to front up to some morning runs now.

Big thanks to Mr Prince Donges and Mr and Mrs Scam Bullant who rocked up for support on the finish. Looking forward to some photos being posted of me looking absolutely shattered on the finish. Big thanks to Scam for driving me home. I hadn't thought about the practical issues of driving a manual car after running a marathon.