The final slog is surely about inner determination. No one can carry you at that point
belts, hoping they would perhaps suggest a second wind around the early-20 mark? ‘It will hurt’ they all responded. ‘Dig in, head down and hope the crowd pulls you along’. Yikes.
their Wednesday evening runs, it was difficult to resist the lure of easy banter and relaxed competitiveness. When the offer of a marathon place came up it wasn’t difficult to say yes.
Training on the Downs “Eastbourne, by the South Downs, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, provides the perfect training ground to build the required stamina. I hoped... “Rather than leaving things to chance I called upon the help of Running Free’s resident fitness guru (Iron) Mike Ovens, who provided a fitness schedule and regular feedback. Three running sessions (speed session, tempo and long runs), compulsory strength work (circuit training) and optional cross-training were the delights before me. “Four months seemed to offer
generous preparation, but how those weeks quickly tick by, the mileage mounting. But would – could – the progression continue?
Kids, colds and pre-race panic “Two young children, with their irregular sleep patterns and incessant ailments, provided the first major curve-ball – a stinking cold that knocked me out of action for two weeks. Thankfully, once back on my feet, the distances were increased to enable three runs around 20 miles to be achieved prior to the taper. Though, frankly, my condition after my longest run of 21 miles hardly inspired confidence – I was in pieces. “I sought reassurance from some club members with marathons under their
An English country garden “The pre-race HQ was more like a village fête, with canopies and blankets laid down for picnics. With only 300 places available it was a relaxed affair with little fuss and check-in a breeze. “British Military Fitness provided the
warm-up as the sun shone intermittently through the clouds, with a breeze keeping the temperatures down nicely. “I was concerned that facing laps in
a race would prove tedious but the 3.5 required for the race worked well. Whilst the tension rose at Hearbreak Hill, I was also aware of what was required to finish and having friends situated in a known place certainly helped.
Lapping it up “The first eight miles were a breeze, the second eight vaguely tolerable and the final 10 were, well, let’s say challenging, but with five remaining I realised that sub-four hours was likely. “No matter the preparation, the final slog is surely about inner determination. No one can carry you at that point. “Crossing the line – blimey – I didn’t
know whether to cheer or cry from the emotion and exhaustion. “Months of preparation and sacrifice
(from the wife as much as me due to the training time away from the business and family) had finally paid dividends and I can only thank those behind me. “I’ll need the body to recover before I consider the next challenge, but there will be one. Triathlon at 41… perhaps?
Carl runs The Guesthouse East (www.
theguesthouseeast.co.uk). For training tips from Mike, visit
www.therunninginn.com.
ABOUT THE RACE n The first Richmond Park Marathon was in May 2011.
The race is based largely on undulating trails, with a couple of challenging hills. n Set within Richmond Park, which supports a variety of wildlife, the race was organised by friends and runners who recognised the park’s unique setting. n Only 300 runners ran in the first race, which unsurprisingly sold out. n Teething problems? The clock stopped working and many times were missing or incorrect. The organisers promise to rectify this with chip timing next year. n RF’s editor, Fiona Bugler, ran 3:23:02, but started 30 minutes late! She was the fastest woman of the day, but missed out on first prize (read more at www.
sherunsshewrites.com). The prizewinning man was Nicholas Copas (2:58), and the first woman home was Jennifer Bradley (3:28:23). n The race supported the Children’s Trust charity. Entries can be made online, together with further information, at
www.richmondparkmarathon.co.uk.
RUNNING FREE n 39
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RACES
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