OpUnbelievably I was here, years of what ifs and maybes I had a last minute entry(august) from a club member to race in this year's marathon. No previous long distance experience I was just using it as a day out and had no plans to achieve anything. My usual week would Include a 40-59 mile leg but I had 3 distinct runs leading up to the event which probably made it a suitable training and helps towards the day. 3 months and day after the entry I went out locally and ran 20 miles at 6.40 average. This made me believe a little in what I was trying to achieve and gave me confidence in my long runs. The next leg was a race over the beacons 20miler which I entered last minute to pass time as usual. Loved every second and proved to myself that I could hold my own over the distance. Few weeks later I race cardiff half marathon In 1.14. Looking back it was great preparation for a marathon. No long tireying milage and good solid speed training. Took to the day with ease and went to the start line in my bobbel hat looking to keep warm and enjoy the day. Condition were damp but the wind was quiet.
Started off steady In comparison to most starters but still a fast pace if kept up first the race. Chatting away I was latterly jogging and chatting with other runners as the pace was consistent. After penypass and the climb I was 60th overall and looking after first lady and glyn price. After turning right at the junction ready to hit the gravel road I said my goodbyes to Glyn and put the hammer down. From here the race head was on and I was determined to at least put an effort in. From nant GWYNANT i started recalling off some fast guys and this got me motivated. Coming into Beddgelert I came across Aber ac shelly child's, from no where, stone wall in cover a runner quickly hurdles the wall half pants and shorts around his knees. I slowly caught him up and told him if the fun we had seeing him jumping from the bushes. From here picking off some more runners I went through Beddgelert and started climbing out of the village towards rhyd ddu and felt strong up the hills, somehow taking the rhythm off the flat running of the roads. I knew it would be a tough climb and it took some hit on other runners but having reached the top I was probably ready for more. Leavling off after rhyddu it was fast running again and quickly stick to my pace picking off some more runners, on mileage 17 I came across gancho who has been flying recently. From here I was probably top 15 and thinking this can't last with the last few hills ahead. Waunfawr was the start of the hills and I was clear of anyone as the climb began. With a strong climbing background I felt strong and hitting the top if the climb I passed 4-5 runners before the decent to the finish. From here it was really tricky with grassy roads fully if water. Very slippy with the road trainers. Coming into llanberis I felt gd sprinting to a time of 2.51 minutes and 8th overall. Ridiculous good run. Loved it and can't wait until someone gives me another entry.
