Monday, October 12

King of Pain

It was far better than the ubiquitous Christmas jumper, but not quite a shinny new car. Still, I’ll take the 12 days in Maui and enjoy every moment of it. This is me signing off for a couple weeks while the girls and I head further west, to the land of surf, sand and sunshine.
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As for my race, it was solid, something I’ve been hoping to achieve for a few years. I have to be brief as we’re busy packing, or at least the missus is. The highlights then:

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(1) Nonstop (almost): I ran the entire race, apart from stopping to pull up my socks (twice) and walking for 2”-3” to get some water at an aid station, it was one continuous run. I’m so glad to have not been apart of the mid-race walking wounded. I’ve put in my time.

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(2) Compression socks: as I mentioned above, I had to stop twice in the first 10k to pull them up, otherwise they seemed fine. I didn’t cramp, but then I typically don’t. The jury is still out.

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(3) Chaffing: in my race package there was a product sample called “Udderly Smooth”. I know you’re not supposed to try something new on race morning but I decided to give it a go. It worked like a dream, I’ll definitely be using it again.

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(4) Nutrition: I ran with a bottle for the first half (the water was gone by then), and ate Clif Shot Bloks (lemon-lime), roughly 3/40’… my stomach has never been so settled during a race. The only drawback was the 3C temperature at the race start, made the first few bloks rather chewy.

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Ok, I’ll give you the gory details when I’m back from vacation but until then this will have to do. Thanks to everyone who offered a kind word of support either here, or out on the course. It was much appreciated. As for what’s up next, I can honestly say I have no idea. I almost forgot, someone introduced himself to me in the first mile of the race. Said he drops in from time-to-time to read this blog… I hope your race went well.

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Until later, enjoy the road you’re on.

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P.s. This morning I’m in a world of pain.

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Royal Victoria Marathon: 2:49:41, 4:02 k/pace, 26/2319 OA, 5/219 M35-39 (half split at 1:23:01)

11 comments:

. said...

Great result Michael. It seems to have gone as smoothly as a marathon can go. Enjoy the break - I look forward to the extreme details on your return.

Thomas said...

Congratulations on a solid performance. It was high time for you to have a good marathon again.

Take the pain as a sign that you gave it all during the race and be proud of it.

Lawrence said...

Great run. I've enjoyed following your build......thanks.

Grellan said...

Sounds like you had a great race Michael. Well done and enjoy your vacation.

RICK'S RUNNING said...

Congrats on a great race, looks like your back on track !

Love2Run said...

A well deserved performance that you must be proud of. Enjoy the holiday in warmer climes!

MB said...

another sub-2:50! so cool, nice job out there as it looks like you are back on track

Cliff said...

you are the man :)

Terry Nielsen said...

that was me who said "hi Mike" in the first mile. I had my first DNF in 20 years of racing. Im still a bit stunned.

funny you mentioned compression socks. i had never heard of them and it was my calves that went out on me.

I was 1:07 at 17km, on pace for my target of 2:45 and wammo, legs went on me. no bonk symptoms. I had had to take the 2.5 weeks off prior to RVM due to shin muscle injury. it was not hurting- something out of the blue instead. I look forward to the long version of your race story-I'll live vicariously through yours :0).

Chris said...

Congrats Mike, nice to see you finishing again...:o)

Enjoy Hawaii, you deserve it.

Graeme said...

Nice solid effort Mike. Use this one as a stepping stone to that PR. You looked a whole lot better in this one than you did in London...but that was a hot day.