Lee's sub 4 hour marathon attempt by Gosport_Plodder

I'd decided a couple of weeks ago that Saturday or Sunday was going to be my last 'long' run before the taper begins and the preparations for the 25th really kick in.

Looking at the weather forecast and the families plan for the bank holiday I settled to go for my run on Saturday.

I mapped out a 20 mile route that I knew pretty well and knew roughly where the 5 mile points were. I've decided that my strategy on the day will be to break the run down into 5 mile sections at around 40 minutes a section.

The run started of quite nicely, I was determined not to set off to quickly and tried to concentrate on the first 5 miles. I ran along the sea front which is always nice (if a little windy) and there was plenty of walkers, cyclists and fellow runners out. The first 5 miles was done in 37:38 so a little quicker than I wanted but felt good.

The next five took me along through the nature reserve and some quiet country lanes, I was wearing my new Rowans Hospice running vest which is bright yellow so I was pretty confident that I'd be spotted by any motorists. The this next 5 miles went nice and quickly and I reached the half way point in 1 hour 16mins 35 secs so again a little ahead of myself but feeling strong.

The half way turn saw me head into the wind a little bit and there's quite a nice hill to negotiate. I made sure that I was taking on plenty of fluids and some of the tunes on the ipod certainly helped when my mind started to wonder. Another 5 miles done (40:04), bit slower but there was the hill that I mentioned and a slight head wind.

Now for the final 5 and I knew that if I could keep strong, keep my pace and not 'hit the wall' then I'd be home in around 2 hours 45 mins.

The final 5 seemed to go nice and quickly and as I ran along the sea front and on towards home I couldn't help but think of what a great run it had been and how good I felt. I turned the corner into my street and stopped the clock on my 20 mile run in 2 hours 33 minutes and 50 seconds. A little jog and cool down followed as I tried to keep my emotions in check and not to get carried away with it all.

My aim all along has been to run a sub 4 hour marathon and I know that things happen on the day that you can't control. This year I've run and cycled more than I have ever done, followed a running plan pretty closely and set a new pb in a half marathon. I had to check the route again when I got home just to make sure that I had done 20 miles and missed any out but it was correct.

As I said, I don't want to get ahead of myself but I felt so good and knew that I could've run for another 45/50 minutes.

My goal is still sub 4 hours but after all the hard work I'd be bitterly disappointed if it wasn't 3:45.

Good luck to everyone running on the 25th, I hope your training has gone well and that you enjoy the taper.

And to everyone coming along to cheer/support thank you as well. Your support on the day is so very much appreciated.