13 and out - the Portsmouth Waterside Marathon
Dec1920118:08 a.m.
Well thats my racing done for the year with the Portsmouth Waterside Marathon yesterday. An unusual combination of promenade, fields, bridlepaths, footpaths and pavement. No road closures but didnt really need them for few bits near a road.
Seemed to be very much an end of term race as there were loads of familiar faces and old friends at this one. Happened to wear a comrades t shirt (as was too cold for the vest) and had lots of chats about it with people having done it or going to do it.
Race took usual pattern of late - running back wards in first half as I maintain a just sub eight minute mile pace and then from about halfway clawing back places and overtaking lots of people. Think for 4 or 5th race I wasnt over taken in the second half at all. Still find it amazing that even with these more experienced runners people set off too fast.
Nearly had my first DNF as my calf was really painfull from about mile 8 to half way. At one point shooting pains and thought I would have to pull out. Persuaded myself to run to next aid station, then to half way and it ran off a bit so carried on. Not too bad this morning but will no doubt enjoy the rest over the next week or so. Just after halfway came across a man riding a unicycle down this muddy path - now thats not something you see everyday. After that chatted to this bloke on his bike for a couple of miles - his wife runs races and he just ambles along the same course if he can - well I guess it beats standing in one place.
Other interesting thing about this course is that you run across a tidal beach - at about mile 2 and 24. Apart from being loose shingle the race has a sting in its tail for the tailenders in that if you are too slow you get your feet very wet!
So thats marathon 13 of the year done and dusted in 3:28. Bringing my racing year to a close with 1 half marathon, 12 marathons and 1 Ultra. Average time for marathons this year was 3:33 although more than half were sub 3:30. A solid year I think.
Hope all is festive in your worlds.
Post views 325
Comments (9)
SeanG 'Keith, well ran. Very respectible time indeed (even more sore with a dodgy calf!). The pacing thing always amazes me. There was a guy who used to run in my summer/XC league and week in week out he would shoot off at the start and I'd pass him after 3 miles or so. He always had his Garmin on too. He did say that he'd run with me for better pacing - but never did! Enjoy the rest over the enxt week or so and see you in the New Year.' added 19th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
Johnf 'Great finish to the year for you Keith and again a solid marathon. Can't believe how quickly you have chalked up that number of marathons. I think I have done more halfs than you!!..' added 19th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
BiGPoPPa 'Well done Keith, all the best for the new year :o)' added 19th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
tuxster11 'Well done mate- good running!! Bring on 2012 ay??? Haha no rest for the wicked!!! ' added 19th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
Rob_Barber 'When you put it like that Keith, a very good year :-)' added 19th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
Nick 'Well done on a great year, Keith. We shall look forward to further triumphs in 2012!' added 19th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
RuddysMarathonEffort 'Your a machine man! Good to meet you during one of those 13 in 2011' added 20th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
Jenny1961 'It must be wonderful to wrap up the year like that with a 12th marathon plus a few extras like the Comrades! ( Gosh....seems ages since you did that now ). My own aim is for 12 marathons next year. Without Comrades though ;0.. Congratulations - particularly for maintaining such excellent times throughout. You should be awarded the RealBuzz Runner of the Year ( if there is such an award!)' added 21st Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate
judith 'Great finish to a very solid 2011. Hope 2012 goes as well.' added 27th Dec 2011
Report as inappropriate