Inquisition by Menton

Wow what a day. I had originally hoped to creep inside 4:10 and maybe even match a friends PB of 4:08.

In the event I managed to break 4 hours.  I still smile whenever I think of the time because I honestly never believed after the past 3 marathons of 4:55, 4:22 and 4:11 that I had it in me at my age to ever threaten 3 anything.

It wasn't easy, no marathon ever is and hitting the wall at 34 k probably hurt more than ever before and at that point it felt like I was running backwards. However that said it never seemed to impact on my pace and my second half at 1:58 was just a minute slower than my first half.

I can't quite figure how it all fell into place this race, training had been lighter than usual and I felt more nervous than ever.  I guess it must have just been getting in front of the 4 hour balloons and driving myself on in the second half hoping against hope that they wouldn't reel me in after I hit the wall in the last 10K.

This morning I went out for my first run since and something felt different. I think this 4 hour target must have been nagging at the back of my mind for some time without me realising it.  Now it's gone I'm not sure I now have a goal at this distance anymore. 3:40 something, could I ever again be bothered to put in the effort and run through the wall again for such a number, probably not.

Well that the end of this years blog about a marathon I thought would be an inquisition but turned out to be a liberation. 

Thank you for those kind fellow runners and joggers who have sent messages of support, all of which were gratefully recieved and good luck to everyone whose spring marathon is looming.

I hope you all have as good a day as I had.