My London Marathon- Ricky Long
As Ricky looks towards his goals later in the year which include some Ironman events, London provided an ideal opportunity to test his endurance on the roads and to see where his fitness was at after an interrupted training block.
What was the weather like on the day?
As has been well documented it was a HOT day in London which decimated a lot of run plans from the elite runner to the average runner.
How was the course?
London did not disappoint! As expected the London crowds and energy was 10/10 from start to finish. The starting area is very well organised and there are MORE toilets than people realise. The waves started promptly and without incident. The first few miles are quiet and downhill allowing you to get into stride. The streets are then lined throughout as you pass landmark after landmark with London Bridge marking the halfway point. If anything the course felt slightly downhill throughout with a couple of short ramps in elevation before long graduate downhills.
How were the crowds?
Again London did not disappoint! As anticipated the London crowds and energy was 10/10 from start to finish. Streets lined throughout with entertainment at regular intervals. Without doubt the highlight is the crowds building the last 2km towards Buckingham Palace.
Bling? Was the medal/ t-shirt worth it?
Yes. Its one for the bucket list. The running show is worth the trip to London on its own for anyone supporting friends next year or running if you are a lucky ballot entrant.
How was your training block?
Terrible. Worst training block ever. Injury, work life, new job, illness and poor consistency made this plan extremely difficult. The trick here is to find consistency in the inconsistency. I went back to basics and just tried to accumulate weekly miles rather than getting caught up in structured sessions which kept getting hijacked by life, work and dogs. It was my 4th Marathon so I had a fair idea of what my training block deserved on race day. I didn’t deserve a PB or a fast time. I deserved to lean on my natural fitness I’ve built over the years and enjoy the day.
How did your race go?
8/10!
I got sick the week before spending 3 days in bed. I only landed on a race plan the morning of the Marathon. Run the first half on 4hr pace then treat the rest in 5km segments.
Game changer folks: I made your watch auto lap every 5km. Physically and mentally this changed EVERYTHING.
It isn’t always about PBs. There’s a trend around running fast being the be all and end all. WE sometimes forget that for most people running is about enjoyment. Completing a marathon is the enjoyment and an amazing achievement. PBs and Strava segments can sometimes suck the joy out of the things we enjoy. Running is enough. It doesn’t need to be timed or measured. Just move. Walk. Run. Skip. Just move.
I walked the final 1km with my phone in hand drinking up the atmosphere happily saying goodbye to a PB on the official time. My watch time gave me what I wanted.
What was your favourite part of your weekend?
I’m still digesting that one.
Without being too deep and life coachy….the enjoyment and focus a training block gives you is what it’s about. Even is it is disrupted. Train enough so you can enjoy your event. To go into a distance knowing your body is capable with the work you have done. My favourite part of the weekend was enjoying the whole weekend with minimal pressure and having a social with Chris. It is our 3rd Marathon together and we will do 1 Marathon every year for as long as we can for the rest of our lives.
Official time – 4.06.57
