21 miles around Dulwich Park
Jess and I arrived at 7.30am at the park not entirely sure what we were about to let ourselves in for. It was a bright, chilly morning and we had come well supplied with water and lucazade. Today was supposed a mini dress rehersal for the big day so we had Vitell water and orange lucazade which wouold be provided at the marathon. Each bottle with our name and the running apes logo on the side - for which a little bit of micky taking would be had.
We were sent round by Dave (personal trainer) for a two lap (and therfore 2 mile) warm up. WARM UP - we had never done a warm up before, and as it turned out was about the pace we would need to run anyway. After this Dave would send us off and he would time each lap to check our pace.
For the first 5 miles I was quite reserved and felt I was taking it a little too easy. At this point I picked up the pace. From running 8 minute 45 seconds per mile I was down to 7 minutes 45 seconds per mile. I carried on this pace for 7/8 laps and then it fell apart. I assume this on marathon day would be called ‘the wall’. The pace per lap dropped like a pebble in a puddle. 9 minute miles followed by 10 minute miles. At the end I had suffered from nipple rub for the first time, severe pain in my left knee and had learnt I was not going to complete the course running at just under 8 minutes per mile.
Although the times differed slightly Jess learnt the same lessons. She started well at just under 10 minute miles but increased the pace when feeling good. After about 13 miles or so the pace had to drop and she went back to 10/11 minute miles.
Over the next week we have had various pains but boy have we eaten loads. We are also proud of completing nearly 21 miles and are confident we will finish the marathon if we keep to a sensible pace.
All eyes now on the reading half marathon on March 29th!
