spring marathoners

PS Entries for Disneyworld races have just opened!!! Now they really are fun!!

I finished VMLM and got a great PB Very happy runner here. It was unbelievably busy, huge congestion and the sea of dropped drink bottles really didn't help. Not so much running as surviving at times. The crowd was fantastic, so vocal. Definitely glad I had my name on my shirt. Legs good. Highly recommend Jeff Galloway's programmes if you're looking to feel great at the end.

Well done Jenny!! Sounds like the true spirit of the day

cor, that was hard work

i a little slower than i know i'm capable of, but my caring head came out and i was helping a few folk who evidently hadn't had very good advice - new shoes/don't drink early on because you'll need to stop for a wee, that sort of rubbish

the atmosphere is overwhelming at times, but that's one reason i ran, for DD who finds most crowds too much.
she struggles in the morning line-up going into her classroom each day, can't deal with people shouting her name.

but i did it, and finished with an official time, and a medal

Good luck to all VLM!!

I would love to do a marathon. Manchester would be fab as its flat. Done 2 HM (2:30 and then 2:12). Just the one. Do I can say "I did it!".

I have to think hard about it and put some training in. Plenty of time to train and see how it goes.

Ill have more of a battle persuading my friend to join me.

Good luck Jenny and all other London runners tomorrow - you can do it!!!

Good luck VLM runners tonmorrow!

Thanks both! Manchester is the flattest UK marathon apparently!! Totally flat all the way round except for a run over a bridge The weather was also perfect - cool and dry, cloudy with no wind, couldn't have asked for any better I feel so lucky!

Legs are actually not too bad today - I had a massage which really helped straight after the finish so just a bit achy and I look a bit odd walking down the stairs!!!

well done, isit! that's a fantastic achievement, and it sounds as though you've had a brilliant marathon.

I'm hoping to keep sights of the two slowest pacers at London, I know I can do it...

Well done isittheweekend I bet you feel great now! How was the weather and conditions? Is Manchester hilly or flat?

How do your legs feel this morning? Watch out for the delayed muscle soreness tomorrow.

Home, bathed and waiting for my curry! What an incredible day. An amazing atmosphere and just the best crowd support ever. I stuck with the 4.45 pacer, and while I varied between being ahead of him and behind him at various points I finished in 4.44.25

Super chuffed with my performance. So happy I slowed it down as it meant I really enjoyed the atmosphere and for the most part was running comfortably. Miles 21 onwards were tough, particularly 23-25 but got lifted by the crowds lining up to the finish line and managed to get a bit of a sprint-ish finish on! All in all a brilliant day. Just hope I'm not too sore tomorrow as pretty achey right now!

Good luck to all the Londoners next week x

I'm very nervous too, only a week to go and I'm developing all sorts of pains and niggles now I'm tapering.

I actually can't wait until it's all over, envious of you having only one sleep

Saturday nights are very glam when you're marathon training, aren't they? I'm never going to eat pasta again after this

all the best for tomorrow, have a really good race and enjoy the ride x

Thanks Jenny. All tucked up in my hotel room ready to go!! Been for pasta for dinner and now just watching tv with a giant bottle of water to keep hydrated! Rock and roll

Feeling very nervous now and just want to get over that finish line with as little pain as possible!! Good luck to everyone else

good luck isit and anyone else running at Manchester

hope i've got that right

You all did amazingly - it's an incredible achievement that the vast majority of people will never experience, or even have the dedication to even try. Deck, I'm in awe of your determination, and agree you def have the marathon bug!!!

You did a brilliant time, Love. I took almost 6 hours which is rubbish, and I know I can do a lot better. Brighton 2016 starts now!

Lady BlaBlah I hope you are feeling a bit better today and chafing feeling better! That was an amazing time as Paris looked hot!

You are a braver woman than me Deck saying one more! I have vowed never again. I think you may have the bug if this was your second! Please don't beat yourself up about your knee as the commitment to train and run a marathon is more than 90% people have in a lifetime and you have done it twice!

Lolz at 'nearly there'

In Paris they also had an actual Wall at 20 miles to remind you that you were about to feel like shit. NOT good for motivation.

Ouch. That's my decision made then

Yeah shorts

So wish I'd worn some tights/skin tights.

I look like I've grown gonads.

Well done on Paris, Lady. Hope you're feeling better soon. Did you wear shorts out of interest?? I run in my 3/4 lengths but am thinking it may be too warm next week, but worried as shorts often chafe on me too. Agh, dilemmas!!

I'm already saying 'never again' and I've not even done it yet. Agreed it is such a time drain and the forced long runs have taken the joy out of my Sunday run. I too want to get back to good 10's and a couple of nice HM's across the year.

i'm swearing never to do 26.2 again already, and i mean it.

i loved, and i mean really enjoyed 13.1 at Silverstone. I could see me doing that twice a year, all being well with health etc, but marathon training is something else.
It's a massive commitment, and I don't have the time for it all. My house is a tip, I've missed out on family time, DD (who is autistic) thinks all i do is running, and she's right. And it's costing a small fortune in socks/shoes etc.
I want to stay 10k fit, and race up to HM, but not full marathon.
if you see me on a similar thread to this in 6 mths time, my account will have been hacked.

and yeah, 'almost there' should be banned

Sudacrem!! Yes that's what I need.
I've currently got savlon and walking like john Wayne leaving a 'residue' wherever I sit.
God I'm disgusting today

No-one runs a marathon without swearing to never do it again. Especially at mile 18 when the pain is kicking in and the end seems so very, very far away.

ps I hope there is a special corner of hell reserved for people who shout 'nearly there!' anywhere before the 25 mile marker.

fighting talk there, Deck

but you know, if you didn't have a dodgy knee, you'd be in agony again and perhaps sweraing never to run again