Anyone doing London Marathon next week?

Mike D

Anyone else on here doing the Virgin London Marathon next weekend 17th? What are your plans and how has the training gone? Also, if you've done London before, how did you get on and have you got any tips from your experience?

I'm in the last week of taper now and so far, realtively injury free, Long runs in the bag and itching to get there now. Aiming for a Sub 4 but will be happy with 4.10. I did 22miles in 3.20 in training.

dermCu

Hi Mike. I'm running it as well. This is my 3rd London marathon. Its London Marathon 2 - Dermot 0 at this stage but I hope to drag one back this year! Training has been solid with a nice 10mile PB and no injurys along the way.

With that 22 mile in 3:20 you are looking good for sub 4- as long as you have got the other long runs in.

Its a great event. The expo and the start are what you'd expect from a big slick operation. I don't know what start you are on but watch out for the congestion. The roads arent all that wide for the first few miles. In the past I've been caught up moving at the crowds pace rather than my own.

Watch out for mile 3 - its downhill and its fast. Very easy to overcook it here. Also around mile 2.5 the different starts merge and you run along side each other for a bit. Don't get sucked in to racing them!!!!
~ Mile 6 around Greenwich / Cutty Sark is great. The crowds are really noisy. Lap it up. After that its through Surrey Quays / Rotherhithe, still good support but I'm always looking forward to Tower Bridge at this point. There is a little bit of a drag up over the bridge. You only notice it because its been flat up to that point. 15 - 18 through the Isle of Dogs is the bit I like least. If there is any wind I find this to be the most exposed spot. Then through Canary Wharf. If you wear a garmin be aware that it might go a bit ape-s**t here as the signal bounces off the big buildings. Again, crowds are massive here. From about 20 to 22 you run along side the people who are just heading to half way on the other side of the road. Its a nice pick me up. From 23 on the crowds just build and build. Its a wall of noise at times. There is a tunnel around 23 - 24 its very strange to go from all the noise straight into the quiet of the tunnel. Embankment seems to go on forever, big Ben doesnt seem to get any closer. Once you reach it you are almost done. A right hand turn past the tube station, Buckingham Palace on your left and then there the banner saying 380 something yards to go. Leg it!!!
Enjoy.

TheRoadRunner

dermCu wrote: »

Hi Mike. I'm running it as well. This is my 3rd London marathon. Its London Marathon 2 - Dermot 0 at this stage but I hope to drag one back this year! Training has been solid with a nice 10mile PB and no injurys along the way.

With that 22 mile in 3:20 you are looking good for sub 4- as long as you have got the other long runs in.

Its a great event. The expo and the start are what you'd expect from a big slick operation. I don't know what start you are on but watch out for the congestion. The roads arent all that wide for the first few miles. In the past I've been caught up moving at the crowds pace rather than my own.

Watch out for mile 3 - its downhill and its fast. Very easy to overcook it here. Also around mile 2.5 the different starts merge and you run along side each other for a bit. Don't get sucked in to racing them!!!!
~ Mile 6 around Greenwich / Cutty Sark is great. The crowds are really noisy. Lap it up. After that its through Surrey Quays / Rotherhithe, still good support but I'm always looking forward to Tower Bridge at this point. There is a little bit of a drag up over the bridge. You only notice it because its been flat up to that point. 15 - 18 through the Isle of Dogs is the bit I like least. If there is any wind I find this to be the most exposed spot. Then through Canary Wharf. If you wear a garmin be aware that it might go a bit ape-s**t here as the signal bounces off the big buildings. Again, crowds are massive here. From about 20 to 22 you run along side the people who are just heading to half way on the other side of the road. Its a nice pick me up. From 23 on the crowds just build and build. Its a wall of noise at times. There is a tunnel around 23 - 24 its very strange to go from all the noise straight into the quiet of the tunnel. Embankment seems to go on forever, big Ben doesnt seem to get any closer. Once you reach it you are almost done. A right hand turn past the tube station, Buckingham Palace on your left and then there the banner saying 380 something yards to go. Leg it!!!
Enjoy.

Jesus I almost wish I was running this year now First time I've had an longing to run a marathon, great description. Great event I'll definitely be back next year (if I'm allowed)

petermijackson

What a description. I am also running there and it's my first - cannot wait. Bursting with energy this week during my Taper. Will be happy with sub 3.30 but there maybe more in the tank, will take it as it comes. Big plan is to enjoy it....

tunguska

Looks like Hayley yelling is out

http://lrn.london-marathon.com/torn-calf-ruins-hayleys-marathon-dream/

Gutted for her, would loved to have seen how she'd do in a marathon.

Abhainn

petermijackson wrote: »

What a description. I am also running there and it's my first - cannot wait. Bursting with energy this week during my Taper. Will be happy with sub 3.30 but there maybe more in the tank, will take it as it comes. Big plan is to enjoy it....

Ya great description Derm. Can't wait meself now.

Clearlier

Nice description Dermot.

I'll be there too. My second marathon after Dublin last year. I managed 3:24 at Dublin and had actually been hoping for sub-3 at the start of training for London. Lots didn't go to plan though and I revised that to :10 and guaranteed entry for next year. A couple of weeks ago it looked fairly achievable but training took another downturn since and a poor 10k (41:03) dented my confidence a bit so I'm not counting any chickens. Still I've picked up P.B.'s at 10k, 10m, half and 20m (first [training] race at that distance) and training has gone better than before Dublin so provided I don't totally screw it up on the day I should get a PB. I'll be running by heart rate but I'll have an eye on 3:10 and if I'm close I will take the chance of running out of steam to give myself an opportunity for that time.

petermijackson

Any tips or final thoughts from anybody?

I will be registering on Friday afternoon...so will be kicking back on Saturday. Might go and stretch the legs in Regents Park on Saturday morning.

Mike D

Thanks Derm, that has really brought it to life and thanks for the pointers. Will look out for them!
I trained pretty well with plenty of long runs so hopefully all will go to plan.
Can't wait now. I feel ready. London is my old home town but not lived there for 16 years so will be good to go back as a tourist and marathoner! Staying near Regents Park so may see there Peter!!
Will be arriving on Friday and off to the Expo on Saturday...

G-Money

Not doing it myself but looking forward to being able to relax and watch it on TV. Unlike the GIR which I was in myself yesterday!

Macanri

All the best wishes to all running the London marathon this weekend. Enjoy the experience, and have a great race.

RayCun

Yes, good luck everyone

RubyK

Best of luck in London guys! Enjoy

tHE vAGGABOND

yea, good luck folks

Mick Rice

I'll be in London for this. The legs are still a bit stiff from Connemara, but I'll run it for the gas anyway. I'll be the one in the Athenry singlet :-)

Good luck to everyone else...

Mick Rice

Just one other thing. Does anyone have any suggestions for places to visit or stuff to do around London tomorrow. Myself and a pal should be registered and at a loose end in London from mid morning on. It seems likle a waste to just hang out for a whole day in London without doing something interesting.

Any suggestions?

ClashCityRocker

I'm running Sunday, my first marathon in 2 years, having done 6 in 2 years before that. Buzzing! Hoping for a 3.30 but the main aim is to just savour the experience really.

Mick Rice wrote: »

Just one other thing. Does anyone have any suggestions for places to visit or stuff to do around London tomorrow. Myself and a pal should be registered and at a loose end in London from mid morning on. It seems likle a waste to just hang out for a whole day in London without doing something interesting.

Any suggestions?

All of the museums in London are free, so these might be worth a look. I found the Science museum to be the most interesting of those I visited.

http://www.visitlondon.com/attractions/culture/major-museums

tbf I'm sure you won't have any trouble amusing yourself in London for the day!

Brianderunner

I was down at the expo this evening, impressive setup and a few bargains to be had around the place. Wish I was running now but I'll be roadside to cheer you all on.

Tipp man running

The very best to all running in London, I'm so jealous:rolleyes:

robinph

So how did the boardsies get on this morning then?

Been seeing some Facebook messages from club mate who I think all suffered to varying degrees. Didn't actually get to see it on telly as I was hungover myself, but sounds like it was a bit on the warm side?

donothoponpop

robinph wrote: »

So how did the boardsies get on this morning then?

A very disappointed kiwirunner got 2:42, said he just felt bad on the day.

dermCu

2:44 for me. It was warm, especially in the last few miles and I suffered pretty bad but got there in the end.

Mick Rice

2:48 here....tough first half and got going later on - small negative split. Was more than happy given that it was so soon after Connemara.

Abhainn

2:43 for me. The temperatures deferred my sub 2:40 for another day

Mick Rice wrote: »

2:48 here....tough first half and got going later on - small negative split. Was more than happy given that it was so soon after Connemara.

One of the rare negative splits on the day. Very impressive - Great going especially after a great run in Conn Ultra.

ClashCityRocker

I'm reluctant to post here, given that everyone above has run 2.40ish times

I ran a symmetrical 4.04.44. I say ran, tweaked a hamstring at 19 miles so I did the last 7 at little more than walking pace. Hugely disappointing, but what can you do?

Other than that it was an amazing experience. The crowds were just brilliant, lots of encouragement for me as I was hobbling along towards the end. Organisation, as you'd expect, was top notch, although if I had one small complaint the finishers tshirt is a bit crap. Fingers crossed I'll be back next year to do it properly.

Oh, and i got myself a hell of a suntan. :cool:

HardyEustace

Brilliant times. Well done, no less given the heat.

Just wondering how people got entries to London? Can you apply via website (when it's updated of course) or did you get a place through a sports travel company?

Gringo78

HardyEustace wrote: »

Just wondering how people got entries to London? Can you apply via website (when it's updated of course) or did you get a place through a sports travel company?

Overseas ballot which is a lottery and very much oversubscribed (something like 1 in 10 chance of getting a place or something?)

or

If you have run :10 (male) or :50 (female) then you could get good for age guaranteed entry if you have a UK address that you can use (presume it'll be smae for 2012):

http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/marathon-centre/enter-virgin-london-marathon/good-for-age-entries/

tHE vAGGABOND

or get a charity place by raising money - always loads of charitys looking for people

tunguska

Steven Way 2:19:39.
Last year, 2:19:38.
Very consistant but he mustve been injured this year or something. Thought he'd go 2:15 or better this time around.

Andrew Lemoncello was on for a great one but absolutley feel apart in the last 4 miles, was painful to watch him hobbling up the homestretch with Martinez chasing him down. Good run from Lee Merrien though.

Clearlier

tunguska wrote: »

Steven Way 2:19:39.
Last year, 2:19:38.
Very consistant but he mustve been injured this year or something. Thought he'd go 2:15 or better this time around.

Andrew Lemoncello was on for a great one but absolutley feel apart in the last 4 miles, was painful to watch him hobbling up the homestretch with Martinez chasing him down. Good run from Lee Merrien though.

Do you follow Steve Tunguska? By chance I joined his club when I moved to Bournemouth from Dublin a couple of years ago. He's a great human interest story as three and a half years ago he weighed 15 stone, smoked 20 a day and occasionally ran races for the hell of it. He was injured twice at the beginning of the year and very, very nearly didn't race London. He actually only decided a few miles into Sunday's race that he would race it as he had a backup of Edinburgh if he didn't feel up to it. To say he was happy with the result would be something of an understatement!

My own race was a disaster unfortunately. I set off looking for 3:10 and anticipating something like a 93:30/96 split. By the time I got to four miles though my legs were already beginning to feel heavy, by the 9 mile point I knew a PB (3:24) was unlikely and by mile 16 I was walking through the water stations. It only got slower after that. The crowds were great but I did feel a bit embarassed walking along. I finally got over the line about 3 hours and fifty minutes after the start. The only positive thing about knowing so early on that it wasn't going right was that I had plenty of time to work out what had gone wrong and I was ready to move on from it even before I had finished.

pgmcpq

ClashCityRocker wrote: »

I. Hugely disappointing, but what can you do? .....
Fingers crossed I'll be back next year to do it properly.

Clearlier wrote: »

My own race was a disaster unfortunately. .....The only positive thing about knowing so early on that it wasn't going right was that I had plenty of time to work out what had gone wrong and I was ready to move on from it even before I had finished.

Commiserations guys. For what it is worth everyone had either had one of those days .... or is still to have it. It seems an inevitable part of the learning process.

tunguska

Clearlier wrote: »

Do you follow Steve Tunguska? By chance I joined his club when I moved to Bournemouth from Dublin a couple of years ago. He's a great human interest story as three and a half years ago he weighed 15 stone, smoked 20 a day and occasionally ran races for the hell of it. He was injured twice at the beginning of the year and very, very nearly didn't race London. He actually only decided a few miles into Sunday's race that he would race it as he had a backup of Edinburgh if he didn't feel up to it. To say he was happy with the result would be something of an understatement!

My own race was a disaster unfortunately. I set off looking for 3:10 and anticipating something like a 93:30/96 split. By the time I got to four miles though my legs were already beginning to feel heavy, by the 9 mile point I knew a PB (3:24) was unlikely and by mile 16 I was walking through the water stations. It only got slower after that. The crowds were great but I did feel a bit embarassed walking along. I finally got over the line about 3 hours and fifty minutes after the start. The only positive thing about knowing so early on that it wasn't going right was that I had plenty of time to work out what had gone wrong and I was ready to move on from it even before I had finished.

I do follow Steve Clearlier. Glad to hear that he's ok and going to do Endinburgh. Definitely think he has sub 2:15 in him.
Sorry to hear about your own race. The marathon can be brutal and unforgiving. Hopefully you learned a lot from sunday and will nail it to the wall next time around.

Clearlier

tunguska wrote: »

I do follow Steve Clearlier. Glad to hear that he's ok and going to do Endinburgh. Definitely think he has sub 2:15 in him.
Sorry to hear about your own race. The marathon can be brutal and unforgiving. Hopefully you learned a lot from sunday and will nail it to the wall next time around.

Don't think that he will do Edinburgh now that he gave London everything he had. I'm not sure that he's got a 2:15 in him just yet but 2:17 is there with a better build up. He's an endurance monster without much speed (relatively speaking obviously) but he'll still probably need to break 30mins for 10k before he does 2:15.

He writes a fairly entertaining blog here: http://www.steveway.co.uk/ and you can also find him on Twitter under @marigold_bac

Biggest thing that I learned from Sunday was that it's better to risk not getting to the start line than to get the taper wrong when your mileage is pretty low.

hoganpoly

Myself and my wife walked it in 6.27, would love to run it but back problems put paid to that,fantastic event,well supported and going over tower bridge was the highlight for me,hard to get accepted but best way in is to run/walk for a charity

robinph

Only just got round to watching most of the main race last night.

Why, oh why do they still let Brendan Foster in front of a microphone. He talks more rubbish than Eddie Jordan does on the F1, and at least then the other F1 guys will tell him he's an idiot. Cram just sits in silence as Foster comes out with his stupidity.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

3:25 for me with a very slow second half, fell to pieces towards the end.

plodder

Ballot for 2012 opens next Tuesday :pac:

Mike D

Well done to all the London runners. I really enjoyed the event but the heat did me in! At mile 10 I just felt drained from the heat and knew my Sub 4 was out the window. So I decided to just enjoy the crowds and the day.

I was amazed at how they really get in to the event and create a street party atmosphere. Incredibly well organised with water, lucozade, gels and vaseline stops. Hobbled over the line in 4.30 and delighted having completed. Medal was great, t-shirt was a bit crap! The Expo was excellent too.

Think I'll stick to a halfs for the rest of the year though!