Seville Marathon 23.2.2020

OOnegative

http://www.zurichmaratonsevilla.es/

Anyone else considering it for next year, gets great reviews and the flattest marathon in Europe allegedly.

healy1835

Whilst I like running over the festive season, I don't think I could stretch to Marathon training

MrMacPhisto

OOnegative wrote: »

http://www.zurichmaratonsevilla.es/

Anyone else considering it for next year, gets great reviews and the flattest marathon in Europe allegedly.

I ran the marathon in 2018. Planning to do the half marathon in January. Great city, well organised race. Route is flat, however I think the route changed last year.

I believe Duanington ran the new route so he probably has more info on that. The only real negative I had on the route I did was that the last few miles went through the old town which had hard marble type tiles rather than tarmac. Tough on tired legs. Lots of water stations and a very good standard of runner in the race, so lots of nice groups to attach to.

Ryanair fly direct from Dublin. I got reasonable fare for travel Fri-Mon, and accommodation pretty cheap for the half weekend.

The race started at 0830 in 2018, the temps ranged from 11-16 degrees with a bit of cloud cover. I believe the weather got a bit warmer this year.

I would give Seville the thumbs up

OOnegative

healy1835 wrote: »

Whilst I like running over the festive season, I don't think I could stretch to Marathon training

My missus obviously just wants me out of the house so!!!

healy1835

OOnegative wrote: »

My missus obviously just wants me out of the house so!!!

:D Starting a block after the Christmas is perfect, keeps you relatively discplined over the couple of weeks. I couldn't handle being 8 weeks out from a Marathon, guilt tripping about Guinness & Mince Pies . Early April, Rotterdam timing, is just perfect I reckon. Seville looks class though....

OOnegative

healy1835 wrote: »

:D Starting a block after the Christmas is perfect, keeps you relatively discplined over the couple of weeks. I couldn't handle being 8 weeks out from a Marathon, guilt tripping about Guinness & Mince Pies . Early April, Rotterdam timing, is just perfect I reckon. Seville looks class though....

No interest in a Rotterdam, it’s only down the road sure!!!

OOnegative

See a few more interested in this, training plan starts next week. Not exactly great weeks running leading into it though, one run of 9 miles where I managed to gimp my back in some way!!! Can only get better.

djemba djemba

In

ISOP

Hoping to get under 3:45 here

Itziger

OOnegative wrote: »

See a few more interested in this, training plan starts next week. Not exactly great weeks running leading into it though, one run of 9 miles where I managed to gimp my back in some way!!! Can only get better.

You aiming for sub 3 in this, lad? (Make me an offer as pacer.......)

OOnegative

Itziger wrote: »

You aiming for sub 3 in this, lad? (Make me an offer as pacer.......)

That’s the hope D anyway, be delighted if you could pace me!!

Itziger

OOnegative wrote: »

That’s the hope D anyway, be delighted if you could pace me!!

Didn't you do 1.22 or 23 in that recent Half? Mind me asking what the Full best is? You should be well placed for the sub 3 although training through Jan/Feb doesn't fill me with joy.

OOnegative

Itziger wrote: »

Didn't you do 1.22 or 23 in that recent Half? Mind me asking what the Full best is? You should be well placed for the sub 3 although training through Jan/Feb doesn't fill me with joy.

Yeah a 1.22 at end of October in Amsterdam. Marathon PB is 3.15.10, it’s the distance i’m weakest at. I’ll train for sub 3 as I think I’m capable of it, will just have to wait till February to find out.

Itziger

OOnegative wrote: »

Yeah a 1.22 at end of October in Amsterdam. Marathon PB is 3.15.10, it’s the distance i’m weakest at. I’ll train for sub 3 as I think I’m capable of it, will just have to wait till February to find out.

I'm the same as far as weakness goes. My half is low 1.21 and I still struggled to a 2.59!! This Spring was High 1.21.... and converted it to a 2.57.

Once you have the training done and you a young fella, you should bring it home in Sevilla. Get the fear of it out of your head and run it controlled.

ISOP

any recommendations for a venue for post race refreshments lads? I am not driving to the airport this time and will be looking for something bit stronger than diet coke

4Ad

O Neills, Calle Adriano..

A good post slog meet up point, easy to find.
And they do a decent veggie nacho plate and good choice of beers

noelearly

Travelling from madrid to Seville, looking at the renfe train option, seen something about 30% reduction on ticket price if doing the marathon but can't see options anywhere??

Anybody any ideas

MrMacPhisto

noelearly wrote: »

Travelling from madrid to Seville, looking at the renfe train option, seen something about 30% reduction on ticket price if doing the marathon but can't see options anywhere??

Anybody any ideas

I think the 30% off thing is on full price tickets. Any time I have used Renfe, the normal ticket offers have been cheaper than the full price minus the 30%.

To get the 30% reduction I think you need a code and then apply to the "congress/ferias" prices in drop down menu. It is a really complicated site.

This is a google translate of page: https://www.zurichmaratonsevilla.es/mse-viaja-con-renfe

To make the 30% discount effective, you must go to the sub-section "check your registration" in the "Registration form" section of the official website of the Zurich Marathon in Seville, there you can get the "discount authorization", which will send you along with the proof of registration of the test to the mail that you have put in when you register for the test. This authorization must be shown in order to access the train along with the ticket.

Once you have this code in your possession, follow the indications and use it in the purchase of your ticket through Renfe .

Clarification: This promotion may be applied at the time Renfe tickets are put up for sale.

For questions about this promotion, you can contact the Attention to the broker, on the phone: 913470137 and in the email: info@zurichmaratonsevilla.es

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the 30% discount applicable to all the rates I see on the internet? NO . This promotion is not applicable in all rates, it is only applicable in the "flexible" rate.
How can I access and buy Renfe tickets with a 30% discount? On the Renfe website: renfe.com
What is the period in which I can access the 30% discount? The validity period of the discount for traveling to the Zurich Marathon in Seville is applicable for services from February 18 to February 25, 2020.
HOW IS THE PROCESS TO BUY ON WEB?
You can see the process to buy the tickets that are under this promotion, following the simple instructions that we list below:

Enter the renfe.com website
Select the train you want by marking the Flexible Rate .
In the drop-down list, select the Congress / Event rate.
Enter the authorization number in the box indicating authorization number (Not valid for discount code box).

OOnegative

Unfortunately I’ve had to pull the plug on this, no hope of getting the time off work. Best of luck to the rest of ye, hope it goes well.

noelearly

MrMacPhisto wrote: »

I think the 30% off thing is on full price tickets. Any time I have used Renfe, the normal ticket offers have been cheaper than the full price minus the 30%.

To get the 30% reduction I think you need a code and then apply to the "congress/ferias" prices in drop down menu. It is a really complicated site.

This is a google translate of page: https://www.zurichmaratonsevilla.es/mse-viaja-con-renfe

To make the 30% discount effective, you must go to the sub-section "check your registration" in the "Registration form" section of the official website of the Zurich Marathon in Seville, there you can get the "discount authorization", which will send you along with the proof of registration of the test to the mail that you have put in when you register for the test. This authorization must be shown in order to access the train along with the ticket.

Once you have this code in your possession, follow the indications and use it in the purchase of your ticket through Renfe .

Clarification: This promotion may be applied at the time Renfe tickets are put up for sale.

For questions about this promotion, you can contact the Attention to the broker, on the phone: 913470137 and in the email: info@zurichmaratonsevilla.es

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the 30% discount applicable to all the rates I see on the internet? NO . This promotion is not applicable in all rates, it is only applicable in the "flexible" rate.
How can I access and buy Renfe tickets with a 30% discount? On the Renfe website: renfe.com
What is the period in which I can access the 30% discount? The validity period of the discount for traveling to the Zurich Marathon in Seville is applicable for services from February 18 to February 25, 2020.
HOW IS THE PROCESS TO BUY ON WEB?
You can see the process to buy the tickets that are under this promotion, following the simple instructions that we list below:

Enter the renfe.com website
Select the train you want by marking the Flexible Rate .
In the drop-down list, select the Congress / Event rate.
Enter the authorization number in the box indicating authorization number (Not valid for discount code box).

Christ that's complicated ill forget about that.

OOnegative

Advice please, how do I cancel my entry and claim refund. I paid entry insurance at registration.

noelearly

OOnegative wrote: »

Advice please, how do I cancel my entry and claim refund. I paid entry insurance at registration.

Can't help you for sure, but i imagine it's a case of e-mail them and take it from there.

event

Gonna look at this for 2021, like the look of it

noelearly

Can't believe its nearly time for this.. Signed up for it St Stephens Day so haven't had the big build up, training has been stop/Start. Bulk of it has been doubles 4 or 5 before work and same after.

How's everyone fixed?

ISOP

A very good 3 months of solid training done, bar 1 week before Christmas where i missed 4 sessions due to flu. Hoping for a 3:44 and getting to the start line fit and healthy

4Ad

noelearly wrote: »

Can't believe its nearly time for this.. Signed up for it St Stephens Day so haven't had the big build up, training has been stop/Start. Bulk of it has been doubles 4 or 5 before work and same after.

How's everyone fixed?

It seems to have crept up since Christmas alright.
A change of shift pattern has curtailed sticking to my training plan. The long runs went ok though.
I have being layering up in preparation for the Seville heat.
Tis only my 3rd marathon, I realise I dont like training plans, putting myself under pressure if I miss a run.

noelearly

4Ad wrote: »

It seems to have crept up since Christmas alright.
A change of shift pattern has curtailed sticking to my training plan. The long runs went ok though.
I have being layering up in preparation for the Seville heat.
Tis only my 3rd marathon, I realise I dont like training plans, putting myself under pressure if I miss a run.

Hard to stick to a plan when on shift pattern, i have the same problem myself. Improvising is all part of it.

MrMacPhisto

I was over in Seville a couple of times recently. A couple of recommendations.

If you like loading up on Italian grub the day before then I highly recommend:
https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187443-d1589992-Reviews-Osteria_L_Oca_Giuliva-Seville_Province_of_Seville_Andalucia.html

Inexpensive, high quality and central near the Cathedral.The desserts are the most expensive thing, but they are probably worth it. You definitely need to book a table. I saw lots of runners being turned away both times I have been there. I think they open from 1330 on sat afternoon.

As mentioned earlier, The Merchant is a good spot to watch sport/kill time and have a burger. Good beer selection and a better bar than O'Neills in my opinion.

If coffee is your thing, the best coffee I found was in a place called Virgin Coffee. Its very small and only for takeaway. Its near Deacathlon, so its ideal if you plan to go there to buy some cheap throwaway clothes (gloves and neck warmer for less than a fiver!). If you want seating, then Torch Roasters down by the river close to the marathon start is a very good option. Very nice pastries and I think they do brunch as well.

Bus from the Airport to Seville is 4 euro. There is an app for public transport. Google Tussam. The App is not very good but it does the job.

Its a great city, enjoy!

noelearly

MrMacPhisto wrote: »

I was over in Seville a couple of times recently. A couple of recommendations.

If you like loading up on Italian grub the day before then I highly recommend:
https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187443-d1589992-Reviews-Osteria_L_Oca_Giuliva-Seville_Province_of_Seville_Andalucia.html

Inexpensive, high quality and central near the Cathedral.The desserts are the most expensive thing, but they are probably worth it. You definitely need to book a table. I saw lots of runners being turned away both times I have been there. I think they open from 1330 on sat afternoon.

As mentioned earlier, The Merchant is a good spot to watch sport/kill time and have a burger. Good beer selection and a better bar than O'Neills in my opinion.

If coffee is your thing, the best coffee I found was in a place called Virgin Coffee. Its very small and only for takeaway. Its near Deacathlon, so its ideal if you plan to go there to buy some cheap throwaway clothes (gloves and neck warmer for less than a fiver!). If you want seating, then Torch Roasters down by the river close to the marathon start is a very good option. Very nice pastries and I think they do brunch as well.

Bus from the Airport to Seville is 4 euro. There is an app for public transport. Google Tussam. The App is not very good but it does the job.

Its a great city, enjoy!

Excellent cheers for that. The expo seems to be a bit far out of town, but everything else seems fairly central.

djemba djemba

Training for a February marathon really make January shorter. Weather for most part was very kind. Training block was consistent. Missed one or two days here and there but I would say I have made 90% of my planned runs.

A pb last week in Dungarvan was a nice bonus.

Last long run tomorrow and into taper on Monday. Flying out Friday and back Monday.

As someone said to me before Dublin I am at a stage now where the only thing I can do now is f**k it up.

noelearly

djemba djemba wrote: »

Training for a February marathon really make January shorter. Weather for most part was very kind. Training block was consistent. Missed one or two days here and there but I would say I have made 90% of my planned runs.

A pb last week in Dungarvan was a nice bonus.

Last long run tomorrow and into taper on Monday. Flying out Friday and back Monday.

As someone said to me before Dublin I am at a stage now where the only thing I can do now is f**k it up.

You flying direct?? Made the mistake of flying to Madrid and connecting to Seville so hopefully that goes good. Haven't left much leeway between connecting flights so i might have to train it to Seville.

djemba djemba

noelearly wrote: »

You flying direct?? Made the mistake of flying to Madrid and connecting to Seville so hopefully that goes good. Haven't left much leeway between connecting flights so i might have to train it to Seville.

Yes, direct flights. Out Friday back Monday. Part of me was looking to get back on Sunday but decided to enjoy a bit of seville instead.

event

Do some reports if you can lads/lassies, might look at this one for next year

djemba djemba

A nice night for a bit of acclimatisation training

ISOP

last long run today with 12 miles at marathon pace, horrendous conditions. All good to go now

4Ad

Ready here also, a couple of sprints and a couple of slow miles left..
A couple of minor niggles, but dont we all have them.
The only concern is the weather, up to 18-20 degrees towards the end of the race...

Also wondering how I'm going to fit everything into a carry on bag...hmmm
Best of luck to everyone who's running..Enjoy

Itziger

On YouTube right now if anyone's interested.

Hoping an old friend from here, Eau Rouge has a good day. Noelearly as well and all the other Boardsies of course.

Itziger

Eau Rouge in 33.50 through 10k

NoelE in 38.21

Sounds like both on track at this early stage.

Itziger

Eau Rouge 1.08.15 at km 20. Hope the heat doesn't come into play in the second half.

Itziger

Noel through the Half in 1.20.53 at 3.50 pace the whole way so far in all the splits.... C'mon lads, you can do it!

Itziger

$hite, Eau Rouge has had a problem it seems......

Lambay island

Kevin Seaward 2:10:10 - wow

Itziger

Fook, the two boys I was following have had tough days, especially ER. Shows some grit for him to continue with that last 5k split. I think Noel is suffering too but not as badly.

Itziger

Noel home in 2.47.48.

Faded but that's a big PB as fas as I know.

ISOP

3:48 for me. Very happy with that.

djemba djemba

Off to Berlin... In 2021

noelearly

Itziger wrote: »

Noel home in 2.47.48.

Faded but that's a big PB as fas as I know.

Cheers Itz, no pb unfortunately 2.43 in Frankfurt. Hard to figure today out, felt really comfortable breathing and Heart rate all good until about 27k and continued that way until end, legs just didn't have it in them hamstrings tightened somewhat. Got quiet warm in second half but don't think that was reason for the bad fade.

I'll dissect it more in the coming days and try to do up a report for those interested in doing this next year.

Itziger

noelearly wrote: »

Cheers Itz, no pb unfortunately 2.43 in Frankfurt. Hard to figure today out, felt really comfortable breathing and Heart rate all good until about 27k and continued that way until end, legs just didn't have it in them hamstrings tightened somewhat. Got quiet warm in second half but don't think that was reason for the bad fade.

I'll dissect it more in the coming days and try to do up a report for those interested in doing this next year.

Sorry, lad. I thought you were .53 in Frankfurt!!!

Two solid results all the same. I know yesterday won't have felt as positive.

I could see from the live stream that it was getting sunnier and warmer as the day went on. Not a marathon for the 5 hour Irish runner perhaps. Same as Valencia and the other Spanish races.

djemba djemba

Seville Race Report

I better put more flesh on my previous post from Sunday.
One of my targets for the year was to qualify for Berlin with a fast runners time. I tried it last October in Dublin but missed out, (2:46:06).

My first spring marathon, so usual to be doing so many km over Christmas and January. Largely the weather had been kind. Recently there was some storm dodging but looking at forecasts etc I missed most of the really bad stuff. Training was consistent and some good confidence boosting tempos. Usually in my program I would try get some races in but not too many options this time of the year so only one 10 miler in Dungarvan.

No major injuries really but more on that to come. I did get some acupuncture on a knot deep in my calf but two sessions of that relieved the knot.
Now for transparency; if you want to stop reading now, I was wearing next % shoes for this Marathon.

Logistics
Flew out Friday. Straight to expo from Airport. Note anywhere from the airport is €25. Expo is less then 10 minute drive to the airport. Taxis everywhere else are cheap. Expo was fine. Nothing stand out. In job done.

The race
The race starts on a wide flat road. I would imagine it would be like Dublin Marathon starting at Donnybrook Church and run towards Bray for 4 or so kilometres. My plan was to go with the 2:45 pacer. When I got into the pens I was a bit further back then I would have like but no major panic. I have over 42,000 metres to get ahead of him. We set off and soon I am close to the pacer so much so his balloon is hitting my head. I was surprised to see just one pacer for 2:45 but so be it. My Spanish is non existent but I could sense a few lads around me were not happy with his pacing as we set off. He was closer to 3:50 per km rather than 3:55 per km.

I broke the races in to thirds. The first 14km are all about just keep calm and relaxed. Having the the pacer got me of the right start. No hero stuff needed. I was telling myself to take a look around and take it all in. From the start you run down the dual carriage way and over a bridge to another side of the city. The bridge I felt was windy but we are over it quick. This side of the city is where the marathon used to start/finish I was told. Its fine. I did notice the sun high in the sky and could feel it would get warm. The forecast had 16 degrees at 11am, so bargaining with myself before hand it was sure that is only 15 minutes in the really strong heat.

Water stops were every 2.5km ish. Some stations had bottles with a long neck and some stations had cups. Turning back at around 10km I found myself a few seconds ahead of the pacer but felt I was holding myself up to let him catch back up with me. This continued for about another km or so but then I realised we had a little splinter group of 7 or 8. All tipping away nicely without doing too much work. So I stayed with it.

At 12km you cross another bridge and come back across the river about 200 metres away from where the race started and you are running down the same dual carriageway again. A nice long stretch ahead now. Sun is largely sheltered by the buildings.
The racing line is also painted on the road. So I was juggling between following that and staying in the shelter.

At 14km we went to the next phase. Again nothing hectic just a bit more graft needed. Looking around has stopped. The route has nice long straights on wide roads so no major clipping or getting crowded. Even when you do turn it is at a roundabout and you take the first exit so gradually turns.

Through have way with sometime in the bank and feeling like we haven’t even got going yet. At some point I saw a traffic sign. Time 10:20; 17 degrees. Jumping in and out of buildings it doesn’t feel too bad and the wind is cooling too.
At 32km you come up to the finish line but from the other side so you can hear the PA, but you turn right and away from it. Here is when the games begin. You are in the old town now. So its part cobblestone in places, tramlines, shoppers, tourists all in the mix. After 32km of little and light turning you are now in to twists and turns.

At this point I am now bargaining with myself. I have enough time in the bank that I gave back 10 seconds per km I still hit my target time. A big note here is at this point my maths maybe dodgy. So I changed it again at 6 km to go. 4 minute per km gets me home in 24 minutes. Still well under target time. My time per km is dropping now, and I am working hard. A few times I see circa 4.05 per km in the last 4kms. But I am close now.

Thought going through my head now is, I can only get a qualifying time if I get to the finish line. So keep it steady, I have time in the bank. The finish line you only see for not even 100 metres. You turn a corner and it is just there. It was at that corner I realised I had my time and began to give a little shout.

Crossed the line with a net time of 2:43:10 and delighted.

Great event and one I would do again. Very little support around the course compared to others and probably the most reserved. If I was to make a spring marathon a regular event this one will be it. Tapas...A1.

I mentioned injuries earlier; I had two niggles, both of which became worse in the taper. So much so I was worried about being able to run or not, (really it was never in doubt though). As if you didn’t have enough pressure pre-race staring at the ceiling on Saturday night…I started thinking if I don’t go sub 2:45 this time, that puts a lot of pressure on Dublin 2020. Going in with 2 attempts at it and to miss them both but that’s not a concern now. Taper madness.

Went through the half at 1:21:45. First time I did a negative split. Splits every 5km all were either 3.51 to 3.53 per km.

Itziger

That sounds like a solid run, Djemba. Shame I couldn't track you. Lovely little neg split an' all.

4Ad

djemba djemba wrote: »

Seville Race Report

I better put more flesh on my previous post from Sunday.
One of my targets for the year was to qualify for Berlin with a fast runners time. I tried it last October in Dublin but missed out, (2:46:06).

My first spring marathon, so usual to be doing so many km over Christmas and January. Largely the weather had been kind. Recently there was some storm dodging but looking at forecasts etc I missed most of the really bad stuff. Training was consistent and some good confidence boosting tempos. Usually in my program I would try get some races in but not too many options this time of the year so only one 10 miler in Dungarvan.

No major injuries really but more on that to come. I did get some acupuncture on a knot deep in my calf but two sessions of that relieved the knot.
Now for transparency; if you want to stop reading now, I was wearing next % shoes for this Marathon.

Logistics
Flew out Friday. Straight to expo from Airport. Note anywhere from the airport is €25. Expo is less then 10 minute drive to the airport. Taxis everywhere else are cheap. Expo was fine. Nothing stand out. In job done.

The race
The race starts on a wide flat road. I would imagine it would be like Dublin Marathon starting at Donnybrook Church and run towards Bray for 4 or so kilometres. My plan was to go with the 2:45 pacer. When I got into the pens I was a bit further back then I would have like but no major panic. I have over 42,000 metres to get ahead of him. We set off and soon I am close to the pacer so much so his balloon is hitting my head. I was surprised to see just one pacer for 2:45 but so be it. My Spanish is non existent but I could sense a few lads around me were not happy with his pacing as we set off. He was closer to 3:50 per km rather than 3:55 per km.

I broke the races in to thirds. The first 14km are all about just keep calm and relaxed. Having the the pacer got me of the right start. No hero stuff needed. I was telling myself to take a look around and take it all in. From the start you run down the dual carriage way and over a bridge to another side of the city. The bridge I felt was windy but we are over it quick. This side of the city is where the marathon used to start/finish I was told. Its fine. I did notice the sun high in the sky and could feel it would get warm. The forecast had 16 degrees at 11am, so bargaining with myself before hand it was sure that is only 15 minutes in the really strong heat.

Water stops were every 2.5km ish. Some stations had bottles with a long neck and some stations had cups. Turning back at around 10km I found myself a few seconds ahead of the pacer but felt I was holding myself up to let him catch back up with me. This continued for about another km or so but then I realised we had a little splinter group of 7 or 8. All tipping away nicely without doing too much work. So I stayed with it.

At 12km you cross another bridge and come back across the river about 200 metres away from where the race started and you are running down the same dual carriageway again. A nice long stretch ahead now. Sun is largely sheltered by the buildings.
The racing line is also painted on the road. So I was juggling between following that and staying in the shelter.

At 14km we went to the next phase. Again nothing hectic just a bit more graft needed. Looking around has stopped. The route has nice long straights on wide roads so no major clipping or getting crowded. Even when you do turn it is at a roundabout and you take the first exit so gradually turns.

Through have way with sometime in the bank and feeling like we haven’t even got going yet. At some point I saw a traffic sign. Time 10:20; 17 degrees. Jumping in and out of buildings it doesn’t feel too bad and the wind is cooling too.
At 32km you come up to the finish line but from the other side so you can hear the PA, but you turn right and away from it. Here is when the games begin. You are in the old town now. So its part cobblestone in places, tramlines, shoppers, tourists all in the mix. After 32km of little and light turning you are now in to twists and turns.

At this point I am now bargaining with myself. I have enough time in the bank that I gave back 10 seconds per km I still hit my target time. A big note here is at this point my maths maybe dodgy. So I changed it again at 6 km to go. 4 minute per km gets me home in 24 minutes. Still well under target time. My time per km is dropping now, and I am working hard. A few times I see circa 4.05 per km in the last 4kms. But I am close now.

Thought going through my head now is, I can only get a qualifying time if I get to the finish line. So keep it steady, I have time in the bank. The finish line you only see for not even 100 metres. You turn a corner and it is just there. It was at that corner I realised I had my time and began to give a little shout.

Crossed the line with a net time of 2:43:10 and delighted.

Great event and one I would do again. Very little support around the course compared to others and probably the most reserved. If I was to make a spring marathon a regular event this one will be it. Tapas...A1.

I mentioned injuries earlier; I had two niggles, both of which became worse in the taper. So much so I was worried about being able to run or not, (really it was never in doubt though). As if you didn’t have enough pressure pre-race staring at the ceiling on Saturday night…I started thinking if I don’t go sub 2:45 this time, that puts a lot of pressure on Dublin 2020. Going in with 2 attempts at it and to miss them both but that’s not a concern now. Taper madness.

Went through the half at 1:21:45. First time I did a negative split. Splits every 5km all were either 3.51 to 3.53 per km.

Great report.
I dont know how you remember things !! I PB'd and did great in my category, so I'm still thrilled, and in Seville having a wine. I found time flew by...I hardly look at my watch, I keep it slow for 2-3 miles then plough on, passed 3hr pacer early enough and never looked back..
Some lad clattered me late on, he obviously didn't mean it, his brain was probably gone...
It was only my 3rd marathon, the atmosphere isn't a patch on Dublin though.
Met lots of Irish afterwards..
Hugh's Armstrongs parents were in my hotel, he did 2.12.26, was hoping for 2.11, not sure how he stands now in Olympic Qualifying time.

A short Ultra for me next hope .
Well done to everyone..