This race was to mark the end of a very busy and successful season which included two solid Ironman races (UK & Wales), a Lands End to John O’Groats cycle journey and other shorter races (1 x Half Ironman, 2 x half marathons, 2 x Olympic Distance triathlons, 2 x duathlons). The idea was to use all of the fitness built for Ironman to run a good standalone marathon. With Ironman Wales taking place only four weeks before this race, I pretty much guaranteed that there was no time for any specific marathon training to get ready for this marathon!
Based on a couple of half marathons at the very beginning of the year (1.26 and 1.27) I figured I’d be able to run a sub-3.10 marathon – so that was the goal coming into the race. My standalone marathon PB was 3.42 from London in 2009. I had run a 3.29 in Ironman UK at the end of July (albeit on a short course) so I was sure a 3.10 was realistic, if not a little conservative.
I felt very little pressure coming into the race. I was sure I was going to run well! This was very unusual!
Weather coming into the race was a little wild. The wind was whipping up and the rain was bouncing in, with race day weather predicted to be more of the same. However, race morning arrived with blue in the sky and a still wind. A good omen?
With Lynn, Dani, Helen and Helen’s dad, we made the journey over to Birkenhead Park, and the race start, via a very congested train, then met up with other Mersey Tri racers to exchange predicted times and race plans. It was soon time to make our way into the start pens, ready for a 9.30am start and a date with marathon destiny. However, 9.30am came and went and we were still standing waiting for the start gun. It turns out the start was delayed by 50 minutes, apparently waiting for police approval to start! By this time, legs were starting to stiffen up and cold was setting in.
Boom. We were off! At last! Setting off quite slowly due to the volume of runners gave me a chance to appreciate the support that was out for this race. The crowds lining the route in the park were fantastic. Loud and plentiful. The crowd of runners ahead soon thinned out, moving at a decent pace, and I was able to get into my stride through the park. Keep in mind that a 3.10 marathon is running at 4.30 minutes per kilometre pace, I was cruising along in the park at 4 minute/k pace. Reign it in Bryan, it’s a long way to go! Moving out towards Birkenhead docks, the heat was rising and I was starting to sweat already. At about 6k I decided that I really needed to slow down a little as I was still clipping along at 4.20k pace (close to 3 hour pace). Going downhill to New Brighton was great, with crowds lining the streets, the running was effortless. Once we reached the bottom of the hill by the seafront, things were a little different with the wind coming from nowhere. All of a sudden we were running into a headwind – and I had no one directly in front of me to shield me!
We passed the first 10k point (which I ran in a little over 44 minutes) about 1 minute under target time. At this point, we circled a large roundabout and headed back towards oncoming runners. This was great for two reasons: firstly, we had a nice tailwind and secondly, I got the chance to see (and encourage) other Mersey Tri runners.
The course made its way to the river, where we were able to view the Liverpool waterfront for the next two miles. It was pretty windy down here, more of a side wind than anything, which made running more difficult than it should have been. I was still running at 4.30k pace but it was starting to feel more laboured and my heart rate was pretty high (168-169). I still had another two hours to run! We made our way back through Birkenhead docks and I increased my effort to maintain my target pace. The support in and around here was great, particularly through the centre en route to the tunnel.
Entering the tunnel was a little like running into the unknown. My Garmin, which I used to monitor my pace, lost all satellite signal underneath the tunnel so I was effectively running blind. I knew that there was a nice downhill followed by a long uphill drag. I pushed the pace a little on the downhill and overtook lots of runners, hopefully gaining some free speed, all the while lowering my heart rate a little (167) and getting a bit of a rest. Then the uphill started. I had a nice rhythm going here and without any wind disrupting my run I felt good again. I continued overtaking people through the tunnel and I started looking forward to the second half of the run. I passed the half way point of the race in the tunnel, and noticed that I was still ahead of target pace (1.34 ish for the first half marathon).
We took the left hand turn in the tunnel and continued climbing towards the river front. I could start to hear the faint sounds of drums. Boom, Boom, Boom. The sounds were getting louder the nearer I got to the tunnel exit. And I could start to hear the crowds shouting and cheering too. It sounded ace. I could now see the light at the end of the tunnel, mixed with hundreds of supporters and a drumming band. What a fantastic atmosphere! And to top it off, I had a personal shout of ‘come on Bryan’ from Jamie’s sister and family! I had to milk the moment didn’t I? Arms in the air and a big smile seemed to make the cheers even louder! Turning onto the Strand and the crowds just kept growing. In amongst the crowd were Peter Roome and Mike Lisle, then turning a corner Ray Handley was cheering away. Running down Old Hall Street and then Castle Street was amazing. It was so loud! I didn’t dare check the pace on my watch because I was flying! I took my second gel of the day and then made my way back to the waterfront. Lynn and I spotted each other, and her cheers and encouragement gave me more energy.
Turning onto the Strand again and I was once again met with my old foe, the wind. The side winds were really strong and were blowing me off my stride. My right leg was being blown into my left leg and I almost tripped myself up a couple of times! This must have been about 15 miles into the race by now and I was starting to feel all of the exertion of the race so far, and of the solid effort I’d put in since entering the tunnel. I pressed on towards Parliament Street, perhaps easing off the pace a little in the wind. Going up the hill was tough, and the spring in my step was replaced with a new sensation ... fatigue. It was great to see more Mersey Tri support up this hill, with Robbie, Matthew & Chris cheering me on. The road eventually flattened out onto Princes Drive, much to my relief!
During this flat section, I could feel my sock moving about in my shoe so I stopped briefly to pull it tight so it wouldn’t cause a blister. Oh was that a twinge of cramp I felt? I need to be careful with this I thought. Resuming my running, I could no longer see Mark Anstey who had been running marginally (100 – 200 metres?) ahead of me for most of the race. He was talking about putting in a negative split prior to the race so in my mind I wished him luck and didn’t think I would see him again.
Once again, I put more effort into my run, upped the pace again and headed to Sefton Park. Despite the extra efforts, my run splits were starting to drift towards 4.40k pace and I was just starting to wonder about the feasibility of me maintaining this pace and achieving my 3.10 goal when I heard the song “All or Nothing” coming over the loudspeakers. Not really thinking straight at this point, I took it to be a sign that I should continue to go for it! Death or Glory!
Entering the park, the crowds were big and again I had more personal cheers, this time from clubmate Ian Simnor. The park was a tough place to run. Lots of twists and turns, it felt like it was never ending. Alvin, Connie & family were by the cafe in the park cheering us on, as were Hannah Moorhouse and family. This made me smile. I was starting to lose pace about this point, drifting out to 4.45k pace. The good thing about the park was the sight of other runners, both ahead and behind. I saw Dani, who was about 10 minutes ahead, looking smooth and completely in control. ‘Go On Dani’ I yelled, but he was focused on his race. I had great shouts of encouragement from Martin and Sally as they ran past the other way, both looking cheery and on course for great times. Other runners who I didn’t recognise, and who had no Mersey Tri kit, were shouting encouragement for me. Fantastic!
Back into the park and heading towards the cafe again, I saw Alvin and family and I raised my arms and gave them a shout. They must have thought I was feeling good. How wrong they would have been!
I made my way on the outside of the park, up the slight incline for the next mile or so. Pace was really slowing now and I was up to 5 minute k pace and starting to struggle. Keep going! Keep running! Even at this pace, I’ll be able to crack 3.15 I thought. I’ve run an Ironman marathon at this pace (5 minute k pace), even at this late stage of the race, so surely I could keep it going? Back towards the park and another shout of encouragement from Ian Simnor. I think it was at this point, when I was starting to doubt myself, that I was joined by Robbie Collins. Robbie was spectating today, but seemingly keen for a bit of a run! At first I thought no, leave me alone, I want to struggle alone! However I realised that this company was good, and keeping me focussed on running.
I was starting to get little pulses of cramp in my right hamstring, but I could run through these I thought. We were running along at a nice little pace (5.05k), keeping it steady and reeling other slowing runners in. Mark Anstey appeared in the distance and we were gaining nicely on him. We came out of the park and I was gaining on Mark. Five yards behind and about to make the pass and then boom! My hamstring cramped. It really seized. I tried to stretch it out quickly and then get going. Nope. That didn’t work. My whole leg just seized. Finding a wall to lean against and stretch it out eased it slightly. I started walking slowly hoping that I’d be able to start running again soon. I slowly eased myself into a run and ambled along for a bit. This was better. That kilometre pretty much cost me my sub-3.20. A 7.15 kilometre, followed by a 5.30 kilometre. As long as I could keep running, however slowly, I would have a decent overall run. ‘Damage limitation’ is how Robbie put it. How right he was.
It was frustrating. My heart rate was now low but I couldn’t run any faster than 5.15k pace. If I did, chances of cramp were high. I could still feel the pulses of cramp every now and again so I kept my stride length very short. This was the flat and downhill section too. I could have really made up some time. Oh well. On the downhill towards the waterfront I said my goodbyes to Robbie and made my slow run to the finish. I spotted Helen running up the hill (mile 15 ish) and she seemed in good spirits. Chris and Matthew were still out supporting – in the same spot as I’d seen them at least an hour ago!
At the bottom of the hill and onto the main road, the crowds were once again out in force. I continued running, all the while hoping that I could make it across the finish line without another cramping episode! High fiving kids along the route I was determined to enjoy the finish. After seeing Lynn’s beaming smile, I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I was home!
Finish Time 3.22.27 183rd position
[First Half Marathon - 1.34, second Half Marathon 1.48]
The race itself was superb - despite the inexcusable 50 minute delay at the start. The crowd support and atmosphere really made the race come alive, and the excitement I felt coming out of the tunnel and running through Old Hall Street and Castle Street is something I’ll remember for a long time to come! Being a Mersey Tri member, and wearing the kit, afforded me extra support throughout the race and ensured that I never felt alone. Congratulations also to all Mersey Tri runners out there - particularly Dani Trinca on his 3:01!! A big thank you to all of the Mersey Tri supporters out there on the course - your support was really special!
Although slightly disappointed with the finish time, I need to remind myself that it was a 20 minute PB! And despite my goals coming into the race, a PB is PB! On reflection, I realise now that I obviously wasn’t in 3.10 shape. A tough Ironman Wales four weeks before the race probably wasn’t ideal prep! In hindsight, setting off a bit slower and aiming for 3.15 would have been realistic and achievable. Given the right preparations and specific training I am sure I can go sub-3.10, even close to 3 hours. However, with one Ironman booked (so far!) for 2012, I can’t see those ideal marathon preparations happening any time soon!
