That pretty much sums up the event! This was my 3rd marathon and by far the toughest run I've ever done. 1800ft of almost relentless elevation gain...
The setting is lovely, it forms part of the Long Course Weekend, but as I'm neither a particularly skilled cyclist or swimmer, I was just there for the run. I'd been warned prior about the difficultly of the route and from the outset I decided to pick my battles with the hills (brutal ones start at the 3 mile marker) to make sure I'd last the distance.
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| I'll never look cool... |
So from the well set out start in Tenby we went and off towards Pembroke, and it didn't disappoint, what a tough course, but I was managing pace and the hills well and passed half way smack on my target (just under 2 hours). Trotting on through pembroke back towards the hills and country roads though I hit a snag. My right knee/hamstring started to hurt, allot, exactly the same as in the Merthyr Half.
I thought, long way to go lets be sensible and dropped to a walk, gave it a stretch/rub and try and walk off whatever was going on. After a slow resulting mile I tried to go, finding I was ok om the flat, but struggling either up or down hill. As a result I further picked my battles and thought carefully where I was running.
The approach worked and I got a little better movement in my knee after a while, running a whole mile at one point before the pain kicked in (must've been a rush of blood). Generally quick walking the bigger hills (stopping would have been the end I think) and jogging the flat/downs where I could.
The miles moved past quicker than I was expecting and I still thought I had a chance at a 4:30 finish (my pre-race top target) until I foolishly ran a full mile downhill 24-25 and pretty much ended any resistance I had left. Hobbling across past Tenby leisure center in the end.
The last 300 yards were quicker as I just went "stuff it" and grimaced for the crowds, finishing at most of a sprint, which I o course regretted within 40 yards the other side!
So how did I do:
Official time was 4:36!
The route is very pretty, but absolutely rock hard. The hills are rolling at best and frequently huge, bravo to the people who did that on their 3rd day. If you're looking for a challenge this is it, not one to be taken lightly at all. Despite the hurt and the heat and the sunburn (oops) I'm glad I did it. I doubt I'll ever be fit enough to consider the full weekend but I'd love too one day.
One criticism would be the water stations were a bit chaotic. The teams were working hard but couldn't produce the cups of water fast enough for the arriving athletes, also cups... pain. Gels would also be nice (good as jelly babies are). Sort that, as everyone seemed to stop pretty much at each station and I'd have saved a few minutes (although equally I was glad of the rest!)
I finished injured but happy. It has put my club session tomorrow and The Loop 10k on Sunday into considerable question however as I doubt this knee will be solid this week. Recovery times are better these times though.
Medal was decent, but no free shirt!!!! Love a free shirt
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