Bloody Marvellous

What a great weekend it was in Canberra! I really love the Canberra Marathon.
I went with the attitude that I was going to enjoy the run as much as possible and just do my best on the day. I hadn't been very happy with my preparation and had only just felt like I was finding my running legs after starting speedwork four weeks out from the marathon. I really wasn't sure how I was going to perform so when I met up with my mate Langy on Saturday and he said he was feeling the same way, I was pretty happy when he suggested that we head out together at a 3:30 pace (just under 5:00 min pace) and see how it goes.

The start was cold but not freezing and was shaping up to be an ideal running day. Langy and I cruised along at a steady 4:54 per K pace. We caught up with Clairie at about 12K and then the 3:30 bus at about 13K. We reckoned the 3:30 bus must have set out a bit fast. It took us a tad over 2Hrs to hit 25K.

We were receiving great support along the way from people like Barb Williams, Robbie Lofthouse, Ewen, Coolrunners. Their support met so much. However, as always, the greatest supporter of all was the indefatigable Katie (Ihatetoast). She was absolutely incredible. Hers was a true marathon effort.

I think it was about the 25K mark where I gradually left Langy behind. I was feeling pretty good at the time and felt that I should make the most of the feeling. I passed a lot of runners but there were still some passing me. I was still thinking that there was a chance of my wheels falling off. As I was heading for the 34K turn-around I spotted my mate Glenno heading up the hill. He was well ahead of me but I thought that there maybe a chance of catching him. I think he thought he escaped being passed by me on this occasion. I lost sight of him but hoped that I could steadily make up some ground. By the time I got to 37K I was still feeling good. My legs were starting to feel a bit like lead but I was still moving fairly well so I figured that my wheels would remain intact so I motored on. As I turned the bend just after the 40K mark I spotted Glenno up ahead. What an incentive! I thought "I can do this" and set of in pursuit (not hot pursuit). After a final cheer from a beer bellied, bearded Katie, I caught Glenno right on the 41K mark. He was a little surprised and asked "why couldn't you have done this at 21K like you normally do". I'm getting old Glenno. I finished a few seconds ahead of Glenno in a net time of 3:23:19. I am so happy with that result. I really didn't expect to do as well as that.

Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement. It means a huge amount to me.

Congratulations my wonderful friends who ran over the weekend and who made the weekend such a pleasure.