A few months ago Liam & I finally convinced each other that after several half marathons it was time to tackle the real thing and naively entered our first full marathon - the Milton Keynes Marathon on 5 May.
Whenever possible we increased our training runs and in the weeks just prior to the race reached distances of about 19 miles albeit at a modest pace.
We both had race plans that included first and foremost finishing, with Liam hoping for a time of around 4 hours and me a time of 4hours 20/25 minutes.
The event started outside the MK Dons stadium with the first 12/13 miles on closed roads to and around the shopping centre then back again before heading on to the Redways for the final 13 miles, finishing inside the Don’s stadium. It was a lovely day for running although just a few degrees too warm.
Apart from not having starting pens based on expected race times and starting with the half marathon runners which made the start a little chaotic the event was really well organised, the crowds and marshals were all really supportive. There were plenty of water & gel stations and live bands on route.
Unsurprising it was a race of two halves. The first half went well for both of us although we’d both admit to running faster than we should have. I got to the halfway point in exactly 2 hours and Liam about 1hour 50 minutes and hence both on target for respectable times.
Unfortunately by about the 28km point I was struggling to keep running and spent the next 10k having to alternate between running and walking. This was part due to being exhausted but also I encountered knee pain as well as blisters that I had not had before. With 3 / 4km to go I managed to speed up a little and completed the course in 4hours 40minutes i.e. an average pace of 6m38s per km and finishing 1,454th out of 2,107 finishers.
Liam went well for the first 33km before tiredness started to take hold with the last 3 / 4km being a real struggle for him with cramp in both legs. Liam finished in 4 hours 25minutes averaging 6m22s per km and was placed 1,229th.
Whilst both proud of our achievement we immediately swore that this was our first and last full marathon. Needless to say within 24 hours Liam was considering his next marathon, and whilst I am still reluctant to enter another you never know….
Les
