3rd Marathon - new plan required!

I am new to this blogging lark, so patience may be required. I ran the Limerick marathon last Sunday and the important thing to note was that I really enjoyed it. The weather was perfect, the crowds were great. The course terrain was a bit dubious, with alot of up and down curbs, uneven lane ways and alot of hills in the last four or five miles.

Anyway, I am starting this blog, even though it may never be read, for as much my own benefit as anything. I started running consistently , i.e. more than twice a week, 18 months ago. Bohermeen half marathon 2012 was my first ever race and I was very pleased with a 1.37 finish. 

I targeted Limerick 2012 for my first marathon, and following the hal higdon novice plan, ran my first marathon in 3.40 which i was delighted with. I don't think I have ever experienced the level of physical pain as i did in the hours after that run! I promised myself 'never again'! I had run a marathon, great achievement, now move on. But it seems running isn't so easy to ditch. As soon as the pain subsided, I was planning the next one. Dublin was the obvious choice.

I felt I trained well for Dublin and was hoping for a sub 3.30, which according to all the calculators and my own long runs should have be achievable. Two weeks before, I ran a local 5k and picked up an injury. I went out ok on the day at Dublin, but at 18 miles the injury started to give me trouble and I had to walk quite a bit after. I was gutted with a 3.44, I felt I could have done much better.

So the revenge run! Limerick 2013 here I come. Bohermeen 2013 half marathon, 1.30. Best 10k time 39.20. 16 miles training run at mp, 1.59. Surely a sub 3.30, and even maybe a 3.20 on the cards? The 'calculators' said no problem.

So to the day. Should I be conservative, go with the 3.30 pacers, and try to make up a few minutes toward the last 4 miles, or go with the 3.15's and expect to slow in the final 4, but come in around 3.20? OK, think positive, go 3.15. I felt really comfortable up to 15 miles and was sure this was going to be a good time. As we headed back into the city, the pace was 'less comfortable' and the pacer started to slip away from me. That was ok, I wasn't really expecting to stick with him for the entire race. 21 miles, on for a 3.25 ? starting to struggle, feeling very sick, didn't drink enough water in case I needed to stop for a toilet break. 23 miles, walking, 24 miles, 3.30 pacers go by me shouting encouragement. I try to run with them, my calfs start to cramp badly. 25 miles, I have taken on about a litre of water and feel alot better. I run the last mile and a bit in under 8 mins to cross the line in 3.37, a PB but disappointing considering my expectations.

So, I have two choices, adjust my expectations to match my ability, or the other way around. I am going with the second option, and am targeting Dublin this year.

I know the classic mistake, going out to fast, fading towards the finish. Its early days in my running career, I am only a young 40 in September. Here's hoping I can stop banging my head off the 'wall' before I get some sense !