I wasn't really looking forward to this one as it was five laps of the Town Moor which is often windy in November. As I am not particularly marathon-fit at the moment and to try and counter the tedium of five laps I thought I would try a plan to keep my mind busy. The plan was to do about 4hr 30m with laps of 56min, 55min 54min, 53min and 52min.
I did 4hr 27min which for my current level of marathon fitness and the wind on the course was fine by me. However, I messed up the plan by going too fast in the first lap - 53.05. I tried to run pretty slow and I was pretty much at the back, but I didn't manage it. I basically abandoned my plan after that and just tried to keep it steady at that sort of pace. Lap 2 was 53min 44sec and I felt fine. I speeded up a little on lap 3 - 51min 47sec and 52min 25sec for lap 4. I wasn't overtaken by anybody (apart from being lapped by countless runners who were finishing in less than three and a half hours) and while I was running steady, lots of runners around me were slowing down and this confused some of the very supportive marshalls: 'Last lap well done' - I wish!
So all was fine until I got to 23.5m when suddenly I felt a bit sick, which has never happened before. I walked for about 20 yards, felt better and carried one until we came to the one hill which was into the wind. I hadn't had any difficulty running up it the four previous times, but this time I had to walk it. Two more short walking breaks and I got to the end of lap 5 in 56min 34sec which was better than I expected, but it wasn't the fastest lap finish I had planned.
Will I try again - no, I don't think 5 lap (or more) marathons are for me. The Town Moor is not scenic. The only advantage of 5 laps was going past Fetchpoint 5 times. This was a group of Fetchies, led by Clare, who cheered, made lots of noise and handed out jelly babies and drinks. They were just great, loud, welcoming and organised. There were also some very encouraging marshalls and spectators who looked like they were freezing out on the moor.
Phil Owen did a great time considering he did the Brampton to Carlisle race the day before. Anna Seeley who is often at the club on Wednesdays and who also did the Brampton race, was the second lady and was awarded a very impressive trophy - well done Anna !
Video of the start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fll9MH9Ri_g
