pickupthepacepaul

On Saturday, 15 July 2023, I completed the ‘Titanic’ Run with Phoenix Running. This is all part of my challenge of running 26 marathons in 52 weeks, raising money for Cancer Research. Today was my 22nd Marathon of 2023, after completing “I Love Fridays” yesterday for my 21st.

I find the second day running consecutive marathons the hardest. It’s the initial shock to your body when you should be resting. From day 3, although it is hard, your body expects you to run, and mentally you are more prepared, it becomes routine. So after running sub 4 yesterday I don’t know what I was expecting. I’ve had a long run of tiredness in my muscles, but I was hopeful after yesterdays run that today was going to be a good day, despite the yellow weather warning.

When I started, the first mile was tough and it took me a mile to get in pace. I didn’t set off at 8 min mile like yesterday,  but finished the first mile in 9 minutes, and settled into a sub 9 min mile pace. But I felt tired, and it was uncomfortable. I ran at this pace for the first 2 laps, so around 6.5 miles, and then I just had to accept defeat. I was on pace but the idea of holding this pace was just not a fun perspective. Instead I slowed and enjoyed the company of people around me. There were lots of familiar faces, some from yesterday and some who will be going back tomorrow. I saw others on the path that I recognised, but who were not running the event, and even had the fortune of running a lap with Dan from Xempo. That lap was a good distraction. After Dan left me and I started lap 6 of 8 I decided to walk a bit, and from here I really slowed down. I did not have the energy or motivation. In addition I knew my family were not going to be home when I got there, so taking an extra half an hour would literally make no difference at all.

I ended up coming in at 4:38:21, nearly 40 minutes slower than yesterday. The weather could not make up its mind. It switched from torrential rain, to blazing sun, then back to rain. It wasn’t bad to be fair, and could have definitely been worse. I’m not sure “enjoyed” would be the best word to describe today, but that’s marathon 137 complete, so it happy with that.

Another epic medal. Maybe I will listen to my garmin today, which still wants me to rest for 95 hours. How was your weekend?