pickupthepacepaul

On 9 September 2023, I took part in the Queen’s Memorial Run. A year after her passing, Phoenix running events put on a timed event with their usual options of multiple laps. 8 laps for a marathon, which is what I always take part in. Today marked my 120th Marathon (139 for 100 Marathon Club including Ironman and Ultras). It was also my 24th Marathon of 2023, as I committed to running 26 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for Cancer Research, you can still donate HERE.

I have to admit, I’ve had a good summer off of running. It’s been all about the family, and we have just come back from 2 weeks in Disney World Florida, and I didn’t run once. The last time I ran was at the beginning of August for Ironman Poland, which was just a couple of weeks after breaking my toe. With a strong start to the year completing 23 marathons, it was time for me to rest and really give myself time to recover. So, coming back to a run in 32 degrees (90 degrees for my American friends) was not what I had planned. But in typical British style, the hot weather has started after the summer holidays have finished.

I have a marathon tomorrow that is the main race of the weekend, so today was always going to be a training run just for fun. I had originally planned to run sub 4, but after the first lap, I changed my mind. Running sub 4 today would have ruined tomorrow’s race, so the plan became to stay hydrated and as cool as possible whilst getting it done.

After about 3 laps, I got myself an ice lolly from the aid station, and I may have had 3 in total. Once I got to around halfway, I spent a lot of time walking, enjoying a cold ice lolly, and making sure I was hydrated. I had put some water bottles in the freezer the night before and left these in the front of my bag, so I also carried these once they had thawed a bit, and the ice cold water really helped.

Admittedly, it wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had, but there were lots of good points. First of all there were lots of friendly faces, which is the bonus of a lapped course. I spent a few laps running with different people that I don’t usually get the opportunity to run with. There was also a music festival on the field next to the course, so hearing this when we passed was interesting. Finally, the Thames Path 100km event was taking place through Challenge Events, and they ran on our route for 3km, which was around 31 to 34 km for them. Seeing the front runners, then lots of people ranging from non stop runners and walkers, 2 day participants, 1st half and 2nd quarter runners, meant that the Thames Path was always busy with runners to talk with, and encourage.

Once I had slowed down, I was never speeding up again, so as soon as I walked, it became a constant slow run/walk. Some people can recover with a walk, but my body tends to struggle to pick up the pace once I’ve slowed down. I also didn’t really have a lot of desire to speed up today, but I do wish the last 2 laps weren’t so long.

Great friendly aid station as always with these events. One of my highlights was seeing a Swan square up to Mick as he was handing out lap bands. Clearly thought he had something nice that he was giving to everyone, and the Swan wanted in on the action. I was rooting for the Swan.

But it is all about the medal at these events. A huge 2-pound coin with brilliant detail to recognise and remember Her Majesty the Queen. Official time today of 5:11:09, with an extra hour in the sun making it one of my slowest marathons, but important to save myself for tomorrow, so it’s all about the recover now. Bath, Oofos, and Pulseroll to get my legs ready.

Hands up if you are running this weekend? Let me know how you get on.