Running Log: Sunday, October 3 2010

Loch Ness Marathon

26.2 miles in 2:33:02, average pace 5:50/mile

Splits: (took some piecing together since my Garmin didn't connect until 1.7 miles into race; the first mile was covered in 5:10 according to the lead vehicle clock, meaning the subsequent .7 miles was covered in 3:44 in order for my total time to add up to 2:33:02)

1 - 5:10
2 - 5:35/pace (for .7 miles)
3 - 5:26
4 - 5:38
5 - 5:40
6 - 6:00
7 - 5:28 (10k in 34:23, 5:32/pace)
8 - 5:35
9 - 5:33
10 - 5:29
11 - 5:55
12 - 5:52
13 - 5:55 (1/2 marathon in 1:13:48, 5:38/pace)
14 - 5:52
15 - 5:53
16 - 5:58
17 - 5:56
18 - 5:57
19 - 6:11
20 - 6:25
21 - 5:45
22 - 5:54
23 - 6:04
24 - 5:57
25 - 6:12
26 - 5:56/pace (for 1.5 miles)
*last 10k in 37:04, 5:58/pace
*last 1/2 in 1:19:14, 6:02/pace

Analysis & Notes:
Obviously, a tactical error was made in running much too fast for the first 10 miles - even factoring in the overall descent for this portion of the course. If I had slowed 7-10 seconds per mile, I think the relatively flat section along the loch from miles 10-19 would have been significantly faster. As it stood, my hamstring developed a knot around mile 10, which had me (physically and psychologically) proceeding with caution. During the latter stages of the race, I was experiencing a muscle trauma that I can only think would have been lessened by a slower, relaxed start. Reaching the half-way point in 1:15 would have been perfectly acceptable (again, factoring in the initial descent), leaving me in a good position to come through a bit closer to 2:30.

The positives here are
1.) I was able to hold together surprisingly well considering the punishment induced by the hills and poor pacing. Averaging under 6:00/mile pace for the final 10k is especially gratifying. In my previous marathon attempts, I didn't achieve that pace for *any* 1ok segment, and my final 10k in each race was 41:30 and 40:30 respectively. So, progress.
2.) I did not "bonk" during this marathon. My energy levels post-22 miles were sufficient for fast running, even if my battered legs were not.
3.) Improvement of twelve and a half minutes, or almost :30 per mile, on my previous personal best!