Day 8

What to do the day after a Marathon PB?

A bit of a high last night as "The Apprentice". But back to reality with our 8th marathon morning routine kicking us into shape. I seem to be getting up later each morning as my chores get easier. Physio was a bit sore and I was complaining a bit... but then again I would wouldn't I after the previous day's exploits.

9.30 start yet again. Bit of banter between Jim and I about who was placed where. We figured there was little between us in overall time and we were fighting for 4th place. The usual start with George, Steve, Jim and Phil taking the lead. Mathew's injuries seem to be getting worse an we were all hoping that the physios would be able to make him another limb with all the bandages. So he held back a bit. My strategy today was to do exactly the same as yesterday, headphones on, run my own race. Phil stopped for a pee so I tried to get ahead of him before he got back on the road. This additional push propelled me to home in on George and Jim. I passed George very quickly and pointed to Jim indicating that he was my real target today. Within seconds I whized past Jim and found myself catching up with Steve. Caught him just as we entered the lovely little village where people sip tea and shop in tourist places unaware of the effort we were putting in to follow the same streets they were strolling. We were as focused on getting through the village as they were to stay there.

I passed Steve as his pace was slightly slower than the pace I found most comfortable. It seems that any of my pains early on in the event seemed to stem from running too slowly believe it or not. At 7.30's or 8's I was comfortable. At 10's I was sore. Wierd.

So the same game started again. Make it to the next water station ahead. I was on fire again. Flying along very comfortable. 10, 12, 14, 16 through the hilly section. No bother. 18, 20 no time for tea again today. First time check and found that I was at 20 in 2:36 which was a bit down on yesterday but still easily in sub 4 pace. As I started to slow slightly and all the time asking where Steve was. I really didn't want to come in ahead of him for a second day as that might mess his head up a bit. His World Record is much more important than me finishing ahead - I had already achieved that one once. Where's Steve became the opening and closing greeting to Teresa at each station. 5 minutes behind and eventually just a couple of minutes behind. He was catching me.

Mile 25 and TG Steve loomed alongside. I told him to go ahead as I was slowing and wanted him to take this one. He said he'd stay with me. I pointed out a sub 3.30 was on the cards if he headed off. And he said "Ok we'll both do sub 3.30 then, come on". Crap! now I had to put in an extra effort to keep with Steve the great. I don't think he shut up once in the last mile. Telling me to focus, keep the head down, keep working, slow on this hill, move down this one. He kept me going all the time. Calling out how much time left to break 3.30 for the second day running. 2 minutes left, one minute, 30 seconds. We crossed the line with 20 seconds to go. Steve helped me/made me break the time once more and another win... Joint win with "The Very Special One". Thanks Steve.

Shock and horror! 52 miles, two days, sub 7 hours? I might be able to call myself a runner soon.

Ray
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