So this should be the last Marathon spotlight in the project345, as after Sunday hopefully there shouldn’t need to be another project345. Initially I wished to create a tool that everyone can read, learn and better themselves no matter what distance of running they are completing. I will be honest – I didn’t know what to expect. It started with a small project but I have loved every blog that I have put up.
It has been great for me, learning, interviewing, putting all the information together and getting a greater depth of knowledge surrounding the marathon distance. It has complemented my work advice as a Sports Physiotherapist, increased my interest in running and rekindled my love with the distance.
I hope you have enjoyed the posts, and if you have felt it beneficial feel free to share the blog with others out there looking to complete the marathon distance or plainly getting into running or a message of how it helped you and what your favourite posts were.
A huge thank you to all the contributors to the blog, it wouldn’t have been possible without you. No matter the outcome of Sunday in Stirling the project345 has been a great success…just the actual run to do to finish it off…..All that is left is to pass you over to erm…James to bring the project over the line.
Marathons completed?
2 – New York 2009 ( 4:09:13) Lisbon 2010 ( 4:22:45)
Pending – Stirling 2018, Lairg Ghru 2018 & Amsterdam 2018
PB Marathon time?
4:09:13 – New York and I can remember every part of it. It was fantastic – everywhere I looked the skyline was amazing. The crowds surrounding the route were so inspiring, they definitely helped the legs that day. The run is Five bridges and Five Boroughs, and each part had a different noise level, the sounds smells and cultures were so different along the route there was so much to see, I almost forgot I was running a marathon.
Favourite marathon and why?
There is a part in the NYC Marathon where you cross over the Brooklyn Bridge. Its the only part where it is really quiet and all you can hear is the trudging of feet. As you get to the middle and start to go back down the slope you hear a rustle of noise which develops into a massive wall of noise when you come off the bridge, it is a little stand of crowd cheering you on and the noise building up and hitting you at the corner made you feel like a superstar… Remember it to this day.
Worst marathon memory and why?
Bonking in Lisbon. 16miles – flying on for 3:45:00 marathon pace, then mile 17 it was all over. It was the year with really bad winter and it was a December marathon. I had driven to Edinburgh airport in -12degrees over night to ensure the flight was made. The airport had been shut then opened then shut then opened so I wasn’t sure I would make it. I arrived in Lisbon to +18degrees heat and something the training in Scotland winters does’t prepare you for. I was sweating before the race and set off at too quick a pace…the inevitable happened and I was found wandering back up a large hill to finish in 4:22, which isn’t a bad time but wasn’t the plan. I vowed never to run the distance again….Until Sunday
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
Kind of all. I wrote a training plan The Training Plan here where I go into a little more detail. It had to work in with my work life balance. I work later on a Monday so always had this as rest day. My long runs were at the weekend, mainly Sunday so I could have the Monday to recover. I would have liked to have changed this to incorporate more back to back runs but it’s a balance.
The training has gone really well and I have moved my goal to 3:30 and think with the training I have done this is achievable. I hummed and heyyed about changing the blog but I think the project is about more than me. I will go at it for the 3:30 and look to achieve this. ( Mixed advice about changing the goal posts but – In for a penny In for a pound – I paid for this – Claire Smith / Kerstin Hunter)
Funniest Training Moment?
I’m very lucky to have some great running buddies who always provide some laughter. It’s always great running by a group of young children who run with you for a while but can’t keep up. One moment that sticks out was getting lost within 1km of starting the Linn O Dee to Garthdee Challenge where I was convinced the path took you all the way to Braemar…turns out it takes you to the river edge and we had to double back before even got started. Same challenge Steven Taylor had made it all the way down the River without falling in…at the last bridge he was given a nice little nudge from a fellow kayak whilst posing for a photo and fell into the water
The trails are always fun, but at the Cheyne Hill race, my cousin was over from Australia for my wedding. I had invited her along for the race as she does a lot of long distance trails in Auz. I took a look at her trainers and was like ” have you got trails as it might be a little slippy” she replied “These have done many miles in the trails they are perfect”…unfortunately it had been quite wet and she caught a root of a tree which was slippy and fell…all within 1km from the start….Living in Auz too long Lorraine 🙂
Crisps or Chocolate?
I am a huge crisp fan. The only flavour I’m not keen on is plain. In fact crisps are my down fall and after long runs when I have been really hungry I have been known to stop at the shop and buy a big bag…to re-fuel.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
I have had a great deal of joy reading all the posts. I have tried everything i think.
Active Root – I found this great and pre – post run really helped the stomach. I am a fan of Ginger beer and the taste isn’t too dissimilar. It is easy to make and easier to drink and would recommend giving it a try. If you don’t like ginger you won’t like this. Exciting… I think they are looking into new flavours including mint and coconut to compliment the ginger – so I look forward to trying the new products gents.
Tailwind Nutrition – recommended this by a running friend. Easy to drink not to strong flavoured and has all the right stuff in it to get you hydrated before, during and after the event. The subtle taste is good, it comes in a variety of flavours but none to strong to make you struggle with the flavour. A personal favourite of mine is the Green Tea version.
High 5 – The isogels were recommended by a colleague and they are really good. They are easier to take forerunning as a little watery and this allows them to be digested better. I do like the Isotonic ones and the flavours vary – a little strong on the flavour but the ease of use made it a winner for me.
SIS Gels – used a lot of these as on race day these will be handed out to get he body use to them. The flavours are ok…I struggled with the caffeine berry one as it tasted too metallic but that might have been me only.
Torq – I only tried these once and it was before the Garioch 10km – Banoffee flavour and it was not for me. Too thick and too sweet but – for some this may be great. I felt they gave me indigestion and if it wasn’t for the Active Root I think I would have not have copied all the way round.
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
I have a great selection of shoes… ON’s for 5kms, Innovate Mudclaw for the trails, 2 x Ghost 10 Brooks ( one winter colours one Spring colours), Brooks Launch for 5-10km half races. If the Shoe Fits…Wear it. New Shoes (Part Deux) Shoe Laces? Why Knot?
I love the Brook Ghosts and they are going to be the shoe of the marathon – the ghost 10s are comfy and always feel like I’m pulling on my slippers. The Brooks Launch have the same cushioning but lighter, but I seem to prefer the ghosts.
What is your Mantra?
Prove Them Wrong. I am a little stubborn, so when I get told I can’t do something I’m dead keen to find a way to do it. There have been great mantras out there another is chanting the expected time for the current km your in….5:00 5:00 5:00, it helps keep me in that km.
Fly Solo or flock together? ( Run in a group or on your own)
I have done the majority of my runs alone, have not normally liked spending time just myself as I feel I am quite sociable. I have learnt loads including getting really in-depth with the Documentary Review – ICARUS podcasts and listening to both sides of the argument. I spent one of my longer runs listening to this and didn’t want my 20 mile run to stop as wanted to find out what happened at the end of the podcast.
The groups I run with are great, Metro Rebel and a smaller band where we completed the TAYCARSHANK challenge – so I would normally have said group normally but spending time alone is ok….I talk to myself a lot more when I’m alone and have been known to argue with myself…..
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
Trail – i love adventuring but also love knowing the course of a run. I can’t wait to the next challenge the Lairig Ghru in June.
My favourite trail has to be the River Don from the beach to Danestone for the city is simply stunning….I also have a soft spot for the Pitfichie runs we have done – nothing feels like summiting a hill/mountain and all the up hill huffing and puffing are well worth it.
Summarise your favourite Posts?
Top 5
5 – Christmas Marathon Spotlight Special – Robbie Simpson – it was fantastic watching Robbie over in Auz. It looked hard but great to see him achieve. His blog made me think more about the gels and if i really needed as much as I planned on using in training.
4 – Marathon Spotlight – Kyle Greig – It was one of the funniest reads – I can imagine Kyle on that electric fence. The whole post was surrounded with gems and knowledge that someone of Kyles stature could deliver.
3 – Running & The Brain – Train the brain. Just WOW to this made a huge difference to my thinking in the latter parts of the training plan. Don’t let the brain convince you, let the body prove to you. It was a great piece and came at the correct time.
2 – You’re Not 20 Anymore I enjoyed writing this…I’m not 20 anymore but glad that I am still able to do the things I do and have learnt so many lessons over the years.
1- Marathon Spotlight – Elizabeth Kerr – The most viewed post at over 700 views…for my blog that is almost 5 times more than the other posts. The content was great and so lovely to hear Liz’s thoughts and advice. The article also had the most feedback and was well received. Thanks Liz for bringing the masses 🙂
All the posts were great and I really appreciate everyones time in creating them. Thank You
Top tip for #project345 ?
Listen to advice, think positive, don’t go to fast, don’t be a hero, smile for the cameras and enjoy.
Peace Out.
Thanks For reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
