A massive thanks to Andrew for this weeks #marathonspotlight where he recently completed the New York Marathon. An unfortunate injury caused a test on his resilience and completed the run following this. Andrew has completed multi-marathons and has his eyes firmly set on London 2018.
Marathons completed?
Loch Ness 2010
Berlin 2011
Chicago 2012
New York 2017
London booked for April 2018.
PB Marathon time?
3:24 Chicago 2012
Favourite marathon and why?
A really tough one to decide.
I loved Loch Ness as it was my first marathon and finished in 3:36 which was much better than I predicted. My longest training run was only 14.5 miles as I picked up some injuries in the month leading up to the race so I was naturally delighted with my time. Stunning scenery throughout and the start was amazing with a piper leading the procession at the start line with mist all around, very atmospheric.
In saying that I’ve just completed New York and I think it really is a special race. It was a bitter-sweet experience for me as I picked up an injury mid race and ended up hobbling around the course for the final 12 miles. Everything was going so well, reaching half way in 1:43 and feeling great. At 14 miles I slipped on a wet drain and felt a sharp pain in my left hamstring. It was a case of run / walk for the final 12 miles, finishing in my slowest time to date of 3:47.
Apart from the pain & discomfort the support along the course is phenomenal. I’ve never seen crowds quite like it. I normally listen to music when running but the noise the locals made simply drowned it out, so I turned them off. Even in the quieter parts of the course there were so many people with bands, DJ’s, dancers entertaining. Arriving in Manhattan after crossing the Queensboro Bridge (which is the only quiet part as there’s no spectators on there) you are hit with a wall of noise. Feeling the way I did at that point gave me a huge lift to keep on going.
At one point around 22 miles I had to stop and walk as I was in a lot of pain. A spectator run out and gave me a bottle of water and a pat on the back to keep going. Two fellow runners then came along side me and grabbed an arm each and started pulling me along. They stayed with me for around 2 miles and kept talking to me to keep me focused. It really spurred me on and the old cliché that the final part of a marathon is run in your head as much as your legs was never more true for me.
For this reason I think New York just about shades it for me. The scenic backdrop of the city, the spectator support throughout and the organisation is just incredible.
Worst marathon memory and why?
Every marathon teaches a lesson, every marathon builds strength. I don’t have a worst one.
Marathon plan 80:20, Pfitz, Hal Higdon or other?
Hal Higdon for me personally however I’ve started mixing up training more as I get older and do a lot more cross training now. Introducing stretching more into my routine, even on non-training days has really helped keep me free from injuries. I also try to cycle and swim so help keeping active but not tiring out the legs, especially in the days straight after a long run.
The Hal Higdon training plan is a great intro for 1st time marathon runners.
Hydration & Nutrition snack of choice on long runs?
I don’t normally take drinks on runs up to 13-14 miles. Anything over that I’ll have a lucozade sport – I don’t carry anything so normally have to stop at a shop which ends up breaking up the race. I’m going to get a camel back during training for London to see how that works out. I don’t snack during a run but pre race I’ll have either porridge or overnight oats, fruit & nuts. Post race I’ll have a protein shake and another lucozade sport or rehydration salt drink.
Shoes – minimal or maximal ?
Minimal these days but I’ve got high arches so use a bespoke orthotic. This has helped keep me injury free. Prior to getting the arthotic I used to get numerous knee and shin problems.
Terrain – trail, track or tarmac?
I train on all terrains and mix it up regularly. Most short fast runs up to 8 miles are on a treadmill.
Top tip for #project345 ?
Stretch as much as possible and listen to your body. If you feel tired don’t run, a training schedule is just a guide it doesn’t need to be set in stone.
Try ROMWOD for stretching techniques, it really helps recovery and aids in flexibility. My short distance running times have really improved recently because of this – https://romwod.com/
Thanks Andrew, the ROMWOD tip is great and something I will look to encourage myself to keep regular.
Marathon Spotlight #6 – Fiona Brian
#Marathon Spotlight 5- Claire Smith
Marathon Spotlight #4 -Ali Mathers
Marathon Spotlight #3 – Nikki Gibson
Marathon Spotlight #2 David Scott
Marathon Spotlight #1 – Tom Brian
#Marathon Spotlight Special – Mel Edwards
Thanks for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
