Out of my comfort zone - the Manchester Marathon

Since my last blog I've been thinking very hard about what tactics to employ in the race.  The night before the race I "had a good talk to myself".  What was the point in turning up at a marathon, and jogging round?  What would I learn?  Would the data help me come to terms with my Arterial Fibrillation?  Would it help my cardiologist advise me on what I was able to do safely? NO. So I made a plan which is completely different from the one I outlined in my last blog.
I worked out the pace required to get under 4 hours.  I'd start off at an easy pace as I thought it would be busy at the beginning and then I'd see how it went.  If my heart rate got above 175 bpm then I'd slow down and take it easy.
Beth was going to run her own race but we ran the 1st km together - 5.30, faster than her target.  She told me to head off as she wasn't going to maintain that pace, so I did.  For the next 21 km my pace was between 4.53 and 5.15 min per km - I was flying and my heart rate was around 146 bpm.  I knew I was putting "time in the bank" but I also knew the time would come to pay it back and that was going to hurt.
Manchester was fantastic.  The crowds lined the streets and shouted encouragement to the runners.  Your name was on your number so you'd get the odd shout out.  After 22km they became more frequent as I got slower, especially in the last 6km, the crowd love encouraging an old struggling runner!  
They say in a marathon the half way point is 32km.  What they mean by that is that the pain you endure in the last 10km is more than you did in the previous 32km and it is so true.  But I was ready for the pain.  It's a sign you are getting closer to the end.  So I pushed on and gave it my best.  I only managed 2 km over 6kpm (6.02 & 6.10) thankfully and never stopped.  I picked up my water at the aid stations to wash down my gels that I'd taken as I approached them.
When I crossed the line I started staggering, trying  not to be sick and managed to get to the bag drop area to pick up my clothes before I got too cold.  Two lovely Scottish runners helped me get my shoes off and my tracksuit trousers on as I could not bend down.  I had given everything and there was nothing in the tank, absolutely nothing!  I could have ran easier and been in less pain but what was the point.  I had decided that this was a test and that I should push myself, but I did set a HR limit.
A few days out from the marathon I was talking about a possible 5 hour marathon.  I'd have been happy just to have completed it.  But that's not me.  Nothing would have been gained from that plus I'd have been on my feet longer!  So I finished in 3 hours 48 mins (my original target before my heart problem) was 3hrs 45 mins.  The bonus for this time is that I qualified for the Boston Marathon next year - that's crazy!  I made it by 90 seconds.  In the last 3 km I thought about walking as I was in so much discomfort, my quads are destroyed, but thought in 2 or 3 days they will be fine so pushed on.  Get the best time you can.  The tough running before would have been wasted if I gave up.  I'm so glad I was able to programme my mind that this was what had to be done.
On analysing the data it turns out my average HR was 146 which astonishes me.  Only a week before I couldn't run a slow 5km on flat terrain and keep it below 160bpm.  So more investigation required with the Cardioligist.  But perhaps the marathon distance suits me!   Time will tell.
But there is one thing I am certain of.  I've come out of a "dark place" in relation to my health and how I cope with it mentally.  I had a good "talk to myself" the night before the marathon and came up with a plan that would push me but had a cut off point for safety reasons.  Numerous people told me not to risk it but I needed to know what I could do.  I'm certainly not giving up at 61 years young.
Beth wasn't that far behind me and had enjoyed the atmosphere of the race whereas I had blocked a lot of the outside distractions, especially in the last 10 km and focused on the mission.  So Boston 2024, the qualification doesn't guarantee a place but if it's offered, we'll be there flying the flag.
My last road marathon outside of Ironman was 1982 and I have to say I enjoyed the first 32km and endured the rest.  You've just got to live with the pain.  I'm now walking like John Wayne but have a massive smile on my face.  Very chuffed with that achievement.  I'm back and now looking forward to a 58km Ultra in Glen Tilt!  Before I get carried away however, I still have the problem of AF and a faulty heart valve to sort which is likely to result in an operation or two but it's better that I am fit for that so I'll keep my training up.

Eyes on the prize

By this time next week, I will hopefully have completed the Manchester Marathon.  I've no idea what the time will be as this will depend on my HR.  I intend to take the first half easy and if I'm feeling good, and my HR is behaving, then I will try and pick up the pace up.  But I'm not going to take too big a risk and my HR will be the decisive factor in my time.  I intend to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the event.
It's been a good weeks training and my focus has been on tapering to allow my body to recover before race day.  On Friday the weather forecast was amazing so Beth and I set off at 6.20am to head to Glencoe to climb two Munro's.  We couldn't have asked for better conditions and it was a steep climb which worked our legs.  On the summits it was peaceful and we enjoyed the vista of snow covered summits in the distance - we are so lucky to have this within 2 hours of our homes.  We even had our lunch on the second summit sheltering from the wind behind some rocks.  The descent was tough on our quads and calves.  When we got back to the car we went to a local cafe and enjoyed fresh coffee and home made scones with jam and cream - they always taste better after a workout.
On Saturday we ran 16km at a slow pace.  We were running against the flow of runners completing their 5km Park Run.  Watching the expressions on their faces whether they were in front, middle or straggling at the end made no difference.  There was a focused look on some obviously trying for a PB.  Some had a painful expression and others were jogging along chatting to their companion.  Each had their own goal and had their eyes on the prize and next weekend won't be any different.
I have total respect for anyone who pulls on a pair of running shoes and no matter what shape, size or speed they are running at, they are lapping everyone on the couch.  I also noticed they had a couple of "walking marshals" which shows how inclusive the Park Run is.  Walking 5km is a major achievement to some people and if more people did it then we'd be a healthier nation and it would reduce the strain on the NHS.
My training intensity reduces this week so that when I reach the start line I'll be ready to give it my best.  Beth and I will be running separately as we have different goals but know what we are aiming for and look forward to enjoying the total experience of running with over 28,000 runners each of who has their own story behind getting to the start line.  I just love the anticipation of a start line.  Eyes on the prize.  See you on the other side.

Getting my head back in the game

It's been a good week's training with 72km bagged.  I'm sticking with my slow runs to try and regulate my heart rate and not cause too much strain.  There's still no pattern to explain my HR at the moment with some strange results, like going from 146 bpm when I stopped to chat to a friend for five minutes straight up to 180 bpm when I started running again.  At the end of that run (15 km) the reduction in my HR after 2 minutes was zero!  That's a first.  It would normally be between 20-35 bpm.
The decision I have been  mulling over is whether or not to run the Manchester Marathon in 13 days time.  If I do I won't be going for a time, just an enjoyable time enjoying running through a different city with some encouragement from they crowd - they love an "old geezer" shuffling along!
I've been doing research on Atrial Fibrillation and continuing training and running is recommended.  I just have to be careful not to push too hard.  I can't wrap myself in cotton wool - that would not be good for me physically or mentally.
As a result this week was about getting in some decent longer runs and today was my longest run so I was nervous about attempting 33km.  Beth assured me that the pace was going to be slow as her friend Marie was training for the Boston Marathon and was looking for a long slow run.  The route was mainly along the canal path at Kirkintilloch which was ideal as Manchester is relatively flat and it would keep my HR down.  My concern was not being able to keep up with them if my HR rocketed and I didn't want to hold them back which would be unfair as they both have targets to reach.  I shouldn't have been concerned, Beth marshalled the pace and we all chatted along the way sharing running stories which is always fun.  We even managed to persuade Marie to join us in an ultra marathon this summer.
My HR averaged 153, maxed at 174 and in recovery fell 35 bpm - I'm pleased with that.  At no stage was I out of breath and as expected there were a few leg niggles due to the time on feet.  A marathon will be painful but when you start to feel the pain you know you're getting closer to the finish line.
Running in the opposite direction at one stage was Laura Muir - fast and lovely running style as she ran in the opposite direction.  She passed us later on and I'm sure it was an easy pace for her, but she left us in her dust.  Go Laura.  You are such an inspiration to the nation.
So this was a bit of a break through.  If it hadn't gone well then Manchester would have been off.  But it went well so, game on.  Albeit a slow one!  I won't hold Beth back.  She can run her own race and be her best on the day.  But I'm just delighted my head is back in the game.  The next 13 days will be tapering to make sure I'm in my best condition when I stand at the start line.  But I will be sensible.  My ego will be left back in Glasgow.  This is a test.  With the Full Tilt 58km Ultra in June, I need to see how my body and my mind will stand up to a slow marathon. And to all runners out there, be the best you can be whether it's a 5km or an ultra marathon.  Always frame every thought as you run in a positive manner.  We're all different in our ability but we do it for the love of running whether you are aiming at a 5 hour marathon or in Laura Muir's case where she is aiming to break the 1,000m indoor world record to add to her impressive list of achievements. Believing in yourself will make a big difference.