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.