Marathon T
Well, after all of the winter training Marathon B and I got the chance to stride out in the sunshine of south London this weekend at the Clapham Common 10k series. But not before we also strode around London for the day and did our very best to scupper ourselves for the run.
We left Jersey on Saturday morning in determined mood, absolutely convinced we would take it easy all day and give ourselves the perfect preparation for the race on Sunday morning. After arriving in London we headed straight to a favourite bar of ours; “The Porterhouse” in Covent Garden. So, if we’re honest the determination to do the right thing lasted approximately 10 mins once we hit central London. Several hours of drinking Erdinger wheat beer and Samuel Adams Boston Lager followed, which we put down to pre-race hydration of a sort...
Our downfall - This was not going to plan already….
Buoyed up by the intake of alcohol, and in very high spirits, we decided to walk along to Haymarket for a bite to eat at Miso. One fantastic (but very filling) plate of Fried Rice and Gyoza later we left the area feeling decidedly queasy.
We waddled down to the south bank and checked out the “Holland House” event around Gabriel’s Wharf (the Dutch were out in force), then along to the Tate Modern. An hour or so around the Tate Modern, took our mileage for the day up to around 7 miles (by our calculation), we were not having the best preparation.
We left the Tate and headed next door for the main event of the evening – King Lear at the Globe. For the authentic experience we had decided to experience the play from the yard, which of course meant standing throughout. The play was incredible, and the setting was superb – my first visit to the Globe and well worth the money (a whopping £6 per ticket!). However, the standing did nothing for the state of our legs and we looked the least likely running duo as we hobbled out of the Theatre at 10:45pm.
Aaah the smell of the sawdust and greasepaint…
The Minstrels didn't come in overpriced packets in this Theatre…
One quick train journey to Clapham for our overnight stay and our preparation day came to an end in fine form, they closed the Clapham Junction station exit just as we arrived – so we had to walk the long way round!
The big day:
Woke early to find my in-room breakfast had not been delivered. With no phone in the room I had the joy of walking through the hotel to chase up with reception at 7am. After wolfing down the breakfast I got my gear together and headed out.
We were both looking in fine form as we lined up for the race (see below).
Marathon B – straining for the off
My legs still felt sore from Saturday’s activities but as I had been struggling with a cold for the majority of the week, I had decided not to push for a fast time. I wanted to test out the legs and get round in something respectable. The sun was sort of shining, a gentle breeze was blowing and none of the forecast rain was falling. In short, perfect conditions. As it was my first race for 3 years – it was good to be running in a pack again.
Unfortunately, as we lined up I stayed a bit too far towards the back of the crowd and had a job getting going in the first km (took me just over 5 mins). After that the runners strung out a bit and I managed to get a rhythm. The park land course was fairly flat and gentle, and I felt good despite the effects of the cold (I hereby unreservedly apologise to anyone who was following me and my attractive trail of phlegm!). I managed to maintain an even pace throughout (after the first km) and finished in 46:39 (unofficial) which I was pleased with.
The rest of the day was spent dodging the showers, eating carbs (the salt beef sandwich in Selfridges was a particular favourite), and travelling back to Jersey.
All-in-all a good weekend and plenty of confidence gained for the main event in three weeks.
Marathon T
Well, after all of the winter training Marathon B and I got the chance to stride out in the sunshine of south London this weekend at the Clapham Common 10k series. But not before we also strode around London for the day and did our very best to scupper ourselves for the run.
We left Jersey on Saturday morning in determined mood, absolutely convinced we would take it easy all day and give ourselves the perfect preparation for the race on Sunday morning. After arriving in London we headed straight to a favourite bar of ours; “The Porterhouse” in Covent Garden. So, if we’re honest the determination to do the right thing lasted approximately 10 mins once we hit central London. Several hours of drinking Erdinger wheat beer and Samuel Adams Boston Lager followed, which we put down to pre-race hydration of a sort...
Our downfall - This was not going to plan already….
Buoyed up by the intake of alcohol, and in very high spirits, we decided to walk along to Haymarket for a bite to eat at Miso. One fantastic (but very filling) plate of Fried Rice and Gyoza later we left the area feeling decidedly queasy.
We waddled down to the south bank and checked out the “Holland House” event around Gabriel’s Wharf (the Dutch were out in force), then along to the Tate Modern. An hour or so around the Tate Modern, took our mileage for the day up to around 7 miles (by our calculation), we were not having the best preparation.
We left the Tate and headed next door for the main event of the evening – King Lear at the Globe. For the authentic experience we had decided to experience the play from the yard, which of course meant standing throughout. The play was incredible, and the setting was superb – my first visit to the Globe and well worth the money (a whopping £6 per ticket!). However, the standing did nothing for the state of our legs and we looked the least likely running duo as we hobbled out of the Theatre at 10:45pm.
Aaah the smell of the sawdust and greasepaint…
The Minstrels didn't come in overpriced packets in this Theatre…
One quick train journey to Clapham for our overnight stay and our preparation day came to an end in fine form, they closed the Clapham Junction station exit just as we arrived – so we had to walk the long way round!
The big day:
Woke early to find my in-room breakfast had not been delivered. With no phone in the room I had the joy of walking through the hotel to chase up with reception at 7am. After wolfing down the breakfast I got my gear together and headed out.
We were both looking in fine form as we lined up for the race (see below).
Marathon B – straining for the off
My legs still felt sore from Saturday’s activities but as I had been struggling with a cold for the majority of the week, I had decided not to push for a fast time. I wanted to test out the legs and get round in something respectable. The sun was sort of shining, a gentle breeze was blowing and none of the forecast rain was falling. In short, perfect conditions. As it was my first race for 3 years – it was good to be running in a pack again.
Unfortunately, as we lined up I stayed a bit too far towards the back of the crowd and had a job getting going in the first km (took me just over 5 mins). After that the runners strung out a bit and I managed to get a rhythm. The park land course was fairly flat and gentle, and I felt good despite the effects of the cold (I hereby unreservedly apologise to anyone who was following me and my attractive trail of phlegm!). I managed to maintain an even pace throughout (after the first km) and finished in 46:39 (unofficial) which I was pleased with.
The rest of the day was spent dodging the showers, eating carbs (the salt beef sandwich in Selfridges was a particular favourite), and travelling back to Jersey.
All-in-all a good weekend and plenty of confidence gained for the main event in three weeks.
Marathon T
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