Abingdon Marathon

Tick Tock.
On the 2009 race I pulled up at mile 3 with stabbing pains in the bottom of my foot. It had happened before during training, and 2 week's rest hadn't cured it. I eventually took more than 2 years out, just doing other things (like eating and drinking). This year I have gone over to the Dark Side, with a basic mantra of "complete, not compete". It's meant learning how to swim, buying a bike, and such a shed load of bling you wouldn't believe. Running has been a small part of the mix, twice a week, but I've got to do more. Yesterday was my very first 20 miler in ages. There will be no marathon races for me until 2013, and even then I'll be way off pace.

Have a great run, every single one of you. I'll be thinking about you.

I'm feeling a bit better today. Still feel like something's lingering, but I'm also beginning to wonder if this is just (marathon virgin) nerves manifesting themselves. (Taperchondria is my new favourite word.) As long as nothing gets worse between now and Sunday morning, I should be fine.

My Gu stash arrived from eBay last night so I spent the evening trying to wedge them into the tiny loops on my iFitness belt. I reckon that was as tough as the race is going to be. Doing some preparation for the race helped to ease the nerves a bit.

Have also found a quicker way for me to get to Abo on public transport, so that's good. Fingers crossed for us all, from you sub-3ers to me at the back. 

I seem to be on the mend as well. Resting heart rate down to 56 from over 70 yesterday, so only 12 above normal. Hopefully by tomorrow it'll be back down to mid 40s, which should mean I'll be ok to still have a go at sub 3. If not though, I'll just be running at easy training pace and chalk this one up as a training run towards next year's sub 7 Comrades attempt.

Glad to hear that the bugs are going for others as well. Good luck to everyone on the thread. Looks like we are in for perfect running weather. Cool and not too windy.

Barry B - Just caught up with forum. Thank you yes that was me !! The words of "encouragement" were about right. Learning curve that day. Cliff Shock blocs do not work for me as they require too much disolving and when that slows down so did I.I also read either use Lucozade drink or gels. Using both can slow up the carbs filtering through your stomach and despite having loaded up, you struggle to use it. In fact training runs I have used no gels and just squash and that has worked well. I will be taking gels just in case.

Damp (not raining) and overcast here today, no wind, so in all pretty good conditions. Forecast is raining in teh morning easing around 9 and then coming back about 1pm. If so that will be just perfect !

Now just need to keep away from all these bugs people have in the office and with a few hours of work left have become a bit OCD with the hand gel

Good luck everyone and as a customer said yesterday "Have a rewarding day" which also transpires to all of you...."Have a rewarding race ! "   Bring it on !!!

Last minute and I'm back in the race.  Revised finish time after 3 week lay off.  Managed a half marathon last weekend (conservative) so will be going for around 3.30.  Just looked at Met Office for SUnday, it reads...

07:00

2mph north easterly wind, 7C (feels like 7C) and fog.

10.00

2mph eaterly wind. 8C (feels like 7C) and fog

13.00

5mph easterly wind. 11C (feels like 10C) fog lifted but cloud.

Rain stops 9am, comes back 1am.... better do a sub-4hr then!!

Martin -  Not if you are trying to get past them down the tight bits.

Shadowed -  Welcome back, you might surprise yourself with all the rest you have had.

The weather does look perfect apart from the met office is showing fog early on so might need to set off a bit earlier.

Cheat!
Start with the gun, the same as everyone else.

Thanks Barry B

Well, I'm travelling later this morning, so "best of luck" to all!  I look forward to reading all about it on Monday here when I return.

Good luck to all.  Don't forget to wave at the turkeys on your left at 1.5miles.  They'll be cheering you on but it will be the last marathon they see!  Weather's looking better and if its anything like it is today in Abingdon, it will be good running weather.

I'll be marshalling at 3 miles and will then head on to cheer at the 14.5mile turn

Just off now as well - good luck everybody - thanks for all of the motivation over the last several months - hope to meet many of you tomorrow

Done my 2 mile jog this morning, felt very sluggish... hope I feel better tomorrow.

Just off very soon too. Staying at Premier Inn at Didcot

Best of luck everyone, and remember try and enjoy the race as much you are able.

Hi,

I live in Didcot so about 8 miles from Abingdon but only about 3 from Milton Park area.Just back from 4 mile run and pleased to report ideal conditions,cool but warmer than has been recently,no wind,rain etc Def vest/shorts weatherForecast looks identical for tomorrow

Hope you all have a great race.I will be marshalling somewhere in Milton Park and will try to encourage you all.

Good luck to everyone else for tomorrow, conditions looking good!

For tomorrow

if ure a beginner or old hand

good luck and have a fabulas run

we'll be around , at start and then Milton park to see u all twice

pb's all round and stay safe

Mick

I'm travelling soon so good luck to everyone from me too. Thanks in advance to all the marshalls, support crew and supporters. I for one am going to need all the encouragement going. 

Good luck everyone. I will be setting my alarm for 5am and driving up from London, so should be wide awake for the start of the race

The weather looks like is is going to be pretty good once the fog clears.

Fingers crossed this time tomorrow I will be sipping on a cold beer.

We are setting off in a bit.

GOOD LUCK everyone and Thanks to all the Marshalls too.

See you at the back Seesteverun.We will get each other through it.