RunLiverpool Marathon 2011 - Page 272 - Events

Big Al The Outlaw pirate

pirate

11/10/2011 at 22:00

Course was perfect, had everything a city marathon should have and more. Doesn't need changing in my opinion. Scenery, tough sections and amazing support. A downhill finish (which was just as tough on my legs as going up it) and a big crowd at the end.

john owens 5

11/10/2011 at 22:03

Just wanted to say a big thankyouto Alan and all the team for producing a 1st marathon in Liverpool for 18 years.

Of couse there were some issues - the main issue (and it wasn't that bad) was the organisation in the parks - I was one of the back markers(I beat 6 hours) but there were a number of runners who were concerned they had taken ( i was asked twice by other runners) the wrong route as there was a lack of active marshalling.

Having said that the positives far out-weighed the negatives.

All of the volunteers I spoke to were extremely helpful from the moment I parked the car in the NCP in Pall Mall.

The course was great (very tough from the tunnel to UPS)

The crowds were fantastic - particularly coming out of the tunnel and running through the Liverpool One area.

The finish was superb - running in from mile 25 the support was fantastic (only 300 people finished after me so lot's of people had stayed on) I was absolutely knackered as my lack of training had started to show from about mile 16

The finish area was good too - I liked the idea of picking what you wanted (loved the banana and the foil wrap)

I had decided not to do the run in August as I felt I hadn't recovered enough from illness I had last year.

On Saturday I decided I didn't want a DNS so went ahead after hardly any training for 6/7 weeks. Whilst I got a PW completing the run has convinced me that I am now fully recovered from my illness and I just suffered from lack of training.

This is my last marathon - I am now looking forward to doing 10k and HM.

Once again big thanks to Alan and the team - a great start and I am sure the event will just get bigger and better

Conor McGarry 2

11/10/2011 at 22:10

Massive congrats to Alan and all the crew.

Really enjoyed the first 16 miles, then the hamstring went.. felt like i was shot in the leg!.... Had to walk, stop / stretch, and jog remainder of race. Have to say the encouragement from the crowds was unreal. Big shout out to all the volunteers. There was one fella on a bike who seemed to be everywhere! Thought i was hallucinating as I seen him in Sefton twice and then near the finish! He never stopped shouting encouragement. As the end appraoched I decided to put all my effort into last mile and run ( for the crowds! ) All was going well and then within sight of the finish my hamstring went again!! Had to stop and stretch again! within what felt like touching distance to the finish.. ( could hear what felt like hundreds of spectators groaning! )... then the comments of encouragement started from the crowd and following shouts of "c'mon lad, your nearly there!... and "keep moving fella" and "don't give up"... I eventually managed to hobble over the finish line!!

Overall I think I experienced every possible emotion during the day....and crossing the finish I swore I'd never run any type of race again... but like many on here I'm already looking at upcoming races and I know I'll be back next year !!!.... bring it on!

sam horne 2

11/10/2011 at 22:13

ive read a few of the opinions people have put on about the run on sunday and most of those posting them are people with a lot more running and marathon experience than myself. stil i dont think its fair to criticise an event in its for a long break 1st year . ok the start was delayed by the police ,apart from that i thought it was amazing, the crowds coming out the tunnel, the bands , the water stations all gave support .for me it was a personal achievmant and one im doing again next year bring on 2012 marathon number 2 . can i also thank the team of people who made this event happen you should be very proud of yourselves to achive to stage such an event can only be as satisfying as running it . thank you

Peter Cockett

11/10/2011 at 22:24

I dont post on here at all really, I pop on to book events and read articles, but just thought I'd pop in and congratulate Alan on a great event.

Apart from the problem at the start (which has been explained I think!) I thought the race was great, much more undulating than I thought it would be (I came up for the Liverpool half earlier in the year as well), definitely wasnt expecting it to be that hilly, but it wasnt a problem, if all marathons were flat/the same, what would be the point? I even managed to set a PB by knocking about 6 mins of my London time earlier this year by clocking 3hr 19min 59 secs, so I guess it wasnt that hilly! As 100% have said, coming out of the tunnel was amazing along with the couple of miles following it, only part of the course I found a bit mundane was Sefton park, but you cant have it all. AGreat finish as well, managed to almost sprint the last mile due to the crowd.

You can be proud of your efforts Alan, a massive success. My sister also finished, her first marathon, and is already talking about booking it for next year (she lives there anyway!) and I shall certainly be doing it every year it is on.

mrs chops

11/10/2011 at 22:26

Hi everyone-I bloody loved it!!!!I thought the course was easy,I hardly noticed the tunnel incline and on Upper parly I ran/walked so not to loose loads of energy.That was my slowest mile and although I didnt manage a negative split(and i usually do in training)my last 2 miles were my fastest.

I thought the crowds were amazing i had my name o n my top and particularly the girls just kept on shouting-some catching me 3 times at Sefton park!!!

I did 3.55 which for my first go I was really pleased with particularly as I kept getting told the last 6 might kill me and destroy any hopes of a time.

I will defo do it every year now until a part of me breaks or falls off..................

jonc27

11/10/2011 at 22:30

Wow - thanks for the video link Alan. I just got all emotional again watching that!

There was a point somewhere between 20 and 23 miles that I made my mind up that no way on earth was I putting myself through another marathon - it hurt so much. But I'd forgotten all that by the finish and still can't get over how much I enjoyed the day(as my workmates who have been bored endlessly by me will testify!). My only reservation now about running another is that it will be a disappointment if it's not as good as Liverpool 2011..but like others I've already entered Manchester next year, so it's got a lot to live up to!

Now what I really would like to know is when will it be possible to walk downstairs again?

Stubee

11/10/2011 at 23:46

I tried this in Liverpool but obviously got the wrong bus

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2047816/Marathon-runner-shaved-miles-race-finished-catching-spectator-bus-disqualified.html

tealsocks

12/10/2011 at 00:08

(ignore this post, can't find a way to delete the thing altogether!)

Edited: 12/10/2011 at 00:47

Ulen (madasaboxoffrogs)

12/10/2011 at 05:43

alan rothwell 3 wrote (see)

Ruth - (and the rest of you) you can relive the experience! have a look at the video on www.run247.com it's really good.

Thanks Alan for telling us about this. I'm suffering from PMI (post marathon insomnia) so just watched it. Warkie & Mrs Warkie - you're in it! Don't blink though, or you'll miss it (I think you can make out Scooby Dudek in the edge of shot too).

http://www.run247.com/articles/article-1737-run-it!-live-it!-love-it!.html

And ta also to emdee for posting the link to youtube, of the Batala Liverpool drummers on the exit to the Tunnel. A reminder of one of the awesome highlights to the run .

Whilst I'm up at this unholy hour, I thought I'd add (in no particular order) some highs & lows of the weekend that I missed from my earlier write-up...

the Fab Four fun run to kickstart the weekend
running round the Wirral - the best view of Liverpool
high-fiving little kids
the cheer leader teams
the bloke cycling alongside the runners in South Liverpool
who was in my way at one of the water stations
the drummers (especially at the tunnel exit)
being met personally by Ken Dodd upon arrival in Liverpool
meeting Alan & co at Rothwell Towers, and seeing first hand them dealing with last minute hassles
people milling around in Sefton park unaware a marathon was taking place
their dog trotting off the lead in the middle of the runners against the flow
Upper Parliament Street
the speedy service by the cadet to find my kitbag in double time
the volunteers and well manned drinks stations
finishing in front of the Liver Building, overwhelmed with emotion
the medal
meeting up with RW forumites before and after
the several hard earned pints in Rigbys
finishing my 5th marathon with a PB

I won't be back next year for RLM12 - as I think it clashes with my local race (Abingdon), which I have had my eye on for a few years. I'm really glad to have been a part of RLM11 though, and 09.10.11 is a day I shall remember for a long time. I'll be back one day, I'm sure. Good luck to everyone for 14.10.12!

Warkie

12/10/2011 at 07:39

Scooby Dudek wrote (see)

Belatedly posting after the fun that was Sunday.
Nice meeting up with a few prior to the start and having a little chat. Good to hear Mrs Warkie is quicker than Warkie at the mara, as well as 10k.
Really good meeting up and chatting/drinking with a few afterwards. The point of this running lark is to get fit so you can meet and drink. All about balance. However I believe next time we should meet up in a bungalow, stairs after a marathon and not good. Scouse Elvis, any updates on your next road mara?
From a personal point of view the race was not great, 1:33 through half, 3:21 finish. Upper Parliment was not fun at all. Leaving the tunnel was truely amazing and I blame then for my pain on Upper Parliment, as I ran much to quickly between the two points.

Great meeting you Scooby but to let you know divorce proceeding are set to happen any day now..

I also had an injury on the day and could not train for 4 weeks prior so i have a list of reasons why i did so badly..

Cheers for letting me know we are in the video Ulen will watch it with Mrs Warkie tonight

Mrs Warkie will be running the Marathon next year (I may be doing the Manchester) even if she has to run through that Bl##dy tunnel again...I must admit after the support from the Liverpool crowd and wonderful marshalling I am also tempted (also would like to add as others the lady with the foil blanket wrapped it around felt I like a little boy being looked after by his mum...Wonderful )

We both will be running the Half next year so hopefully see some of you there

Thanks Alan glad to see most of the comments are positive and please get the drumming band for the exit of the tunnel 10k next year pretty please ...

15West

12/10/2011 at 08:24

Morning all - still no pics on marathanfoto, how long does it normally take for them to upload?

Redhead

12/10/2011 at 08:36

Morning all,

Just been for a short plod of about 3 miles across the fields. Legs feeling good as I've been walking a lot on Monday and Tuesday which has loosened them up nicely

I'll bet the team at Rothwell towers are still on a high

Redpanda

12/10/2011 at 08:42

Red head, you forgot your fellow redhead on the course! I saw you at New Brighton, remember? What time did you get? I struggled on that stretch (well, I struggled all the way to be honest).

Reckon I will run tonight too....want to get back into it, and seriously considering another marathon at the end of the month...which will make Liverpool look easy!

15W....are they STILL not there? Most events I have ever done have always had the photo's on by the Monday, latest. Not sure what the hold up is?

Redhead

12/10/2011 at 08:49

Oh Panda, I'm so sorry! Of course I remember you. I really enjoyed the New Brighton stretch as I know it well - my friend had a flat there many years ago and I love that view across the river. I finished in 5:14:37 which is 35 minutes slower than I'd hoped for. Must be getting old

How about you? Oh and I'm toying with Beachy Head as there are lots of spare places going........

Just remembered Mikey and Mike w but can't remember who's Fetch and who's RW

Edited: 12/10/2011 at 08:50

Redpanda

12/10/2011 at 08:54

Yeah, I liked the view too, very impressive, I think it was more the flatness of it (if that doesn't sound stupid) and the wind..though it could have been a lot worse.

4.29, can't complain, all things considered. Just wanted to get round! Nothing wrong with your time either, remember, someone told me, only 1% of the population every run a marathon, and I think we forget how hard it is and long it is too, so much respect to ALL of us!

I officially love Scousers! I live in the NW (but from N East England) and I can't believe the pettiness between Manc's and Scousers...people in Manchester.."Oohh...Liverpool..blah blah blah"...I love BOTH cities and am lucky enough to live half way between both. Am going to sign up for the Manchester marathon when I get paid. It's like a holiday isn't it? Make yourself feel better by booking another!!

Redhead

12/10/2011 at 08:58

That's an excellent time Panda! That was my 24th marathon and I'm already sketching my plans for 2012 but I quite fancy another one to round off this year

Redpanda

12/10/2011 at 09:03

No way...24th! What is your best time? How many do you do a year?! Which is your fave? Sorry...so many questions.

I want to do another this year. I suffer with my feet quite badly, so next year might be my last marathon running year.

Redhead

12/10/2011 at 09:09

Panda, my PB is 4:50 and I've done 4 marathons this year. Most I did was 7 in my 50th birthday year. My favourite marathon is Beachy Head as I prefer off-roaders really but I couldn't resist Liverpool. You might find off-road marathons suit you better as they certainly don't leave your legs feeling as mashed as road marathons.

Redpanda

12/10/2011 at 09:14

Wow, I am in awe...that's brilliant. 7 in one year? What does your family think of it all?!

I have never done an off roader really, and not sure I fancy it too much as I worry I might turn my ankle or something. Still, it doesn't hurt to try different things, and sometimes you do suprise yourself. Do you also go abroad to do them? Are there any that you want to do but have not?