I think you,ve got to enjoy the day firstly and hopefully your goal will be achieved . I can,t believe a pedestrian crossed road at mile 16 right in front of me how we didn,t collide i,ll never know
i too have a v similar background to you 1st marathon a fit base from mountain biking . But i found that biking was not keeping me as fit as i wanted and started running again about 3 yrs ago mainly trail running . Got an unexpected place in VLM followed a 12 wk plan with a goal of a sub 4 . I have monitored my nutrition also have had no alcohol since january . I used sis gels yesterday and hydrated with just the water provided on route .
result 3 . 58 .41 no stops
maybe you set your goals and expectations too high as this was your 1st marathon also maybe not enough long runs in training schedule . i,m sure you can achieve your goal give it another go next year A T B
Absolutely fantastic day first ever marathon actually first ever event since schooldays . All a week after 50th birthday . Too many highlights best meeting family at mile 15 . Deff gonna sign up for next year and have a bash at beating my time of 3 . 58 .41 . Have feelings of real elation after yesterday alas thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the poor lady who collapsed puts things into perspective me thinks ALL BLESS
Seems me and you at same place ahead of vlm . I managed a 25 mile epic am looking at a sub 4 marathon time if poss. Found the long run got tough through 18 to 21 then i picked up again to 25. I have 15/21 mile event end of month so i,ve currently started to taper my running to suit . Suggest you probably do 1 more long run if you can exceed 20 would be great for confidence . Short of that little and often and keep on doing what you know has worked for you