Monday 7 September 2015

My 4th Kent Coastal Marathon

Yesterday was the 4th time I have run the Kent Coastal marathon in the 7 and a half years I have been running. In 2008, my second marathon ever, I puked heavily after 17 miles having downed 2 litres of water pre race (you learn as you go along....) so I have some good memories of this race! 

I decided to run it only last Wednesday as I fancied a marathon to see where I was with my fitness. This year has been a bit of a mixed bag; starting off the year strong with my best ever 100 miler performance at Rocky Racoon 100 in Texas with a time of 17.51, North London half 6 weeks later - 1.24.57 (Half marathon P.B), London Marathon in 3.08 (P.B - wanted sub 3), entering Spartathlon, a DNF at the Harp 24 hour due to a bad back - rest and then back didn't approve so decided to pull out of Spartathlon as I didn't want to go into the race not at 100%. I put in a few miles over the last 3 weeks so decided to run with no time pressure.  This was really nice as most marathons I turn up to I am gunning for a time.

When we turned up to Margate the wind was blowing big time and it was very cold. I entered the race at the desk and then straight back to the car to warm up- I recognised some of the usual UK marathon suspects who turn up to marathons week in, week out. I got out of my car and ran over to the start line with a few minutes to go. My girlfriend had kindly driven me down to Kent and spectate (AKA go shopping) whilst I ran. The race was a mix of people running the marathon and the half marathon. 

We started at 9.30 running a mile away from the start line towards Kingsgate and then we turned around after a mile and headed back past the start line towards Margate/Westgate. The wind was behind us for the first 5/6miles and was along the seafront with a few up and down hills- it was really nice to start a marathon with a few low 7-7.30 minute miles and not gunning for 6.45s. 

We ran out to Westgate and at about mile 7 we turned around and ran a similar course back to the start into wind so the next 12 miles, up to about mile 20, were all into wind so slowed us down a bit. I still managed to keep up a leisurely pace and chatted with a few runners about their goals, races they had done, etc. I was starting to feel a bit of fatigue at around mile 18 but knew if I could get to 20 I would be fine as would be running the last 6 miles with the wind helping.

No matter how hard or easy you run a marathon the last 6 miles always hurt.

Once I reached 20 miles I turned around and headed back toward the finish. I wanted to come in around sub 3.30 so was on for that going through 19.5 miles at 2.30. I ran the last few miles with a guy called Keith who was 50 years old and we were both feeling the heat and pain as we cruised into the finish line. I came in with a time of 3.25.10 and collected my medal. I was so happy to finish and laid down, even after running 31 marathons now I still get that buzz for finishing. 

I am happy with my time and now thinking about another marathon/ultra for Q4. I am disappointed that I won't be going to Greece to run Spartathlon in 2 weeks but I think I have made the right decision - it's not the sort of race you can turn up to unprepared. 

Finally, I'd like to say thanks to the race organisers for accommodating my late entry on the day, the marshalls/volunteers who were pointing people in the right direction and handing out water/jelly babies and the various spectators. It is a great marathon and has a real personal touch, even calling out your name as you cross the finish line which means a lot. 

After running 4 Kent coastal's I always say I won't go back with that head wind but I definitely probably will be back again one day.


Strava Stats - https://www.strava.com/activities/386340582S