The reality is setting in that my goal has passed. Really now need to come up with something new. Lots to ponder.
The one positive is that Jack has started training again. Thank Christ for that.
Wednesday 27 April 2016
Hobble hobble
Not much. Ankle and calf swollen after Sunday and feel completely dead. Monday and Tuesday I hardly moved but today back to work.
Monday 25 April 2016
42nd birthday: 42k disappointment followed by Wembley success
Major disappointment for me today. The London marathon is special for so many reasons (start of spring, my birthday, always around FA cup semi date, Masters golf and all the other April sporting events, Grand National etcetc) but today I just did not have it and ran within 10 seconds of last year in 2.51.xx. A really really tough morning.
The marathon is such a brute of an event and you rarely conquer rather it conquers you and the streets of London certainly did that. So disappointing because this year I had did everything possible to get into the shape to run close to 2.40 (long tempos incl one 27ker at 3.45s, strength training with Mark P, even got some massages last week which I never do, not drank any alcohol since Christmas, the list goes on). Whereas last year I only had 10 weeks of running under my belt after long periods of injury.
My build up was not the best:
- Thursday afternoon I was beginning to feel crap and worked late to clear the deck
- Friday I spent the day in bed with a flu bug
- Saturday I woke early and felt much better but still very lethargic. In the late arvo I jogged the block to see how the legs were as had not ran since Tuesday and came back to report to Jacquers that I was 'still not feeling great'. 'Nerves' she said trying to make me feel better.
Come Sunday though, no excuses I woke feeling much better albeit still with headache. Met Dad at Crofton Park TS who then took me up to the start in Blackheath (same procedure for all 5 of my Londons). Once there I actually felt quite good as I soaked up the atmosphere - I am 200% convinced that there is no better marathon to run - the crowds literally all the way around are 5 people deep (this year may have been the most I have seen). Nice to see Messi on the start line and wished him the best of luck and then we were off.
Went through 5k bang on 19 minutes (plan) and actually felt fine (breathing easy) but by 6k my right foot started to lose feeling. It got progressively worse. The only way I can describe it is when you go out cycling in the freezing cold and you lose feeling in your toes and then put them in a hot bath to thaw out. It was horrible. At 8k I stopped to loosen my shoes. Át 10k I did the same again but it was just getting worse. Then Greenwich where the crowds were incredible (a wall of noise) and high fived Brendan and family. Around the 9 mile marker in Surrey Quays O and Shazza were out on the course and they were going nuts when I went past them but already then I knew the writing was on the wall and screamed back at them 'I cant feel my f'ing right foot'. O belted back 'to stay focussed' which I am really thankful for as my spirit was low. Going across Tower Bridge I temporarily forgot about the foot issues and was in a large group but then all of a sudden I could start to wiggle my big toe (a sign of hope - was this when I'd get the feeling back?). Short lived as all that transpired was for it to move further up my leg into my calf.
Through half way in 1.21.10 (3 minutes slower than when ran I my 27k tempo 4 weeks ago). Thereafter not too much to write about other than I stopped looking at my splits, wondered every other minute whether to pull the pin and kept being passed by a train of people over taking me. Then at 35k in a world of pain I looked up to see what looked like Tommy H standing on the side of the road in a woolly hat. 'Common Sammy' he was screaming. Was that really Tommy? I was in a world of pain but f me that really looked like Tommy. I was completely shocked and kept running looking behind me not believing my eyes. What the hell was he doing on the side of the road? The guy that has been running 145ks a week solidly and flown all the way to London from Australia to get his inevitable < 2.30 marker. I was completely shocked and distraught for him. I knew that on Friday / Saturday he was feeling crook but assumed he would start.
Back to the final stretch and literally the only people I passed were the people who had stopped entirely. Then the Embankment and approaching Blackfriars where the family were out in force. I started welling up at the thought and as I got there I burst into tears and started blubbing like a baby. Not sure what the boys thought. And then as I stood there my legs began to wobble too (T the eldest looked mightily concerned). Ended up staying for 30 secs to a minute before trying to enjoy the last 2 ks and the last chorus of 'Sammy A' screams. Crossed the line and perhaps bar Macca was the most pleased to have finished.
I guess if I now look back and think what I could have done differently I would say:
1. probably not the best idea to ski for 2 weeks in the month leading up to the race
2. on race day I was still 80kgs - its too much to lug around. If I am serious next year I have to get down to 76 which is almost impossible for me. 78 is already a stretch for my frame
3. learn to rest more. In hindsight I should not have raced the half 2 weeks back on tired legs, it did me no good
4. would help to follow a training plan
Putting my disappointment to one side I am pleased to report that Messi (aka Roger) nailed his marathon in 2.37, the time I predicted. His splits were spot on and am thrilled for him. He got what he deserves. Foxy (aka Simon) amazingly with injury issues this year also pulled out a 2.38 and for a young bloke he has real potential to go low 2.30s. Daniel S like me had a tough day at the office. He must though not lose faith. Am totally convinced he can run 2.50.
Of the Aussie mates Barts succeeded in his mission to run 2.29.xx an amazing achievement. Macca like me did it tough and ran similar splits with him a couple of minutes up the road. Considering he was in a US hospital last week it was a typical hard as nails performance. This was Macca's 13 marathon and all 13 sub three, incredible.
Want to finish by saying that Tommy was very gracious with Barts whilst out last night for beers. He was always there for him and made sure he celebrated and put his personal disappointment to one side. It is a measure of the man. With a large family like me it is a massive strain on the family to commit to a marathon properly and you need the family buy in. He deserves enormous credit.
PM
Great afternoon with all my 4 boys, J, Mi, Stevo and Shazza at Wembley. We Palace fans had an utter ball. An afternoon to remember with Palace winning 2-1. The last semi we won was 26 years ago when Stevie and I were at Villa Park together for the 4-3. Was special for the whole family to be there at Wembley.
PM PM
Beers with my Aussie mates Tommy H, Macca and Barts. All of us in a world of pain. Great to catch up with them. I miss the Sydney crew. Into bed at 2am.
On balance the birthday did feel like a 2-1 win for me, with the PM running out winners over the AM.
A memorable birthday spent with 40,000 runners in the AM followed by 80,000 at Wembley.
Family:
The marathon is such a brute of an event and you rarely conquer rather it conquers you and the streets of London certainly did that. So disappointing because this year I had did everything possible to get into the shape to run close to 2.40 (long tempos incl one 27ker at 3.45s, strength training with Mark P, even got some massages last week which I never do, not drank any alcohol since Christmas, the list goes on). Whereas last year I only had 10 weeks of running under my belt after long periods of injury.
My build up was not the best:
- Thursday afternoon I was beginning to feel crap and worked late to clear the deck
- Friday I spent the day in bed with a flu bug
- Saturday I woke early and felt much better but still very lethargic. In the late arvo I jogged the block to see how the legs were as had not ran since Tuesday and came back to report to Jacquers that I was 'still not feeling great'. 'Nerves' she said trying to make me feel better.
Come Sunday though, no excuses I woke feeling much better albeit still with headache. Met Dad at Crofton Park TS who then took me up to the start in Blackheath (same procedure for all 5 of my Londons). Once there I actually felt quite good as I soaked up the atmosphere - I am 200% convinced that there is no better marathon to run - the crowds literally all the way around are 5 people deep (this year may have been the most I have seen). Nice to see Messi on the start line and wished him the best of luck and then we were off.
Went through 5k bang on 19 minutes (plan) and actually felt fine (breathing easy) but by 6k my right foot started to lose feeling. It got progressively worse. The only way I can describe it is when you go out cycling in the freezing cold and you lose feeling in your toes and then put them in a hot bath to thaw out. It was horrible. At 8k I stopped to loosen my shoes. Át 10k I did the same again but it was just getting worse. Then Greenwich where the crowds were incredible (a wall of noise) and high fived Brendan and family. Around the 9 mile marker in Surrey Quays O and Shazza were out on the course and they were going nuts when I went past them but already then I knew the writing was on the wall and screamed back at them 'I cant feel my f'ing right foot'. O belted back 'to stay focussed' which I am really thankful for as my spirit was low. Going across Tower Bridge I temporarily forgot about the foot issues and was in a large group but then all of a sudden I could start to wiggle my big toe (a sign of hope - was this when I'd get the feeling back?). Short lived as all that transpired was for it to move further up my leg into my calf.
Through half way in 1.21.10 (3 minutes slower than when ran I my 27k tempo 4 weeks ago). Thereafter not too much to write about other than I stopped looking at my splits, wondered every other minute whether to pull the pin and kept being passed by a train of people over taking me. Then at 35k in a world of pain I looked up to see what looked like Tommy H standing on the side of the road in a woolly hat. 'Common Sammy' he was screaming. Was that really Tommy? I was in a world of pain but f me that really looked like Tommy. I was completely shocked and kept running looking behind me not believing my eyes. What the hell was he doing on the side of the road? The guy that has been running 145ks a week solidly and flown all the way to London from Australia to get his inevitable < 2.30 marker. I was completely shocked and distraught for him. I knew that on Friday / Saturday he was feeling crook but assumed he would start.
Back to the final stretch and literally the only people I passed were the people who had stopped entirely. Then the Embankment and approaching Blackfriars where the family were out in force. I started welling up at the thought and as I got there I burst into tears and started blubbing like a baby. Not sure what the boys thought. And then as I stood there my legs began to wobble too (T the eldest looked mightily concerned). Ended up staying for 30 secs to a minute before trying to enjoy the last 2 ks and the last chorus of 'Sammy A' screams. Crossed the line and perhaps bar Macca was the most pleased to have finished.
I guess if I now look back and think what I could have done differently I would say:
1. probably not the best idea to ski for 2 weeks in the month leading up to the race
2. on race day I was still 80kgs - its too much to lug around. If I am serious next year I have to get down to 76 which is almost impossible for me. 78 is already a stretch for my frame
3. learn to rest more. In hindsight I should not have raced the half 2 weeks back on tired legs, it did me no good
4. would help to follow a training plan
Putting my disappointment to one side I am pleased to report that Messi (aka Roger) nailed his marathon in 2.37, the time I predicted. His splits were spot on and am thrilled for him. He got what he deserves. Foxy (aka Simon) amazingly with injury issues this year also pulled out a 2.38 and for a young bloke he has real potential to go low 2.30s. Daniel S like me had a tough day at the office. He must though not lose faith. Am totally convinced he can run 2.50.
Of the Aussie mates Barts succeeded in his mission to run 2.29.xx an amazing achievement. Macca like me did it tough and ran similar splits with him a couple of minutes up the road. Considering he was in a US hospital last week it was a typical hard as nails performance. This was Macca's 13 marathon and all 13 sub three, incredible.
Want to finish by saying that Tommy was very gracious with Barts whilst out last night for beers. He was always there for him and made sure he celebrated and put his personal disappointment to one side. It is a measure of the man. With a large family like me it is a massive strain on the family to commit to a marathon properly and you need the family buy in. He deserves enormous credit.
PM
Great afternoon with all my 4 boys, J, Mi, Stevo and Shazza at Wembley. We Palace fans had an utter ball. An afternoon to remember with Palace winning 2-1. The last semi we won was 26 years ago when Stevie and I were at Villa Park together for the 4-3. Was special for the whole family to be there at Wembley.
PM PM
Beers with my Aussie mates Tommy H, Macca and Barts. All of us in a world of pain. Great to catch up with them. I miss the Sydney crew. Into bed at 2am.
On balance the birthday did feel like a 2-1 win for me, with the PM running out winners over the AM.
A memorable birthday spent with 40,000 runners in the AM followed by 80,000 at Wembley.
Family:
Marathon pics:
Wembley pics:
Late night beers celebrating with the Australia crew:
Friday 22 April 2016
Cold now heavy
Bed ridden for much of day with running a slight fever. Timing is really bad but will not stop me from starting on Sunday. Not an option.
Thursday 21 April 2016
Expo
Met Tommy at our offices for quick meeting before we headed out to the Expo. We timed it perfectly with the 3 Kings being interviewed (Kipsang, Kipchoge, Kimetto). Even time to sneak some selfies with the greats. By far and away my favourite is the daddy Kipsang (the Usain of marathon running). A character and exactly what the sport needs.
Great seeing Tommy. I really wish him the best for Sunday and hope he gets the rewards his hard work deserves. For the record I think he will go sub 2.30. My predication 2.29.01. There you have it.
It's been a long time since I have been so pumped for a race. May be the most ever. The next 2 days are going to be torture.
Great seeing Tommy. I really wish him the best for Sunday and hope he gets the rewards his hard work deserves. For the record I think he will go sub 2.30. My predication 2.29.01. There you have it.
It's been a long time since I have been so pumped for a race. May be the most ever. The next 2 days are going to be torture.
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