Perth Marathon 2009

3:07:20

Didn't quite live up to expectations on another glorious Perth morning.

Unfortunately tweaked my groin at the 14k mark, came from nowhere, old injury and then soldiered on over the last 28.2k to finish in 3.07.20. Everytime I tried to speed up, the pain intensified quite a bit and so much of the second half was run in disappointing 4:40km's as I tried to ensure a pb and Boston Qualifier. What it does do is reinforce how cherished a sub 3 would be.

Positives from the race was that I did 2 pb's 1:29:20 in the half(I know that's pathetic) but haven't raced it properly for over 2 years and a pb in the Marathon. Was also happy that I gutsed it out and finished my 6th Marathon and finished feeling pretty fresh. Also qualified for Boston next year so will def look at doing

Quick Race Report

Half 1:29:20
2nd Half 1:38:00


Ran with Epi up to 14k, 10k was hit in 42:00 straight and was feeling great, 20k was hit in 85:00, had to slow down and the half in 89:20. From there the rest of the race was a lot slower, although I still managed to reel in a few runners over the last few km's.

My one and only gripe today is of the drink stations, I know they're are volunteers but I put my drinks at every station bar the first 2 and was only given 2, which was realy frustrating. The rest I had to search for and at the 34k station, the 2nd female passed me and ended up beating me by a few seconds, maybe I need to rethink my drink strategy. Please don't take me the wrong way, I am thankful to the WAMC for a great event.

Congrats to Epi and Sling who both did pb's and 3.04's at Perth and Gold Coast respectively and to Homo for doing a 3.31. Nice meeting Gunner who did a 3.09 and TB finished with a 4.41 after streaking the field over the first couple of hundred metres. Well done to the Biscuit boys who finsihed 3rd in relay in 2.53 and to the CSG team who came in in 4.53.

I'm a bit sore at present but other that feeling great, having tomorrow off as a leave day so will just veg out a bit and then start some easy running prob on Wed.

So where does that leave me re Marathons? At this rate I'll need to do another 3 before doing sub 3. I've already spoken to Trace this arvo about doing Sydney in September and she is all for it and if that's the case will do the C2S Half as a buildup. Now just need to convice Epi to do the same.

Trip to the physio will be booked and hopefully can get some exercises to do to fix a couple of the problem areas which will boost my chances of another pb. I'm sure some pilates and core strengthening will be on the agenda. Should be able to start jogging again within a couple of days but will take it nice and slow for awhile.

Thanks to everyone who have been supportive in the comments on my blog.

Onwards and Upwards from here and I'm going to stay positive as these things happen for a reason and will be sweeter when the goals are finally achieved.