'The Marathon Monster'
No fear of the monster at this point!
Therefore, it was with slight fear and trepidation that I arrived at Blackheath on Sunday 26th April at the start of the 26.2 miles course. I was very much looking forward to the unrivalled positivity of the event and especially the prospect of running (at least part of the distance) with my daughter, Olivia.
At 17 kms, Olivia and I agreed that this was the time for her to take advantage of her youthful energy, enthusiasm and bounce to ease her way down the course. As well as enjoying various fancy dress charity fundraisers (including a bionic man), I settled into a slow, steady pace and reflected on the many changes that have occurred in Marathon running since the 1970s:
1. Elite winning times are faster. This year's London Marathon witnessed new World Records for men (Sebastian Sawe) and Women (Tigst Assefa).
2. There are now mass participation Marathon events across the World. This year's London Marathon attracted 59,000 starters.
3. Today, running is far more relaxed, enjoyable and inclusive. A testament to this are Park Runs and events for the highly valued disabled athlete cohort.
4. There has been a revolution in 'running technology': including dietary products such as sports drinks and energy gels.
5. There have been countless advancements in running equipment: shoes, clothing and GPS watches to promote performance and look 'good'!
6. Scientific advancements: performance data analysis through Smartphones and GPS.
I am sure that there are countless other gadgets and devices; bits of equipment; ideas and methodologies that I have omitted but which might shave seconds, minutes or even hours off long distance running times.
45 years on from my first, and London's first marathon, my overriding conviction, having spent a life-time running in training or competition, is that one should take advantage of being young and fit and run your fastest times when your body and mind are in best shape.
Adjust your expectations as you get older and recognise that everyone's performance will eventually decline; it is how one deals with this inevitable reality which truly makes the difference.
Nobby: I feel I've come to terms with my decline in performance!
David: Pleased to hear that mate.
Nobby: A fantastic effort by you and Livvy. But, did you actually enjoy the run?
David: Enjoyed it, but hard work.
Nobby: Well, settle down to some daytime tv, you don't need to run again until September!
Coming up:
Wednesday: Marathon participants you probably aren't aware of.
Friday: Important news!
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Posted by David & Nobby
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