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Hello fellow members..
I'd like some advice on my marathon target (athens on nov 10th)... and what is realistic..
Background:
I tried about as hard as i could in the cardiff half and fell back the last 4 to 1:25, for the 10k i ran 38:40 or so..... So i'd recon that is about 3:01 pace, trying for much below 3 would be a big risk of crash and burn..e.g. i'd be mad to target 2:55 (which is what i did last Sept of 1:23)..
my pre- cardiff goal was 1:23, and i targeted a 6:10/6:15 pace allowing for a fade on the last 2-3 miles.. but it did'nt happen..
why i think 300 is realistic is that when i ran 2:57 i ran 1:23 so on a ratio basis 3:01 would be fair..
i've got a fair few of long runs in but not the pace i was doing last year...
I know it is impossible to predict ones performance and its not a simple maths forumla its all down to training etc.. but its also helpful to have some tips on what others think..
Many thanks in advance...
James the Bruce.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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My advice is stick to your target, trust your training, believe in the taper. I always run below par in races up to the target race and moan about poor times. Always works out come race day though
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Have you run Athens before, James?
I ran/walked it in 1996 after recovering from a broken ankle but temperature and route profile caused problems for fellow athletes(also Paula Radcliffe in later years).
Do you take these factors into account in setting your target?
It's a hilly course but the road surface was improved for the recent Olympics. In 1996, water stations were quickly out of water but you should be well up the field. I wasn't. Locals helped out with impromptu water supplies.
The finish in the marble Olympic stadium in Athens is an image and event I will not forget. Watch out for Phidippides(statue) at Halfway.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 11/08/2013(UTC)
Posts: 906
Has liked: 851 post(s)
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thanks Mike,
i've checked the elevation in more detail now.. hmm.. 150-200 meters of climbing (over a lot of miles but will take its toll..)
have to think on that one..
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Approved, Les Croupiers member, ResultsAdmin
Joined: 14/08/2013(UTC)
Posts: 989
Has liked: 773 post(s)
Likes received: 657 in 322 post(s)
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The temperature in late October...1996 was in the twenties(C) by the time I finished. It might also be worth checking.
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