Race Report from Copenhagen 2022
May 18, 2022
First Up Matt
Going into Copenhagen there were a few things on my mind;
My preparation had been really poor, a few big life hurdles to work around and some stints of inactivity really didn’t help. But what I’d noticed most is that my recovery from Manchester Marathon in April was taking a lot longer then normal.
For some context, last October I ran Madrid, Manchester and Paris in a 4 week span and clocked 3:41, 3:30:50 and 3:30:00.
So I was surprised given the 6 or so weeks between Manchester and Copenhagen this year. I can only assume that running faster = longer recovery time where I was probably under the false confidence that more miles = longer recovery time and therefore it’d be fine.
In addition to all this, I had tweaked my ankle, nothing horrendous but enough that I needed Physio with Caroline at the clinic (however I never told her I was running a marathon, I will be back for more physio shortly!)
Now, this was my 20th marathon, and you would think I’d have this all figured out. Given all of the above, I was under no illusion that this was a PB race. The plan was just to enjoy the weekend away, take in the sights and cheer on Tom.
So I do not know why for some reason I was decided to ignore everything I ever knew and set off at a ridiculously fast pace. Now Copenhagen is FLAT. And It felt good to be flying round the streets getting cheered on. But what did not feel good is from around 15KM onwards, blowing up, everything on fire and with every stride wanting it all to be over.
My PB at Manchester was 03:13, and I was turning those legs on course for a 03:05 something. Haha. The rest of the “race” was horrendous. I gutted it out, counting down the miles. When really I should have just been cruising and taking in the sights.
Why I set off that fast, I have no idea. In the end I was just happy to finish.
Whilst it wasn't the joyful experience I wanted (but caught a wicked tan from the sun melting us into the ground) I did take away some valuable lessons from this, and also from Manchester to help building into an Autumn marathon PB. The goal is to try and get under that magical 03:00:00 hour mark, so I'm grateful to have these experiences now and learn from them, even though at 20 marathons in you really would think not setting off too fast would have been rule number 1. Haha.
Next we have Tom
Mix Emotions.
Firstly before I waffle about my race experience, I’d like to thank Dave and Jenny at Blizard for the build up into this marathon. Without there support I’m not sure I’d be even running still after the time away. The training group at Blizard are a massive part of why I return each week. The whole community is just valued and everything a runner needs in the build up.
I sit here writing this report on the Monday and i find my self reflecting on the ‘journey’ the Marathon build up had successfully gotten me into the shape I always knew I was capable of. Going to see Dave back in October we set plans across 10k and the half and achieving these allowed me to feel confident and believe in my own ability (Maybe to much). I’m a very keen runner and very passionate.
We built a plan together and the training was working, I found all the key sessions a success and always walking away thinking wow this is my year. Copenhagen was the year of my 30th and always wanted to do a great marathon time in my 30th birthday year. Katie my better half booked me onto the race.
Not along after booking I received confirmation I was able to get an elite entry. Wowww this experience was amazing. Bottle tables, technical meetings and name on the number. I was just overwhelmed at the whole process.
The race morning came around and I’d dropped my bottles and put on my Blizard vest with pride. I was hoping the legs would be kind to me on the day. The first 8 miles ticked by fast and very well. I was feeling great. I felt comfy and was using the crowds. Mile 9 and 10 began to get very hard. Pain in the side on my tummy and my plan switched getting around in around 2.45. The next 18 miles ticked by and felt ok. Nothing special, at Mile 23 the pain was bad and my legs and head started to give up also. I’d used all my bottles and Gels and my body just didn’t want to go no further. Mile 25 and 26 which possible the worst running days I’d ever experience. However I finished and that I’m proud of. It might not have been the time I wanted or deserved but only a year ago I wasn’t running coming back from 7 operations I’m taking it as I finished and I’m proud of that.
For now i rest and Recover, take some time away from running and come back stronger. I have unfinished business with that marathon and cant face finishing my 30th birthday year disappointed.
Thank you all. Hope you enjoyed reading. Look forward to bringing you a successful result very soon.
Tom
