New York
Absolutely amazing city, really, really great fun, it was like being on a film set and seeing all of the buildings etc you see in all the blockbusters. Grand Central Station, Rockerfellar, Fifth Av, Wall Street, Flat Iron Building, Central Park, Yellow Taxis, Hot Dog Stands, Steam form the manholes (sorry, I am going on a bit!!). My wife and I walked miles, and miles, which is not the thing I was advising runners to do when I worked at the New York Marathon Expo on the Pace Team stand, but through experience you learn what you can get away with. But, I was still a bit knackered when I lined up on the start line as the 4:10 pacer at NYC Mara, and coming from next to no training for the whle of October was not ideal. I was lucky enough to pace with Sandra (UK runner, international athlete, Husky runner and all round superstar) whom I already knew and we had a great time, although due to the size of the field (47,000) it is a REALLY tough course to pace, as we had been warned. But we both ran 4:09.43 or so, so pretty much nailed it.
Met the lovely Darris, Star and Robin again fom the Pace Team and they really looked after us UK runners exceptionally well, I hope when they come over to the UK we can do as good a job. Can't wait to get out there again as my wife and I really enjoyed the whole NYC experience, especially the shopping!!
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| The lovely Sandra and I just about to pace the NYC Mara |
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| The Pacers just about to head off (lovely outfit Ian is wearing on far left!!) |
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| The very tall Rockefellar Building, we went to the 70th floor and viewed the Empire State building |
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| NYC skyline with the very impressive Empire State Building. |
Portsmouth Coastal Mara
In short, ran it as part of a normal training week. Had the work Xmas party on the Friday, which meant a little hungover on Saturday and then the race on Sunday, ideal prep, just like the elite athletes!! All went well, bumped into a few of the Brighton/NYC Pace Team, including the infamous Gobi, on the way round and ran a pretty solid 3:17.09 for 39th place. Lack of proper training meant the last 4miles I struggled and the headwind didn't help, but good solid finish to the year and sets me up well for 2012, which will be a big year in terms of challenges.
