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A sunny day in Milton Keynes, with the hint of cloud to keep
us runners cool on the way around a varied road/path route
around the town. We set off at 10am, heading over several
roundabouts before a series of switchbacks in the centre,
which was good as it gave us the chance to spot fellow
runners before and after us. At about 7 miles of this we
left the road and joined the redway - a series of cycle-
paths that crisscross MK. At 11 miles I got an unusual
glimpse of Caldecotte Lake as we skirted the north of my
usual marathon haunt here.
I had planned today with more care than usual - not wanting
to get drawn into a too-comfortable 10-min-miling only to
suffer later on (especially since there were half
marathoners on the route today also). I stuck with the 4:45
pacer (well a little in front up until about mile 14). And
this worked a treat as I hit halfway at 2:21. Heading out to
Willen Lake (another location of a recent marathon) we
joined the canal towpath for a while, before running over a
hump-back bridge to rejoin the cycle paths. The going got
tougher from about mile 18, but my friend Paul (the 4:45
pacer, celebrating his 100th marathon today) kept me going
with his steady pacing and unending encouragement.
Unexpected hills at Mile 22 and 24 added to the pain, but I
was determined not to tail off. I wanted to beat my recent
times where I've suffered and slowed to finish in 4:50-4:53.
And the plan worked. At last the MK Dons stadium was in
sight (although at the entrance to the stadium itself, my
Garmin clocked up 26.2 miles), just a lap of the pitch to
finish in... 4:41:52! Paul had promised me a 4:42 finish,
and he was as good as his word. 100 club celebrations for
him after (with champagne & cake), a quick massage and then
off home - grabbing steak & chips on the way back. Perfect
Bank Holiday :) |
