Brathay Windermere Marathon |
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0fficial Results |
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On Friday, Sylvia and I returned to Windermere to support this years group
undertaking 10 marathons in 10 days and on Sunday I would join them and 800
others for the Brathay Windermere Marathon. It brought back a lot of memories
seeing the 18 Ten In Ten runners making their way around the course for days 8
and 9. They were patched up and put together by the physios and it made me
realise again just how well Jayson Shaw did with his 8 marathons. There are
plenty of tales of pain and triumph on the blogs (http://www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk/blog.aspx)
and video diaries (http://www.cumbrialive.tv/brathay10in10/).
We certainly witnessed some pain and I hope that we managed to help in some
small way.
On Saturday night we took ourselves to the pub for pre race nutrition and in
classic small world fashion found the only other Bedford Harrier at the next
table. I have to confess that Simon's drink (or at least the one I heard him
order) was far more appropriate for the next day's activity than mine. On Sunday
the sun came out to show the Lake district at it's best and for a while it
looked as though it might be a bit warm for running a marathon. Thankfully much
of the first half of the course is shaded as it runs through wooded hills. We
saw the 10 in 10 runners off for their last lap of the lake and an hour later we
followed the street drum band down the hill to the start line to give chase.
About half a mile in Simon came past and asked if I had a time in mind. I
replied no but between 4 and 4:30 would keep me happy. In other words I wanted a
sub 4.
Having run the course 13 times I know it fairly intimately and I have a good
idea of how I think it needs to be run. The first half of the course down to
Newby Bridge is undulating but there is only the one major hill. This part is
really about not getting carried away and maintaining a relaxed pace. A check of
the watch at Newby Bridge told me a decent sub 4 was a distinct possibility.
After this there are a series of switchbacks over about 3 miles and this is
where the race is run or lost. I'm still unsure just how many hills there are
but I reckon either 5 or 6. I came through them in good shape but soon after my
energy reserves ran out. I'd had my only two gels but now I had to struggle to
the next refreshment station where I dived upon the Kendal Mint Cake and the
energy drink. I'd lost time though and this was confirmed as I checked my watch
going though Bowness. Still, I hadn't come this far to give up and some rather
dodgy maths said it was still possible despite at least three muscles that were
threatening strike action. I ran up Ice Cream Mountain and decided to forgo the
ice cream this year as the mint cake was kicking in and I'd managed to lengthen
my stride. I paused briefly to wish a couple of the 10 in 10 runners well and
was pleased that they had all got so far because it meant they would be back in
time for the presentations. Just the final hill up to Brathay Hall and then the
best finish of any marathon I know on the front lawn; a runway lined with people
(I spotted Sylvia) and the lake as a backdrop.
We'll be going back next year - anyone care to join us and help support a really
good charity too?
Noel
p.s. 98 down, 2 to go.
http://www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk/results.aspx