My first Marathon

Today I completed the Brighton Marathon in 3:42:56. It was my first ever marathon and the first time I have run over 21 miles.

My plan was to run a steady 8:30 and come in at 3:45, but to allow myself some leeway depending on how I was feeling.

It started off really well - at the 13.1 (half way) mark I was at 1:48 minutes and felt as if I could keep going at my current pace of 8:17 minute miles.

Around the 16 mile mark I started to get tired, but knowing that I had less than 10 miles to go I wasn't too worried: the half marathons I had run before always had a tough bit somewhere in the middle but the last 3 or 4 miles I would shake it off and cruise home: I let my speed slow a little to recover and by mile 20 I was down to 8:45's and it was tough - my thighs started to stiffen up and whilst I could keep going it felt as if my joints needed greasing - everything was hard work to move.

With three miles left I tried to pick it back up again but only managed a mile at 8:30 before dropping back to an 8:45 and was working using raw will power keep me moving.

I am very happy with my time - and elated to have made it across the line. A few lessons learnt on the way for next time (whenever that may be) but overall a good day.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/168541903