On Sun May 25 (Argentina’s independence day freedom fans) I ran Liverpool rock n roll marathon my 28th full, cracking conditions overcast no wind after usual power breakfast= ambrosia rice cold from tin and a hardboiled egg (natures energy gel) I set off from corral 2 in the Albert Dock 9am (commentator insisted on calling them corals, standards man!!).
The course was great taking in both LFC and Everton’s grounds and 4 parks (of which Stanley park by Anfield is a Victorian gem civic amenity enthusiants!) also passing the cities celebrated 3 graces and new musuem of Liverpool.The scouse crowd ‘stood’ four square with the runners and even affected comedy accents to help bolster our depleted energy reserves, seriously they were a warm enthusiastic lot, full marks from me.
My splits were 10mls- 72min , 13.1mls- 1.35 so i knew that all I had to do was MAINTAIN MAINTAIN! and a good run was possible I have never been one for raceday target plans and strategies preferring instead to rely on the old, old military wisdom that no plan survives contact with the enemy intact so just gut it out instead. Things went a bit awry at 20.5 miles when i vomited a funny coloured geyser of energy drink into a convenient roadside skip (Gilo again you are leading the way- trendsetter!)
Damn lost 2 min there but immediately rallied in body/mind and cracked on just 2 parkruns knocked together and I am home for booze and medals it can’t break me I am too stupid for such luxurys. I finished in 3.30.07 a new PB exactly 3 yrs since Edinburgh ’11 when set old one I was ill again just over the line didnt care totally euphoric and rehydrated with the frosty, foamy pint of Cobra beer that every finisher got, in all honesty the best day of my running life *****highly recommended.
by Stef Durkin (York Knavesmire Runner and sportswear addict}