Managing back pain so the first rep was slow as I was avoiding sharp twinges. I tried to quicken cadence and concentrate on smooth form, and sped up to my actual target pace. The last two reps I was under target pace. The fitness is there and the pace is close. I just have to manage this sciatica.
By the way Valencia marathon put me in the 5hr 30’ plus wave because they had a problem with the London marathon link I’d sent. I sent it again and they then put me in the 3 hr 45’ wave.
Fortunately I was able to use my recent Paddock Wood HM time and finally they have moved me to the 3hr 12’ – 3hr 30’ band. All good.
Well done Conal, glad the back held up ok and was impressed with the pace in those last few reps. I had the experience of running in the last wave on Sunday. Wasn’t too bad at first as I was going at my easy pace but as the run went on it got worse as more and more of them started to walk. So it’s definitely good to get yourself in the right wave, otherwise you’d have no chance of getting the time you wanted.