Barcelona Marathon 2023 - Bueno y malo
What an extraordinary experience the Barcelona Marathon was! Although I didn't achieve the exact time I'd hoped for, I certainly got what I deserved. Over the 12 weeks training block, I covered an 750km in 65 hours, and my preparations were going well (maybe too well) until three weeks before the race, my old body gave up on me. Was the sub 3 dream in tatters?
Remarkably the only two injuries I have had in the last 2 years have been caused by sitting! After 4 four hours sat down on a flight back from Gran Canaria, my back tightened up. As I stood up to disembark the plane I immediately knew that that something was up. I had been aiming for a personal best at the Brighton Half Marathon the following weekend, but knew that was going to be a big ask and had to stop at 8km to protect the hip and hope it healed for the marathon!
The last two weeks of the block felt like two years (see my article on tapering) but finally Saturday the 18th arrived and I was awake at 5am (45mins before my alarm) and headed to Gatwick for a 9 AM flight. I joined up with some of the Tribe Freedom Foundation crew (who I was fundraising for), making the journey more enjoyable and providing a chance to catch up with familiar faces. Upon landing, we took a leisurely stroll to the expo to pick up our race bibs. In hindsight, taking the metro would have been more efficient, allowing time for a nap and some food.
On race day, I woke up at 5:30 AM and devoured a bagel topped with banana and Nutella—my tried and trusted race day breakfast—before sneaking in another 45 minutes of sleep. The hotel lobby was buzzing with anticipation, and despite my lack of confidence, I felt at ease. Those who know me understand that I tackle challenges fearlessly. I had a clear race plan and intended to execute it as best as possible.
The starting line was exhilarating! It's a rare opportunity to begin a major city marathon so far forward that you can see the elite runners. We crossed the start line to a live rendition of Freddie Mercury's Barcelona Olympic song, and that's when reality set in.
I had divided my race into 5km segments, aiming for a sub-3-hour finish, which equates to 21 minutes per 5k (with the last 2k taking care of themselves):
0-5km (4:09/km, 20:54)
A smooth start to the race, with the early course being congested, forcing me to maintain a steady pace. I stuck with the 3-hour pacing group up to the 5km mark before moving on.
5-10km (4:03/km, 20:54)
I picked up the pace to stay ahead of the 3-hour pacing crew, as I knew they targeted a 2:59 finish, and I wanted to finish slightly faster.
10-15km (4:07/km, 20:43)
Feeling great, I spotted Chris Zair (a RFL3 legend), which boosted my morale. At this point, a sub-3-hour finish seemed achievable, and my hip hadn't caused any issues.
15-20km (4:11/km, 21:04)
Reality set in as I entered a challenging uphill section. I eased back, knowing that finishing this part meant I was almost halfway there.
20km till the end
Sadly, the wheels fell off. A sudden jolt in my hip left me run-limping for 500m. Despite trying to ride it out, the remainder of the race was a painful struggle, and my sub-3 dream vanished.
Despite the outcome, I'd rather push myself to the limit than cruise through the race. A 3:30 finish is still commendable, and it was a personal best. Am I happy with it? Somewhat!
I realized I'm faster than I ever thought possible. The me from 2018, who ran my first marathon, would have scoffed at the idea of attempting a sub-3 marathon. However, I managed to execute my race plan almost perfectly before the injury took hold. This experience has taught me that not only do I possess the speed, but I also have the discipline to stick to a consistent pace plan. With this newfound knowledge, I eagerly anticipate my next race, ready to embrace the challenges and push myself even further!
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An estimated 50 million people live in modern slavery worldwide with over 100,000 victims in the UK. Victims are trapped making clothes, picking our crops and working in factories. They can be forced to become sex workers or work in houses as cooks, cleaners or nannies. Victims are unable to leave their situation of exploitation controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion and deception. TRIBE Freedom Foundation is on a mission to fight modern slavery and end human trafficking.
They work by raising awareness of trafficking, supporting survivors and enabling frontline projects to prevent modern slavery. They empower communities to create an impact. Right now, global events inc. climate change, the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to destabilise already fragile communities and contribute to a heightened risk of exploitation. Your support could not be more important! Learn more at: https://tribefreedomfoundation.com/blog
