8,160
edits
Changes
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
m
no edit summary
* The [[Downhill Intervals]] on [http://www.dailymile.com/people/JonathanS/entries/4180356 Monday] paid huge dividends on the race. I manage to find ‘the flow’ on Monday, with an improved stride and efficiency. While the race was at a tough pace for me, it was also smooth and, for want of a better term, 'comfortable'.
* Taking six gels and some sports drink provided some extra fuel. I think I would have bonked at that pace without the extra carbohydrate. (Yes, I followed my own advice from [[When to eat Energy Gels in the Marathon]].)
* I think that the [[Altitude Training]] ([[AltoLab]]) made a difference. It’s hard to be sure with something that you use over many days, as the changes are gradual, but I think it’s worth it. At the very least, I’m used to the feeling of stressed breathing [[Breathing]] and mild hypoxia that you find with hard running.
* I managed not to overdress at the start of the race. I hate being cold, and being skinny, I get cold quick. Even in the 2-3 minutes before the race started, I was shivering, but I was the right temperature within a mile or so.
==What went badly==
* My only significant issue was my left calf wanted to cramp. It never actually went into a full cramp, but I had to focus on keeping it relaxed and it was quite painful. I suspect this is a side effect of the improved biomechanics from the downhill, as I am aware of using my calf muscles more. This just goes to prove [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_ain%27t_no_such_thing_as_a_free_lunch TANSTAAFL].