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  • warning: Parameter 2 to gmap_gmap() expected to be a reference, value given in /usr/www/users/fitnesy/includes/module.inc on line 483.
  • warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /usr/www/users/fitnesy/sites/all/modules/gmap/gmap.module:2) in /usr/www/users/fitnesy/includes/common.inc on line 148.
  • warning: Parameter 2 to gmap_gmap() expected to be a reference, value given in /usr/www/users/fitnesy/includes/module.inc on line 483.

Going the extra mile

Submitted by capoyeti on Wed, 2010-04-21 19:44

How far will you go for a PB! A number of our runners proved that they are prepared to go that extra bit to run faster than they have ever run before. And I don’t mean the extra miles in training, although sometimes that does help, but rather doing what it takes to make the success of their race.

  • Follow the program.  Without having a progressive plan, and then following it, success will be very hard to achieve!
  • Find the right route.  I have always maintained that it’s worthwhile driving a bit to get to the most appropriate route.  In the early eighties I was in reasonable shape and new that if I made the trip from Jo’burg to visit a friend in Stellenbosch, a 10 km PB was a real possibility.  I was not top fit but able to do 34min for 10km at that stage.  I knew I had a minute to play with when racing at the coast, and true to form, I managed to break 33 min down at the coast!  For the same reason do I normally suggest a trip to the Vaal marathon as I know the route is very racing friendly.  Okay, so you do have to get up that much earlier, but then again, how far will you drive for a PB!
  • Follow the race plan.  Tim Noakes has long maintained that for every minute you go out too fast the first half of a marathon, you pay for with 3 min during the second half.  Fast route or not, if you don’t apply a good dose of restraint the first half, you will pay for it the second half!  I spoke to several runners who ran negative splits at the race, proving not only that it’s possible, but the best way to do it!
  • Fight for it!  Once you have complied with the three points above, not all has been said and done!  It’s a marathon after all, and marathons are tough.  The last 10 km will require some hanging in, and how much you are prepared to fight for it, will determine how much you are able to squeeze out of the clock on the big day!

Well done to all our runners who ran maiden marathon events, who ran PB’s and who were prepared to fight for it to the very end!!