Run a marathon in under 3 hours.

“I knew that I was above target and was still feeling good. At about 27km the crowds thickened and the noise was electric. The headwind was relentless and I felt the pace slow on the group. I thought this was my moment to push on and keep going. I edged away with 2 others and we worked together for the next few km. Then at 32km I started to feel fatigued. I knew I was going I to unknown territory at this point and suddenly I started to panic. My left hamstring started to tighten a little. 34km and I felt the dreaded wall. I just knew I had to keep going. I took another gel but by this point I was on my own. I turned at 37km into an exposed 3km headwind section and had a rough time. My pace was dropping significantly. My 35-40km split was 22.30. Eventually we turned back to the finish and I summoned what I had left (which was very little) to just squeeze under 2.50 with a 2.49.36.”

“I dont remember much between 16–20 besides feeling like Matt wanted to push on and i was happy at the pace we were on. At 20 Matt did end up slowly pulling away. This was the last thing i wanted to happen really as its the quietest point on the course and i need that support with 6 miles left to go. I started to feel that my energy levels were starting to go but i carried on at the pace i was at. Looking back now i should of taken on some energy gels at this point to have seen my through to the finish. It was at 24 miles that i hit the wall and felt i had nothing left in the tank. You can never predict when the wall will hit and i went from feeling ok to feeling like i maybe won’t finish. I did walk for a little bit after the drinks station just to compose myself. Mile 24 was the slowest by far at 08:05. I felt that if i could somehow keep going i had enough in the bank from the first 24 files. I knew looking at my watch turning onto the road i knew that unless i crawled i would dip under the 3 hour mark. I crossed the line in 2:59:29. 31 seconds under my target.”