Author Topic: London Marathon 2021 (Read 1900 times)

Polar Bear · « **on:** 08 February, 2021, 02:35:48 pm »

Didn't get a place in the ballot. Disappointed but it means that I'm not beating myself up now for not running in what are dangerous conditions for me today.

It will not deter me from running in any way but I would have loved adding another London Marathon medal to my collection from the late eighties and early nineties.

Hot Flatus · « **Reply #1 on:** 08 February, 2021, 05:31:27 pm »

There's always 2022, Mike. I'm thinking about it, but it is a question of whether I can avoid injury, and work my distance up to 26 miles.

I've just done some shit maths and if I increase my long weekly run by 10% in distance each week I should get up to 26 miles in about 10-12 weeks. That seems unfeasible at the moment, so having over a year to get there could be possible. I'll see you on the start line. I'll be the one dressed up as a narwhal.

Polar Bear · « **Reply #2 on:** 08 February, 2021, 05:40:23 pm »

Nahwal eh. That I would like to see.

October 3rd was a bit optimistic anyway given that I would have been doing some of my longest runs during the heat of summer. April 2022 sounds far more realistic although I will probably look further afield and try for either an event in Europe or perhaps a "less popular" event in the UK.

I will be 60 in 2023 and have something a little different in the back of my mind for that.

Hot Flatus · « **Reply #3 on:** 08 February, 2021, 05:45:19 pm »

I've just been looking at the 'find a run' website. There is the Bath Marathon in late July. It says it is hilly. Would I be mental to attempt this? Or would it focus my mind...

Polar Bear · « **Reply #4 on:** 08 February, 2021, 05:54:44 pm »

That would be a bit too early for me.

Andy W · « **Reply #5 on:** 08 February, 2021, 05:55:33 pm »

I didn't get a place on VLM so have entered the Bedford marathon 17 October 2021. Venue Thurleigh Airfield and is a fast flat course. I'm just 60 so still young enough to train hard. At least thats what my mind says .

sojournermike · « **Reply #6 on:** 08 February, 2021, 06:07:48 pm »

I was going to say that sounds like a lucky escape, but it seems there are more madmen around than I thought. Can’t imagine why’d you go to London for a 🏃‍♂️

Sorry PB - hope you get in in 22, which is probably more likely to take place.

Still enjoy the running meanwhile and we can rabbit in about the metaphysics and poetry all year:)

Polar Bear · « **Reply #7 on:** 08 February, 2021, 06:17:21 pm »

Quote from: Andy W on 08 February, 2021, 05:55:33 pm

I didn't get a place on VLM so have entered the Bedford marathon 17 October 2021. Venue Thurleigh Airfield and is a fast flat course. I'm just 60 so still young enough to train hard. At least thats what my mind says .

Depending on how the training goes that could be a worthy substitute.

I have already had thoughts about the Bournemouth and Rugby half marathons which are also in October. And there is also the Manchester Marathon in October as well.

Why am I looking at alternative events?

Davef · « **Reply #8 on:** 08 February, 2021, 06:51:22 pm »

Manchester marathon is flat, has places available and is in October. Entries close on Wednesday.

Edit: Thurleigh is fast - I have my fasted 5k there at 18:31, but it could be tedious for a marathon.

fuaran · « **Reply #9 on:** 08 February, 2021, 06:56:01 pm »

There are other ways of getting a place at London, with better odds than the ballot.

Or plenty of other marathons around. Seems most events this year have been rescheduled for September/October.

Polar Bear · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 February, 2021, 02:27:30 pm »

I received a Virgin Money London Marathon training jacket in the post this morning. I think that I would have preferred a place in the event though.

zigzag · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 February, 2021, 02:47:00 pm »

no luck for me either this year (as in many previous years). which gives me freedom of running whenever i feel like

bikepacker · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 February, 2021, 04:01:25 pm »

My daughter didn't get place in the ballot. Running with a broken back may take up an offer of a place from the Spinal Injuries charity.

Beardy · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 February, 2021, 05:13:56 pm »

I’m another VLM reject, but I received a reasonable jacket in the post from them for some reason. I’m not unhappy given my training status and my desire to avoid organised people events this year. I’ll try again next year, but as I’m 60 in a few weeks, I’m getting passed it a bit now.

Polar Bear · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 February, 2021, 10:46:06 pm »

Rubbish Beardy. Age is not a barrier.

I have vague plans for a southern hemisphere marathon in my 61st year.

Polar Bear · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 February, 2021, 03:33:46 pm »

I have settled on targeting a couple of half marathons in October. I will have taken my longer runs well beyond the distance by then so I should be able to enjoy the events. After that I will be marathon training with an eye to April 2022.

fuaran · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 February, 2021, 04:36:21 pm »

If you're old enough, could be easier to get a good for age place.

loadsabikes · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 February, 2021, 06:14:44 pm »

Have you seen the GFA times!

They should be fantastic for age!!

Polar Bear · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 February, 2021, 06:42:39 pm »

I think that if you stuck a 1 in front of those GFA times I might just about manage them!

Lightning Phil · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 February, 2021, 07:39:44 pm »

I remember a colleague, 59 years old at the time, used to do around 2:54 for London marathons consistently each year.

Author Topic: London Marathon 2021 (Read 1900 times)

Davef