I approached VLM bravely. I lost nearly two weeks of training in mid March due to a quad issue, meaning I missed out on a couple of long runs and track sessions. This meant I wasn't quite sure what form I was in coming into VLM. Running 100 miles during the first six days of my Easter holiday at least gave me some confidence everything would hold up.
I was expecting to run 2:32 / 2:33, but planned to go through half way in 75:00 and then see what would happen. I'd normally aim for a negative split, or as close to even as possible, but this time thought I'd gamble and see what would happen.
I made the most of the tailwinds and downhill in the first 5 km and thereafter settled into a more sensible pace. People I knew were going for 2:30 passed me but I opted to let them go as I knew I didn't want to run any quicker over the first half. I got to half way in 74:33 and still felt decent but turning into the wind at the bottom of the Isle of Dogs made me quickly re-evaluate things. I wasn't losing ground to people around me, so it was clear everyone was slowing a bit.
After Canary Wharf I realised I wouldn't be able to keep up the pace and it started to slow. But at least I clung on for 2:34:27, which was a ~30 second PB.
As always it was a fantastic day. I loved spotting so many friends out on the course cheering on the runners, and also sharing the road with loads of friends, a number of whom ran massive PBs. The start was just one massive social of catching up with people.
I didn't see Greenbank but dumped into Oranj at the finish who had had a good time by all accounts.
It goes without saying I'll be back next year.