GFA - talent, quantity, quality, diet?

13 watchers

Marts Apr 2012 8:41am, 30 Apr 2012 3,539 posts	0 Marts Correct pacing on race day is massive too. For me a 2nd half within 2 mins of an evenly run 1st half. Loads of people miss targets by poor pacing. A 3:10 clocking needs an even 1st half of 1:33:30-1:34:30, but lots of people set out running 1:30:00 pace to get some time in the bank and finish doing 3:18-3:25.
Marts Apr 2012 8:48am, 30 Apr 2012 3,540 posts	0 Marts Meant too add. Having gone through half way in 1:33-1:34 but already been slowing for a few miles.
Gobi Apr 2012 9:05am, 30 Apr 2012 47,330 posts	0 Gobi or you can get a coach :¬) Marts - Would even say that sub 1.34 is too fast. When I paced the 3.10 group at Brighton we past half way in 1.34 and a number of seconds coming home in 3.09.47 which allowed me a small window to slow and encourage people.
DeeGee Apr 2012 9:22am, 30 Apr 2012 11,723 posts	0 DeeGee A sub 1:34 half has to be my first aim. I've done i once as pat of a longer race. I'd have a go at that in Scunthorpe this weekend if I wasn't giving blood tonight.
Naomi P Apr 2012 9:23am, 30 Apr 2012 9,911 posts	0 Naomi P Best way for DeeGee to get a GFA place is to change gender. Women's times are far too soft to be compared to men's but I suppose what they're doing is trying to encourage more women into the event. Seriously though, I think you're capable of a gfa place. You don't need a coach or even a club if you can provide your own discipline and read around enough to come up with your own considered schedule. It does take more miles and commitment than many of us can be arsed however.
Springer Apr 2012 9:57am, 30 Apr 2012 174 posts	0 Springer The only thing I would add is belief. I know better runners than me or at least harder working runners, who can't get below 3 hours and I think it's because they have a psychological barrier to it. So whatever your goal you have to sign up to it physically and mentally. That might sound a bit Billy Graham but if you want to do it I really believe you mustnt just think its a physical training thing. That's meant to be encouraging by the way and not off putting!
DeeGee Apr 2012 11:58am, 30 Apr 2012 11,725 posts	0 DeeGee I certainly understand the "belief" idea.
Caterpillar Apr 2012 12:05pm, 30 Apr 2012 6,886 posts	0 Caterpillar My advice is - be over 60. It's ridiculous to have to manage 3:15 at the age of 59, when a 25 year old only has to do 3:10. I am pinning my hopes on getting old as well as getting faster than 3:30. 3:15 ain't ever gonna happen.
TRO Saracen Apr 2012 12:20pm, 30 Apr 2012 6,363 posts	0 TRO Saracen Don't really buy this 'it's impossible' theory. Most of us amateurs are not so highly trained as to be butted up against an insurmountable obstacle re ability, age etc, so there is 99% certain to be a way of getting there. You just have to figure out what it is and how to get round it, then decide wheth you are prepared to make that commitment. As someone self trained, part of the fun and satisfaction of doing this sport, for me, is surmounting these obstacles.
touche turtle Apr 2012 12:30pm, 30 Apr 2012 241 posts	0 touche turtle Blimey im shocked that a man up to the age of 59 has to run a 3:15 !! I agree with Naomi and JB that the womens target is set to give a decent ratio of men/woman field at VLM, but it dosent seem very encouraging for the older runners.