I ran Manchester Marathon 2023 because I love running, because I was ready, and I also ran it for the medal. I was both externally and intrinsically motivated to complete, but not really to to compete.
My taper went not very well. All other aspects of the training, in the four months up to the taper, went very well. But I lost most of my fitness in those last two weeks, despite going to the gym to 'maintain' in the first week of the two week taper.
The crowds were amazing, and the first few miles through Manchester city centre were wonderful. Even up to halfway, this was a great run. The whole thing was excellent and great fun.
After mile 14 I did a speed walk, and by the last few miles I was walking as fast as many of the runners. I had a definite momentum. This made a great ultra-training run.
I got around the course in a speedy 5 hours and 14 minutes, a bit quicker than anticipated. There were loads of people around me the whole time, and lots of interaction. This made the whole thing much more fulfilling and satisfying than yet another long training run.
Manchester Marathon is unforgettable for the people, the music, and the surroundings. Around Altrincham the crowd roar was like what I remember hearing around Cutty in London.
My big challenge now is to figure out how to recover well, and it means resting. I did a recovery run today, and will rest tomorrow, and maybe even for the rest of the week. My A race is Race to the Stones 8-9 July, so I've got to save myself for that.
I would recommend Manchester to anyone who likes to do this distance though.
