Running

[Russ Greaves]

Kelvin Kiptum’s death is a terrible loss. He had already done remarkable things and doubtless would have achieved much more. He was one of the most exceptional athletes on the planet in any sport - I don’t think many people realise how awesome a two-hour marathon is.

[lionel]

Feb 12, 2024 18:50:34 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Kelvin Kiptum’s death is a terrible loss. He had already done remarkable things and doubtless would have achieved much more. He was one of the most exceptional athletes on the planet in any sport - I don’t think many people realise how awesome a two-hour marathon is.

I was trying to define to my sister what the sub-two hour in race conditions meant. It's actually harder than you think as over 42k/26.2miles what's the real difference between 1:59 and 2:01. Also, Eluid Kipchoge has gone sub 2 in controlled conditions but it was still on his own steam- there was no mechanical or substance advantage.

I had to conclude that we like a clear barrier for greater impact. Therefore, the sub two hour marathon would compare to when the sub 10 barrier was broken in the 100 metres.

Kelvin Kiptum was one of those athletes who made it look easy by making crazy quick times look like a 10k jog and chat.
He was a 'once in a generation' talent but above all it's just terribly sad.

I hope the Marathon will recognise his loss in some way.

[Russ Greaves]

Kiptum said he didn’t feel any pain or even discomfort in his world-record marathon effort. That’s insane if true, although it would go some way to explaining how he was able to push himself to such an incredible level of performance.

I see pain tolerance as a fundamental part of running - ultimately, if you want to run anywhere close to your potential, you have to be willing to tolerate a significant level of discomfort. The idea that you could achieve a 2hr marathon without that is, well, unbelievable!

[imp566]

When you consider that running a 2 hour marathon is equivalent to running 26 miles at an average of just over 4 1/2 minute miles it is mind blowing.

[Russ Greaves]

Cambridge half marathon on Sunday. Weather forecast looks favourable at the moment. If I can’t blame the course or conditions, I’ll have to mention the viral infection I’m nursing at the moment! Hopefully fighting fit for the weekend because I really want to have a good go.

[Russ Greaves]

Well that didn’t go to plan - my first DNF. I’ve had some terrible races but never pulled up before. It was the right decision though.

Some others I know who were running it had a fantastic race and it was a great day for it. Course record even went (64 mins or thereabouts - incredible).

[buddha12]

Sorry to hear that Russ, well done to all those who took part, raised a lot for charity (£650k estimated), achieved or bettered personal goals. Was good to see so many running in United shirts too!

[spyros]

Mar 3, 2024 22:01:30 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Well that didn’t go to plan - my first DNF. I’ve had some terrible races but never pulled up before. It was the right decision though.

Sorry about that, Russ. I dropped out somewhere around Arbury the first time I ran the Boundary Marathon - drives you mad for a few days, then you soon get over it.

Sensible decison given London in eight weeks' time?

[Russ Greaves]

Certainly had London in mind when I stepped off the course after 4 miles. I’ve had/got an infection but felt largely fine so gave it a go, but my heart rate was hugely elevated beyond the norm and didn’t come down when I eased the pace - a sure sign I needed a rest and not a half marathon!

Disappointed because the conditions were excellent and the atmosphere was superb as ever. Next year…

[sneakyfate]

I didn't even start the half marathon, I pulled out on Thursday. It had been looking doubtful for a while after a combination of illness and injury had seriously curtailed my training since the new year. I was hoping to just jog round in survival mode, but as I hadn't managed more than 15km this year (and that was an awful run as I had a virus) I decided it wouldn't be a good idea to even attempt the distance. I did a nice 10km in Edinburgh on Saturday instead, including Edinburgh parkrun - it happens to be 2.5km from my daughter and son-in-law's house to the start, though the "jog" back afterwards includes a significant hill! Hope you recover in time for London, Russ.

[lionel]

Feb 17, 2024 19:05:53 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Kiptum said he didn’t feel any pain or even discomfort in his world-record marathon effort. That’s insane if true, although it would go some way to explaining how he was able to push himself to such an incredible level of performance.

I see pain tolerance as a fundamental part of running - ultimately, if you want to run anywhere close to your potential, you have to be willing to tolerate a significant level of discomfort. The idea that you could achieve a 2hr marathon without that is, well, unbelievable!

So true, my quicker times usually happen when I'm in good shape and looking forward to the tough miles. The slower times happen when I'm wanting to protect myself.

Since switching to triathlon; the run has become a weird combination of survival but also acceptance of pain so you can just push.

[lionel]

It's better to take a dnf than putting yourself in trouble. Sensible decision.

[GBC]

I did manage the Cambridge Half, in a respectable-for-me 2 hours 23 minutes. I think I even saw Russ at one point.

I planned on a lazy week after that, but getting the running shoes on again is proving a challenge.

Looking to do a 5km plod today, and where better to publicly commit to it than here?

[Russ Greaves]

Good work. My name is actually on the results with a time of 2.33.39 (slower than my target for the London Marathon!), despite the fact I contacted them to say I didn't run the full race. I did, however, cross the finish line as I joined in for the last couple of miles with a friend.

I think I am just now back to full health after that debacle. It really should have been a DNS rather than a DNF, but I know if I went back to that same point a thousand times, I'd start that race 999 times.

Just 38 days until London...

[mn1970]

My grandson ,a lifelong U,s fan is running his first Marathon this Sunday in Seoul. Just wanted to wish him good luck on here.