Notes
Training was good in February and early March, then some dips due to birthday weekend in Denmark and other travelling. Only had the 20 mile race (2:11) as marker beforehand, but plan was to aim for a 1:26 half and then either hold on for a small PB or push for getting close to 2:50. Turned out to be the first scenario: splits were great and even up until 20k, then I probably pushed a little too hard after the halfway point (20-30k in 40:14!) imagining I could get a 2:51. Ran out of steam around 35k, but kept on posting decent mile splits so figured 2:53 was still realistic. Was struggling with the maths, but realised that I probably had a shot at getting under 2:53, pushed hard last 800m, but just couldn't find those two extra seconds. Still happy with a 2 min PB.
First half in 1:26:19, second half in 1:26:42. Must count as another even split marathon. For comparison my previous PB was run in 1:27:42 and 1:27:33.
Few pints afterwards, then a burrito bowl, home to take a shower and off to Heathrow to fly to Berlin!