And you’ve let no one down, not yourself and certainly not us! Onwards and upwards. I have no amazing insights into what the cramping problem is, but I’m sure you’ll work it out.
I tend to agree your reasoning for the cramps, strength training is fairly neglected by a lot of us runners especially because fueling is what you planned to do on the day. The only real thing I’d recommend is just a little bit of research where you’re lacking the most. Every now and then I head to my Physio And we test quad hammy and calf strength. Then the next thing to look at is do you go the heavy low reps route or a lot more bodyweight/plyometrics route or a mix of both. Keen to hear how you will end up deciding how you go about it and following the journey to get ready for the summer speed. Also just touching on that you feel you let people down, definitely don’t feel that way as you got out there and did the best you can, the cramps were out of your control on the day. 🫡
I had the exact same mate. Went for 2:45.. 21 miles in I thought to myself ive definitely got this. From the 22nd mile I had cramp all over my hammies and calves. The cramps stopped me in my tracks a number of times where I literally couldn't even walk. The worst feeling isn't it. you'll get it done next time lad.
Congrats on the PB mate. Remember that running is not all physical, and neither are cramps. Hopefully strength training will help, but consider working on your mental strength as well. Weird that you don’t cramp in training, but you have in your last 2 marathons. All love from the Gold Coast.
I know for me, what I tried to do the week leading up to Melb Marathon was ensure I was getting plenty of electrolytes for the 5-6 days prior and the morning of the race (had 2 Hydralyte tabs every day prior and on the morning of, I had a Maurten 320 drink mix). And I tried to ensure my fuelling was on point for that whole week (loads of high carb and healthy foods). Now fair enough I ran 2:54 so bit slower than you so those 6 mins will play a factor but I never even felt like cramp once. Took 5 gels during the race and water/Gatorade along the route. I cramped towards the end of Sydney 4 weeks ago (granted it's hillier) but I did nothing else different for Melbourne except prioritise the above. Plus I don't do strength training which I know I should so need to start, but maybe there's anything useful there as it worked for me. Great running regardless!
Try to not get down about it Dave. You're a proper runner and your results are epically good. You're just showing you care, that's all. Nothing wrong with ambition, and there will always be another race. On your cramps, pretty sure it's definitely not your fuelling mate. As you're saying it's the strength and conditioning. You have to do it over multiple months pre-race. Hand on heart do you do it every day? Even if it's just a bunch of static stretches for 5 minutes while you're watching TV. At your speeds you gotta do it...and finally, don't compare yourself with others! We're all different. And you're awesome. Go get it next time!!
What an effort mate! You say you feel unsatisfied but I reckon that’s just the warrior in you wanting more! With that mindset you’ll achieve all your goals mate, keep it up and keep inspiring us all! Well done 👍💪🏃
Regarding the cramping could there be a possibility where you are consuming too much of an amount of sodium causing an imbalance which is contributing to cramps (a bit of flushing your body from the stored salts)? I experienced this myself with unnecessary amounts of sodium consumption in lead up to race day and for the first time in my life experienced heavy cramping. Didn't manipulate too much this time around and ran a perfect race
Hey man, I reckon try getting a sweat test / sweat rate test done. I had similar issues, turns out I was over consuming too much sodium and it has the same (ish) effect as not enough sodium.
Hey Davo, there is absolutely no reason to be disappointed with a PB let alone a sub 3hr marathon. Im interested to hear what you think the best marathon is out of Melbourne, GC and Sydney?
You ran a great time, especially considering the cramping issues you had. In my opinion you made a number of mistakes with your preparation on the eve of the race that I hope you consider. Travelling the day before was a mistake. You should have gone down friday at the latest. You wasted a lot of time and energy on the Saturday and airline travel has a detrimental affect on hydration that no amount of salt tablets will fix. You wasted a lot of energy waiting around for the airbnb, looking for matcha lattes and then riding bikes around Melbourne. You could have eliminated all of this by arriving Friday and taking it easy Saturday and focusing on your hydration, diet, preparation and mental state. You were in great shape but needed to be perfect to hit your goal and these were holes in your prep. I hope you take this constructively and consider it for your next marathon. Its just what i noticed. I also ran Melbourne and the conditions were tough, particularly in the second half of the race with the wind, heat and hills. I'm from the GC and could definitely feel the heat. A negative split in those conditions was going to be tough, but not impossible. You showed tremendous mental strength to hang in there and finish the race in a great time. That will help your next crack. Remember these learnings!
The cramps could definitely be a strength issue which could be solved with a combination of gym and hills. It could also be worth doing a sweat test to see exactly how much electrolytes you should be taking in, precision nutrition & hydration offer this, it’s also worth carrying an emergency cramp fix/pickle juice in races 🥲
How very frustrating but kudos to you for fighting through to a great time! Well done.
And you’ve let no one down, not yourself and certainly not us! Onwards and upwards. I have no amazing insights into what the cramping problem is, but I’m sure you’ll work it out.
I really appreciate it thank you
I like your mantra. And also well done, that’s a really great time man
Thank you bro
I tend to agree your reasoning for the cramps, strength training is fairly neglected by a lot of us runners especially because fueling is what you planned to do on the day. The only real thing I’d recommend is just a little bit of research where you’re lacking the most. Every now and then I head to my Physio And we test quad hammy and calf strength. Then the next thing to look at is do you go the heavy low reps route or a lot more bodyweight/plyometrics route or a mix of both. Keen to hear how you will end up deciding how you go about it and following the journey to get ready for the summer speed. Also just touching on that you feel you let people down, definitely don’t feel that way as you got out there and did the best you can, the cramps were out of your control on the day. 🫡
That definitely seems like the way to go! In planning on getting some helper with it all so will definitely document it 🤝🏼
I had the exact same mate. Went for 2:45.. 21 miles in I thought to myself ive definitely got this. From the 22nd mile I had cramp all over my hammies and calves. The cramps stopped me in my tracks a number of times where I literally couldn't even walk. The worst feeling isn't it. you'll get it done next time lad.
Not a fun time 😅 I’m sorry to hear that mate
Have loved watching this series Dave! I’m glad you’ve come to terms with your result, because you should be bloody proud of it 🔥🔥
Thanks Phill 🤝🏼
Congrats on the PB mate. Remember that running is not all physical, and neither are cramps. Hopefully strength training will help, but consider working on your mental strength as well. Weird that you don’t cramp in training, but you have in your last 2 marathons. All love from the Gold Coast.
Definitely agree with marathons needing a lot of mental strength 🫡 thanks man
I know for me, what I tried to do the week leading up to Melb Marathon was ensure I was getting plenty of electrolytes for the 5-6 days prior and the morning of the race (had 2 Hydralyte tabs every day prior and on the morning of, I had a Maurten 320 drink mix). And I tried to ensure my fuelling was on point for that whole week (loads of high carb and healthy foods). Now fair enough I ran 2:54 so bit slower than you so those 6 mins will play a factor but I never even felt like cramp once. Took 5 gels during the race and water/Gatorade along the route. I cramped towards the end of Sydney 4 weeks ago (granted it's hillier) but I did nothing else different for Melbourne except prioritise the above. Plus I don't do strength training which I know I should so need to start, but maybe there's anything useful there as it worked for me. Great running regardless!
That sounds like a bloody good strategy, I’m going to need to up my game for the next marathon 100%. Thanks for the insights 🤝🏼
Try to not get down about it Dave. You're a proper runner and your results are epically good. You're just showing you care, that's all. Nothing wrong with ambition, and there will always be another race. On your cramps, pretty sure it's definitely not your fuelling mate. As you're saying it's the strength and conditioning. You have to do it over multiple months pre-race. Hand on heart do you do it every day? Even if it's just a bunch of static stretches for 5 minutes while you're watching TV. At your speeds you gotta do it...and finally, don't compare yourself with others! We're all different. And you're awesome. Go get it next time!!
Thanks man! Comparison is the thief of joy 🫡
Congrats on the run. Now lets get strong 💪. Embrace the hybrid life Dave
Let’s go!
What an effort mate! You say you feel unsatisfied but I reckon that’s just the warrior in you wanting more! With that mindset you’ll achieve all your goals mate, keep it up and keep inspiring us all! Well done 👍💪🏃
Well said! Thanks Mate
Regarding the cramping could there be a possibility where you are consuming too much of an amount of sodium causing an imbalance which is contributing to cramps (a bit of flushing your body from the stored salts)? I experienced this myself with unnecessary amounts of sodium consumption in lead up to race day and for the first time in my life experienced heavy cramping.
Didn't manipulate too much this time around and ran a perfect race
I might have to get a proper salt test done to make sure I’m not doing that hey!
Functional strength training - running up hills at least once a week
Yes boss 🫡
Please post your leg workouts for strength building!! I just run and neglect legs completely, so would love to see what stuff you do in the gym
I definitely will 🤝🏼
Second this 😂
Hey man, I reckon try getting a sweat test / sweat rate test done. I had similar issues, turns out I was over consuming too much sodium and it has the same (ish) effect as not enough sodium.
Definitely going to try this, thank you 🤝🏼
Ballarat Marathon in April 😎
Say no more
Hey Davo, there is absolutely no reason to be disappointed with a PB let alone a sub 3hr marathon. Im interested to hear what you think the best marathon is out of Melbourne, GC and Sydney?
Cheers brother! All great events! Maybe Gold coast is the fastest
You ran a great time, especially considering the cramping issues you had.
In my opinion you made a number of mistakes with your preparation on the eve of the race that I hope you consider.
Travelling the day before was a mistake. You should have gone down friday at the latest. You wasted a lot of time and energy on the Saturday and airline travel has a detrimental affect on hydration that no amount of salt tablets will fix.
You wasted a lot of energy waiting around for the airbnb, looking for matcha lattes and then riding bikes around Melbourne. You could have eliminated all of this by arriving Friday and taking it easy Saturday and focusing on your hydration, diet, preparation and mental state.
You were in great shape but needed to be perfect to hit your goal and these were holes in your prep. I hope you take this constructively and consider it for your next marathon. Its just what i noticed.
I also ran Melbourne and the conditions were tough, particularly in the second half of the race with the wind, heat and hills. I'm from the GC and could definitely feel the heat. A negative split in those conditions was going to be tough, but not impossible.
You showed tremendous mental strength to hang in there and finish the race in a great time. That will help your next crack. Remember these learnings!
Thanks for the insight. You make some great points there 🙌🏻 thanks for that mate 🙏🏻
The cramps could definitely be a strength issue which could be solved with a combination of gym and hills. It could also be worth doing a sweat test to see exactly how much electrolytes you should be taking in, precision nutrition & hydration offer this, it’s also worth carrying an emergency cramp fix/pickle juice in races 🥲
I think you’re right. I might have to get a sweat test, I mean it wouldn’t hurt hey!