2006 - January

[Tim]

Cheers Tim. Yes, these things happen, though I was a bit taken aback that I managed to get so much wrong. I would have been very unhappy to have mucked up a race in this way, but I suppose it's part of what training runs are for -- to make your mistakes there rather than when it really matters.

Absolutely. Have you decided what calories you're going to try next? The problem with dried fruit is that while it may be fine for rowing across the atlantic it's just too slow release for running (or at least marathon running & training).

I know you didn't get on with gels but they're not all horrible. Yes, they're all a bit snot-like but some are less wallpaperpaste-like than others. I started with High-5s (which are a bit wallpaperpaste-like) and got used to them but I found them too small for longer runs. I'm currently working my way through a box Lucozade gels which are more palatable if a bit sickly.

Jelly babies are popular amongst the hill running fraternity so they must give you a fairly quick boost but I've never used them myself.

Anyway, don't despair. One bad run does not a bad runner make. It might not have been a pleasant experience, but it's one you'll remember and enjoy recalling and relating in years to come.