Phillip H reports...
As you probably know, Angie I ran the La Rochelle marathon on Sunday (last of the year - 9th and 10th for the distance or longer, respectively, this year!) and achieved 'satisfactory' results although both felt we could have gone faster had the day worked out better for us.
Angie was going extremely well until the last 5 miles when an asthma attack slowed her a little, but she still finished in an excellent 3.10, just 4 minutes off her 2005 time. I was also hoping for a sub-3-15 time, but after going very well a few weeks ago a recent hip problem and not being that well for the last two weeks made me a bit unsure if that was really on. Got to 15k at 3-16 pace though, but then injury played up a bit and got an upset tummy as well so slowed a bit to eventually record 3-26, still my third fastest marathon ever (have set all 3 fastest times in this event).
Full result:
Angie Sadler 3.10.17 chip time (3.11.16 gun time), 647 of some 6,600 finishers and 2nd in her female vets category
Phillip Howells 3.26.20 chip time (3.27.20 gun time), 1,464 overall and 28th in my male vets category
It's a great event, certainly one of the best organised and being quite a way south has much milder weather in November than here. This year it was a lovely, sunny, 17 degrees C on the day and we had high hopes of good performances. We had attended the massive pasta party the previous evening and lined up with a record 8,099 competitors in what is rated as France's second marathon. The circuit is a quick, double circuit figure of eight so spectators can see (and encourage!) runners five times during the race without moving. There is a bit of runner crowding on some parts of the course which can slow you if going for a fast time, but it is not as unmanageable as in the really big events. The crowds are excellent and there are chip times for every 5kms plus a nice touch with your anticipated finish time also displayed each 5K; not seen that anywhere else. They offer a special 'all-in' package for British runners, including collecting and returning you to the airport. Ryanair flies to La Rochelle from Standsted - our total airfare was only £85. Highly recommended for an end of season marathon.