It was a return to the racing circuit in more ways than one for Glen Jones as he embarked on his 10th marathon of his 12 in 12 months challenge.
After enjoying his laps around Goodwood motor circuit in September, Glen was at Bedford Autodrome this time to notch up not only another marathon but to hopefully notch up another sub 4 hour time.
“I felt good after running IOW a couple of weeks ago, so was hopeful I could scrape under 4 hours again”
His summer knee injury now firmly behind him, his confidence was restored as he lined up in the glorious Autumn sunshine.
Despite there being 5 distances on offer, the starts are staggered with the marathoners going off first having the 3 mile course to themselves for a few laps. Gradually they are joined by the 20 milers, the half marathoners, the 10kers and finally the 5k runners.
Glen started off brilliantly, spending some of the early stages running with a friend which helped keep him on pace. He got to the halfway stage in a tidy 1.51 so he new his goal time was looking pretty good.
After a little pit stop, he kept his pace reasonably steady.
“I got to mile 21 and realised I could be on for not just a sub 4 but a PB! All I had to do was hold it together”
The last few miles were tough but Glen kept plugging away, willing his pace to not stray too far over 9 minute miles. His efforts were rewarded as hold on he did to knock 4 minutes off his time to finish in 3.52.17
“I was a bit surprised, but I’m very chuffed”
And so he should be…. 10 down… 2 to go ….
