Jen Howse 2010

I started rowing on the water about 4 years ago and discovered the Concept2 Ergo. I found I enjoyed doing distances and did my first marathon 2 years ago, so when I found a marathon race I was very keen to take part.

I tend to do a lot of long distance anyway, and did 100k at the end of December. That’s not necessary preparation for a marathon, but it does make the marathon seem shorter! I spent January preparing for the marathon, doing sessions like two 30 or 40 minutes at marathon pace, or three 20 minutes, one at marathon pace and then one half marathon pace and the last at marathon pace. I used the training sessions to decide what pace I felt I could hold and what rate was comfortable.

The other preparation is to decide what to drink and how often. I tend to drink watered down energy drink and drink while rowing one handed. It’s some times worth practicing that! I don’t eat during the marathon just drink. Is also worth planning how often you have to drink. When I do a marathon at home I drink every hour, but during the race it was warmer and more humid so I drank every 10k.

On the day of the race, I made sure I had enough bottles of drink lined up next to the erg in a place I could reach. I started off at the pace I wanted and settled in to a comfortable rhythm. There is a temptation to go off faster as it feels easy to start with! I managed to stick to my plan. Though it was warmer than when I train at home, having all the people around encouraged me on and it was good fun.

The last tip I have for the marathon is to enjoy it!

Jen Howse, February 12, 2010.