Chester Marathon 2023 /// 2 Marathons In 7 Days /// Part 1

[@middleagedrunningman]

Really enjoyed that Andy. Thought I’d give it a 5 minute blast whilst walking the dogs, save the rest for later. Watched the lot. That sinking feeling - about to throw in the towel, abject doom….been there.

[@itsonandy]

Thanks Tim! One day I'll run a marathon to my actual potential, but for now, I'm happy to just whinge. Glad I didn't give up, and got the job done! See you at Alton Towers!

[@deansummerton2577]

Well done Andy! I did two in three weeks once and so to do them as you did is absolutely fantastic. Thank you for sharing your experience again. Always so motivating to watch. To finish in 4 hours 2 is absolutely brilliant. To imagine you could do this when you started running you wouldn't have thought possible. Even though it didn't go as you perhaps planned, you showed that courage and strength to finish. Awesome... you're a multiple marathon runner!! 👏👏👏🎖

[@itsonandy]

Thanks Dean! That finish line feeling makes up for it if you're feeling like it didn't go to plan 👊🏻

[@jillschofield7161]

Well done Andy i love watching your running content..those hills looked pure hell 😮

[@itsonandy]

Thanks Jill, yes that one at 25 was a punisher 😭

[@gussehatter]

Well done Andy🏅 It was nice to see you didn’t give up after hard periods during the race. That’s very respected attitude. Congrats🏃🏻‍♂️🎉

[@itsonandy]

Thanks so much - I really wanted to, I was just determined to get that medal 🏅

[@busterska2860]

Andy you really are a legend. So proud of ya. Your a star and i’m honoured to call you a mate. My hero 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♂️

[@itsonandy]

Ah Buster you'll make me sob over here in a minute... Cheers mate - and thanks for all the support you give, it means so much.x

[@doubled1509]

Savage video Andy. You showed one hell of a set of liathroidi(Irish word, look it up😉) to keep going when it would have been easier to stop. Can't wait for York. Respect Sir💪💪

[@itsonandy]

Nice one Dermot! I really wanted to pack it in but so pleased I got the medal! ⚽️ ⚽️

[@conradburdekin722]

At 30k I spotted the famous Andy head wobble (last seen in the final stages of your epic half marathon pb) and I knew you were done. What a great video tho. Love watching these Andy!

[@itsonandy]

As soon as I start doing a stevie wonder impression you know I'm struggling...

[@kieronturner2667]

Well done buddy 👏👏 so good I watched it twice 😉😁

[@itsonandy]

Hahaha cheers dude! That was a very hard earned medal!

[@pf4186]

I think I ran a good few miles with you in this race before I dropped back around half way. Conditions killed me and I ended up with a 4:12.

[@itsonandy]

Phil! How you doing mate? After one of them killer hills just after half way I was done. The heat claimed many PBs that day! Well done for getting through mate 👊🏻

[@pf4186]

@runningwithandy4486 I'm good thanks mate. It was still an enjoyable day despite them conditions. We that finished were the lucky ones; that race claimed many victims. I have been watching your videos for a while, and only just twigged that I ran with you for a while at Chester. Good luck on the sub 20 5k this year. Sure you will smash it.

[@joelcollings5620]

I saw Andy at this race and I also vloged it myself 😊

[@itsonandy]

Good work mate - I hope that it went well for you on the day!

[@lorrainedavies8778]

Well done Andy

[@itsonandy]

Thanks Lorraine 😎

[@sigmatau8231]

...im sure there r hobbits hiding nearby

[@itsonandy]

100% hobbits in that wood!

[@tworunningbrooms]

Epic video. Loved the whole story around the Airbnb. Coincidentally we did Arlesford Lake parkrun the day before.Dawn ran Chester Marathon in 2021. So between Chester and York, which did you prefer as an overall race experience? Thinking about race logistics. Interesting course. Organisation etc. In other words if someone offered you a free place for either marathon you would choose...

[@itsonandy]

Thanks mate. Gutted to see you both walking back past me at mile 16. For me, York shades it, slightly easier course and I preferred the support overall. It's very marginal though as Chester was a really good fun race. So glad that Dawn got some retribution the week after in Abingdon!

[@MartinCharlton-ds7ro]

I’ve run Paris and London back to back on two occasions, in one instance to pace a work colleague to sub 4 hour finishes. Get as much rest as possible between the 2 events and eat and drink whatever you fancy to refuel the body so it is ready to go again. Loved running the Chester Marathon course - ran 3:31:41 back in 2012 just prior to my 60th birthday - fast enough to get a London Marathon ‘good for age’ place. Remember walking along the river to visit Chester Zoo the next day which got rid of most of the stiffness in my legs.

[@itsonandy]

Nice one Martin - it was a fantastic race and I'll be back again one day for the rematch. Well done on your back to backs!

[@martynhickinson7949]

Do you do any sort of strength training, might help with regards to feeling strong toward the end of your marathons? Well done for finishing, marathons are hard!

[@itsonandy]

Zero mate. I know. I know. I'm the world's biggest idiot - its the answer to most of problems. 2024 will be the year of the clean and press!

[@WinningInters]

Ran my first here at Chester this year. Got injured during training again.., talked myself out of it, longest run was 13 miles, so felt similar to you here. Then on the Friday decided to just go for it. I blew up at mile 21 but got it done. So good to follow your progress 4:47 was my time and so happy with it, now aim for Manchester next year and get round without stopping :)

[@itsonandy]

Well done for getting it finished, there are few things worse in running than knowing you've still got 10k to go and you feel terrible. Best of luck for Manchester prep!

[@nytroogaming2796]

Well done mate you wernt million miles away from your PB. I was at Chester and also going for 3,45 ish time but got bad cramp from mile 18 and couldnt get rid of it. Finished at 4.33 and dissapointed in the time, but it was a great day. As you said many people injured and sat out at the side of the Road, which was quite scary. Keep going mate 👍

[@itsonandy]

It was a brutal temperature by midday wasn't it. Kudos for getting the job done mate, absolutely brilliant work. The finish times will seem more irrelevant as time passes, but that 2023 medal can keep pride of place in the collection 👊🏻

[@conradburdekin722]

I know that feeling so well when you were at 38 k and struggling. I did Manchester, followed by Leeds 27 days later. Never again. Couldn’t run for 7 weeks after that

[@itsonandy]

Well done Con, its a huge ask of our bodies to do that! Well done though 👊🏻

[@zoejones4801]

What a legend!!! you smashed it!! I'll be doing it this year for the first time and i am so nervous!! Any tips for me what to expect?

[@itsonandy]

You'll love it, it's a great race. It's not a flat route, so prepare for hills. Especially the biggun at 25 miles. Great crowds though and a very scenic course. Get there early and drop your bag off so there's no stress, and enjoy the day ❤️

[@Gez-C]

Think if you have the fitness you can run marathons regularly, not necessarily quick or if you are pb chasing, but you have the fitness it shouldn’t be too much issues (from experience!)

[@itsonandy]

Cheers Gez, I'm really pleased where my fitness is at the moment, it's like I'm in one long training block. Hoping to build on this base for 2024 👊🏻

[@ingagade951]

Wauw Andy what a run in spite of the down period in this race You finished really awesome. Congrulation from me.

[@itsonandy]

Thank you Inga, Chester marathon is definitely a difficult race!

[@lorrainecowan7288]

Done well Andy idone amserdam marathon 3weekes ago tranning well for then my time was 5 38 I going to do chester marathon next year 24 tranning again

[@itsonandy]

Thanks Lorriane ❤️

[@dormz17]

You're an inspiration, pal!! It was great to catch up with you both.

[@itsonandy]

Ah mate you're too kind. You warned me about sandy Lane and I didn't think it would be that bad. It was really bad 😅😭 Great to hang out with you all!x

[@michaelbyrne6180]

You need to pace yourself. Want to see you run the full thing

[@itsonandy]

Have a look at last year's amsterdam video, ran all of that! (Apart from a couple of water stations)

[@muzzer8869]

Its a tough course mate imo

[@itsonandy]

I found it particularly tough, probably the hardest one I've done yet!

[@RunningToMyPast]

Love this video, great quality and loved getting to know you better through this video. What a challenge and great effort! I'm just hoping to finish my first marathon tbh :D

[@itsonandy]

You can do it! It requires you to dig deeper than ever before - but building confidence will get you there. Keep in touch and please let me know how it goes!

[@Mack.Tracks]

Post-marathon takeaway is the most guilt-free, heavenliest thing!

[@itsonandy]

Is post marathon takeaway week a thing? It is in our house!

[@MrCol104]

Cheers Andy. Great video. **Apologies for the long reply. First of all can I say massive congratulations on completing - tough day but you did it. Finishing safely should always be your no.1 target. DNF-ing purely because you failed to hit a time target, would be a travesty and I think the regret would last a very long time. Far be for me to tell you how to do things but do you think you focus too much on in-race splits and do you think this adds unnecessary pressure? You never finish a marathon stronger than you started but does anybody? I certainly don't. Forget even/negative splitting, run smart, enjoy the race and the rest will follow. Each marathon is a massive achievement so don't ever lose sight of that. Chester was your second fastest 26.2 so lots to build on. Regarding the build up, you'd done half marathon training block and ran a solid 13.1 mile race. Was the half marathon your longest run? If so, I would suggest at least 1x 20 mile run but other than that, all looked good. Anyway, Chester marathon now means you've completed that previously mentioned long run. Hopefully this will have put you in good stead for a crack at Yorkshire. Hope it went ok. I ran Chester Marathon myself - it's such a fantastically well organised race, from start to finish. I loved it.

[@itsonandy]

Some amazing points you make - easy to lose sight of things that matter most sometimes! Cheers ❤️

[@johndixon3631]

Well done Andy. Great video. I thought I saw you during the York marathon - probably mile 15/16 on one of those stretches you run and then go back on yourself. York was amazing but I'm tempted to try Chester in 2024. Cheers matey.

[@itsonandy]

On those switchbacks people move towards you so fast! I was feeling OK around then. Give chester a go, it's a great race!

[@georgeyboy5256]

Hello Andy, just stumbled across this. This was my first marathon, beautiful place to run. First 18 miles were nice and the last 8 were humbling, the hills were brutal. The weather was ridiculously hot for October. I got 3:52, aimed for 3:35ish, as I said the last 8 miles were humbling. Well done, your videos are great.

[@itsonandy]

Cheers George! Wow that day was hot wasn't it. Well done for powering through and getting the sub 4 💪🏻

[@scottstoddart5711]

Good running matey, I know Darryl who you spoke to in the Lime Green top, he helps co-ordinate a small running group locally, doing great things for Men’s Mental Health in our community.

[@itsonandy]

Cheers Scott - Darryl seemed like a great bloke. Couldn't believe how positive he was 🤣

[@edwardaustin6410]

Great video. I was marshalling just after mile 3 so you were probably feeling good there! Nice to see coverage of the course and glad you like the branded top. I’ve got a few in my collection, they’re always long sleeved - great for winter training. Look forward to watching part 2.

[@itsonandy]

Thank you Edward! Thanks for volunteering - you guys are the real rock stars of the race 👊🏻

[@simonhodgson4941]

Nice to have you back. Great video and made me chuckle you trying to walk back with the pizza's 😂

[@itsonandy]

Cheers Si! They felt like I was carrying 2 elephants as everything felt like a struggle! Another video out later today!

[@Ammerstol]

Those hills looked deadly to me Andy. And in that warmth 4h2min gets a "very well done" from me :) And I was just thinking at 26:07 you like the right village nut case :D

[@itsonandy]

Haha thank you - and I'm glad you agree about the hills, they were a most unwelcome sight. That Hull at 25 miles was awful 😭

[@Mrjay684]

Well done superstar! that’s how you run back to back marathons 😁 good to see you in redditch!

[@itsonandy]

Nice one Jay! Chester was a particularly tough one and I actually underestimated how difficult it would be. Getting that medal at the end was a great feeling! Cheers mate and good to see you 👊🏻

[@Chrisc-gq6wg]

Dont wanna be rude don’t you think you set off too fast knowing you haven’t trained? Why not just run it all for the sake of 20/30 minutes off your time

[@itsonandy]

I try to address this in the Yorkshire Marathon, the week after in part 2!

[@vroomvroom9878]

haha that walk with the pizzas - We've all been there. It was so warm wasn't it, I did the metric and that was more than enough. Well done :)

[@itsonandy]

Well done! It was such a hot day and no-one will belive us unless they were there... Mid 20s temps in October is crazy! Great day out, hopefully see you there one year!

[@simonrunc8067]

Kudos to doing the marathon on such a warm day! I did the metric marathon and we started an hour later and it was really toasty 😅

[@itsonandy]

Nice one Simon, and well done. Yes it was so warm!!!

[@avinashbhogun]

What’s occurring!

[@itsonandy]

Oooohh... 🤣

[@ryanscarborough367]

Well done Andy 👏🏻👏🏻 watching your videos really does give me encouragement to get out and run. Well not at the minute as I have fractured my big toe 🤦🏻‍♂️😭 I've run many half marathons but never a full marathon. So I have finally done it and entered Manchester Marathon next year, very nervous about it but as long as I can finish it I will be very happy

[@itsonandy]

Thanks Ryan, and all the best for Manchester prep. Hope this msg still finds you taking it easy, don't come back too soon and you'll be fine!

[@ryanscarborough367]

Many thanks for your reply, I am still recovering, I'm not even able to run a parkrun yet, it's been just over 4 weeks, hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be back out again. Joys of being a mountain biker also 🤦🏻‍♂️ Keep up the great videos Andy, love watching them 👍🏻

[@itsonandy]

I can imagine MTB comes with a certain amount of risk! Take it easy mate and I'm sure you'll come back stronger 💪🏻

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

Thats a good video of the Chester Course and makes me want to get up there and run it one year (as I have been saying that I would for years). I had to stop several times and slow down in Copenhagen earlier this year on a hot day when I felt sick and a bit dizzy during the 23rd mile. Couldn't get going again after that and backed right off until the last 800m. Better to be safe than sorry. Your 2nd quickest Marathon on a hot day like that + lack of training is good going!!

[@itsonandy]

Thanks Mark! Well done in cphngn, dehydration sounds like it found you. It really is a horrible experience 😞

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

@@itsonandy Yeah I definitely think that dehydration hit me in Copenhagen as my legs still felt great and it was too big a drop off to be down to HR or pushing too hard. I went more controlled and better in Amsterdam a few weeks ago and on a far colder day came away with a new PB plus a 14 minute 29 secs Boston Qualifier for 2025 🙂

[@itsonandy]

Legend!

[@runmyworld]

Well done Andy 🎉 I’m doing this next year and that hill looks scary !

[@itsonandy]

You'll be fine! It's just a hill... Get over it 🤣 I saw that on someone's t shirt once And loved it 🤣

[@runmyworld]

@@itsonandy haha love it

[@neilmurray549]

👌👍

[@itsonandy]

Cheers Neil ❤️

[@whatjamieruns]

Marathons are a tough race full stop, you can do all the training but come unstuck on the day. Considering you haven’t done any marathon specific stuff you did really well. That hill at the end looked horrible! Well done for getting it done mate 👍

[@itsonandy]

Thank you! That 25 mile hill is basically the organisers idea of a sick joke 🤣 Cheers mate - happy to have finished with a good time and pleased with how I did 😁