Leiden Marathon 2024

[@rchann5887]

Appreciate you sharing the journey and your honest feedback in the update. Clearly you're disappointed but these are the moments during the journey that make the chase and accomplishment of the goal that much more rewarding. This is only a setback if you allow it to be one. Marathons present many factors out of our control. Take the wins and build from there, you proved the doctors wrong with your knee, you built up sub 20 5k speed again and you didn't quit the race when you may have wanted - building mental toughness. Keep inspiring and we're all behind you.

[@RunArnoRun]

Thank you so much for that. It took me a few days to get over the disappointment, but I know now that if I keep going I can get there and run the time I need to qualify for Boston. It’s just not going to happen now and I need to look forward to 2026, but I’ll get there. 👍🏻💪🏃‍♂️

[@billdrinkward11]

What you describe happening during your race is very similar to the unseasonably warm Boston Marathon this year. I held PR pace for 14 miles but had to abandon that dream in favor of ensuring that I finished the race and didn't come home empty handed. It may help to think of Boston qualification as a quest in lieu of a singular race goal. It's a massive challenge and with the right preparations will come to you on the right day. You seem to be making big strides and reducing injury exposures. A well chosen Fall race is definitely worth an attempt. Your videos are enjoyable and I know that you will succeed in your journey.

[@RunArnoRun]

Thank you so much. It was really a downer to be running knowing I wouldn't make it. Seeing it's not something I can just attempt again in a few days, I will have to see when the best time for this is. I know I worked hard for it and think I could have done it, so now I just want to go out and do it, I just don't know when yet. :-)

[@lauraduckson8627]

It's ok to have those feelings. You worked really hard and the weather was out of your control. It's a huge challenge to BQ and I know you will get it someday! I had a goal of a sub 1:36 10miler in March, but there was a lot of wind and rain that day. I came a couple of seconds above it and people also said something like: but you did finish and PR'ed. Yes, but that wasn't the time I trained for. Now I can look back at it and be content with it. But I was very disappointed first. Curious to see how your BQ journey will continue! For now, rest a bit, you definitly earned that!

[@RunArnoRun]

Thank you for that. It’s a change of plans, but I will definitely continue the journey and try for that 6th star. ⭐️

[@travelinquaker8598]

No BQ, and totally understand your disappointment. The mental battle is real! You had experience having run hotter marathons in Florida, so good job pushing but also using that wisdom you've gained in the past :) As Floridians, we're super proud of you finishing at that pace!

[@RunArnoRun]

I actually kinda like running in the heat normally, but that is after having trained in it and getting used to it slowly week by week. This was just too big a change all of a sudden. I'll have to figure something out for a next race, but I'll get there. :-)

[@travelinquaker8598]

@@RunArnoRun We know you can do it!!

[@philmatthews2155]

If in doubt you can always chase Herring with your best mate from London. Love ya man!