I allowed myself a walk at every water station - mainly because I found it difficult to run and drink/eat at the same time - although it was less than a minute each time so I'm not sure if it helped in any significant way. In fact, on the last couple of drink stations it was really hard to get going again after the brief walk.

One thing I was aware of was the feeling of everybody going faster than me at the start (even though my starting position was fairly near the back). I resisted the urge to go with the flow up and just plodded along at my own pace. I'm convinced that I wouldn't have completed the course if I'd gone any faster at the outset because my legs were screaming at me to stop running for the last 4 or 5 miles.
I'd be wary of upping your pace at the 21k mark. You will probably be feeling great at that stage - I think you'd be best just getting to the 30 - 35k mark with as much in reserve as possible.

ok, I'll keep that in mind. Looks like a friend and I are gonna go for a mile every 9mins30secs and then 30sec walk through the drinking stops....

right off to bed, up early for registration tomorrow!
Thanks again Steve!

Best of luck on 20th! No doubt you'll report back soon.

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I need a break!

I managed to finish the race along with my friend! woo hoo! 4hr54mins, so just in the nick of time. The last 10k were murder!!

Well done !!

Congratulations Jolewest

The pain of the last 10k will soon fade. Then you can start planning your next one....

Well done

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In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular.

Bird in Boots

Thank you! and thanks for all the advice and support! Already thinking I want to complete my next one in 4hrs haha