
The Manx Mountain Marathon this year was a much better experience in terms of pacing, and I found myself enjoying most of the race. The weather played a significant role—while it was really sunny and hot in the valleys, the breeze on the tops provided much-needed relief, making the climbs more bearable.The ground conditions varied along the route. The first half was boggy in places, which made for some challenging sections, but the second half dried out considerably, offering a nice, hard surface that was easier to move on.I did encounter a dip in energy at the top of South Barrule, which forced me to back off on the pace. However, this slowdown allowed me to take in more of the surroundings, and the descent into Bradda was particularly memorable. The views of The Calf and The Sound were incredible, with the sunlight reflecting off the water, creating a stunning backdrop to the final stages of the marathon.Overall, it was a successful day on the mountains, combining challenging conditions with beautiful scenery and a strong personal performance. The improvements in pacing and preparation paid off, making this year's marathon a rewarding experience.