Ok here we go..apologies if it's boring or rambling, but hey, I'm still jetlagged! (I also refer to this excuse in the event of spelling or grammatical errors!)
SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON - July 30th, 2006
Why do a marathon?
The story of this marathon really starts back in November last year. On a rather cold, dismal winter night, I was sat at the
PC wasting another evening away online.
I realised it had been some time since I had done anything really challenging. In recent years I have done several things which have, as well as being fun, served to make me realise there is more than the day-to-day mill of work, etc. These have included skydiving, bungeeing and firewalking.
So for whatever reason, I got the idea of running a marathon. Now, bear in mind that apart from at school (where I was a reaonsbly succesful 100m/200m runner) I haven't run at all. However I am quite fit and walk to and from work each day (40 minutes each way).
The next thing to decide was, which marathon to do. There are loads! (http://www.marathonguide.com is a good site). I wanted to one
abroad, and also one which would be a bit 'different'. And where better to do my first marathon than my favourite place in the world, San Francisco.
I went on to the website, and two minutes later, I'm registered for a marathon! gulp..
Training
The next few months were a huge learning curve for me, as I didn't have a clue about running. I learned about training (I followed Hal Higdon's 'novice' schedule - http://www.halhigdon.com), nutrition, having proper running shoes (and indeed, why you should NOT run in regular trainers/sneakers - ouch!) and motivation.
I'd like to say I enjoyed all my training but this wasn't the case - my lowest point being my first 13 miler - running in snow and sleat, and knackering my knee putting me out of action for a month. But as an overall thing I did enjoy it, especially the 'long runs' on the weekend - gradually seeing my endurance going up - the first 10 miler, etc.
Nearly every week gave me something to increase my confidence, and nearly every week running further than I had ever done before.
Early on I realised it would be a shame not to use the marathon as a way of raising money for charity. Around the time of my deciding to do the race, my dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. This is why I chose the Motor Neurone Disease Association to raise funds for. It was great having a cause that I really had personal feelings about to fundraise for.
I also learned a lot about the psychological aspect of running and racing. After I had injured my knee, I did some work with a superb NLP/hypnotherapy therapist called Emma James (http://www.firstday.webeden.co.uk/) who specialises in sports performance. I realised that a lot of the 'injury' was more about me wanting an excuse to quit training; additionally I realised I had created a situation in my mind where I thought of myself as running the marathon for my dad. Once I let go of these things, and took a more positive approach to training, the injuries (bar one issue with my left leg) vanished. And I mean literally overnight - don't underestimate the mind-body relationship!
Something I found particuarly hard during training was, as my fitness and endurance was on the up, my dad's MND was quickly
taking hold of his body. It hasn't even been a year and he is already wheelchair-bound. I found myself feeling guilty on several occasions - not because he made me feel that way (far from it) but because it seemed so unfair he no longer had his fitness and independence - one of the most frustrating things about MND is that it can affect completely fit and able people, my dad was a regular walker/hiker.
Running/training quickly became a huge part of my life (one that I think will be permanently). The highs and feelings of satisfaction from my long runs got me through the week; shorter runs and speedwork provided a great way to blast through stress and negative feelings from work at the end of the days.
As the temperature started increasing with summer approaching, the earlier I had to get up on Saturdays for my weekly long runs - at my peak of a 20 miler I was getting up at 4.30am - it's a really special time of the day, you feel like you have the whole world to yourself..so peaceful.
I won't bore you too much with more about training, but there is a blog of this at http://andymarathon.blogspot.com)
But I will leave you with the tip - ices baths after a long run are great at aiding recovery - look, I'm even smiling whilst having one! -
Pre-marathon nerves
We flew out on the Thursday before the race (marathon being on the Sunday). On the Friday we checked out the race expo, where you have to pick up your race bib (i.e. the piece of paper with your number on it that you wear), along with the timing chip (small thing that attaches to your shoe which automatically triggers and records your time when you start, finish, and a couple of other points along the way).
It was at this point that I began to really feel nerves. Eight months seems ages but when you're two days away from the most
challenging event of your life..
Here is me in front of the map displayed at the expo -
The day before the race I was a mess..'jittery' would be an understatement! I started to doubt myself - not that I couldn't do the distance (I knew, being the stubborn person I am that I would crawl round the course if needed!) but that I wouldn't achieve my time.
I had two times in mind - a conservative but acceptable time (3 hours 45 mins) and a 'dream time' of 3 hours 30 mins.
Statistically I knew I should be capable of the latter (my PB for a half marathon being 1 hour 37mins) but I was increasingly worried about the hills.
I phoned up Emma James (the therapist I mentioned earlier) who pointed out that all the stressing was zapping the energy (albeit it mental energy in this case) that I would need so badly the next day. She also suggested that rather than getting pedantic and worrying about what time I did on each mile, I just listened to my body and 'went with it' on the day of the run.
So I felt a bit better and decided to put off worrying until the next day, and got on with carb loading (read - lots of pasta).
Here's all my gear (shoes, map, carb gels, etc.) laid out ready -
Race day!
The race itself started at 5.30am. I got up at 3.30 am (nice!) and we arrived at Embarcadero around 4.50am. It was quite a
surreal sight, hundreds and hundreds of runners warming up, stetching and queueing for the portaloos (the side effect of last minute hydration
).
I felt so nervous I was very nearly physically sick. Thankfully I managed to hold it in, said my goodbyes to the OH, and went off to my 'corral'.
For those of you who haven't done a marathon before, what happens is, according to your intended finish time, you are assigned a 'wave' - so the fastest runners start first, with the slowest ones at the end. I was in wave '3', so we started at 5.40am.
One of the waves starting -
The start
After a rendition of the US anthem, we saw waves one and two leave. Wave three was then called to the starting line. I looked behind and to my right to see the gorgeous Bay Bridge lit up against a light blue sky, as the sun was starting to rise. It was a beautiful sight and I felt really grateful to be there.
I knew one of the golden rules of running a marathon is "don't go out too fast" - i.e. it's very easy to get caught up with the initial excitement and run the first mile or two far too fast, thus guaranteeing burn out later. So I took the first mile
nice and slow.
The race
The marathon course is gorgeous. The early stages of the run lead along Embarcadero, through Fisherman's Wharf (OK not so gorgeous!), then the Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, then onto Crissy Field. Once into the run any nerves I had vanished, and I settled down to enjoying the scenery and pacing myself.
Crissy Field has always been one of my favourite SF spots and running along here toward GG Bridge was really special. It was along here that the first few spectators were - "way to go marathoners! You are all rock stars!". It's so nice that people like this take the time out (especially at 6 am on a Sunday) to do this.
Then begun the biggest hill, leading up to the bridge. 120 feet over 2/10ths of a mile, followed by 60ft over 1.5 miles. But
it was over soon enough (plenty of huffing and puffing from all runners though!).
Up onto the bridge..one lane had been split into two - one for runners heading over, the other coming back. On this uphill section I saw the race leaders coming back over. This section of the race is notorious for being crowded, and I found myself running a slower-than-planned place as I kept getting boxed in. With hindsight this may have been a good thing as it prevented me using up my energy too early.
Over the bridge, on to the second aid station for some water. A bunch of bikers were running this station, much to the apparent fear of many runners, being greeted by seven or so huge biker guys! This, however, was one of my favorite moments, as, walking along, collecting a couple of cups of water, I heard "nice tats, man..", "awesome ink bro.." and so on, in relation to my heavily tattooed arms. I ran off, smugly and admired the view of the city on the return over the bridge.
Back over the bridge and a nice (and welcome) downhill section. I began to feel my legs properly warming up after the rather cold and windy bridge. Most of this section is a bit of a blur to me so I will skip to..
Golden Gate Park
I had arranged to look out for the OH here. She had made the wise purchase of a bright yellow helium balloon (complete with smiley face) from Walgreens so it would be easy to spot her. After a quick "hi it's going well...see you later" and then another a couple of miles on, I continued running. Although GG park is undeniably lovely, the course does mess with your head a bit here, as you are on a winding, up and down, in and out route and it's hard to work out where you are.
Me approaching the OH -
Nevertheless, I realised during this point that I was feeling good and started to pick up the pace. I ran past the bison thinking to myself, this is all a bit wierd, I'm actually running the San Francisco marathon!) and a couple of miles later I realised I'd caught up with the 3 hours 40 mins pace group. (There are runners who go round with a sign saying what pace/finishing time they are aiming for, the idea being that if you want to finish at that time, you just follow them). I ran with this group for a few minutes, thinking, hey, this is great, I'm going to finish in a good time. Then I thought to myself, I can do better than that - I'm feeling good, let's go for it.
So I let off the brakes some more and did just that and from that point onwards carried on overtaking other runners until the finish.
Mile 19 to 23
Running down Haight was cool - not just because of the welcome downhill section but also some really cool people out cheering, along with some more compliments on my tattoos (Californian's really seem to like them, unlike the English!). I don't remember much of the run through Mission, I'd kind of got 'in the zone' at this point and had stopped looking round too much.
Having said that, I realised that I was now (if I kept the pace up) well on form for a 3hr 30 min finish.
Mile 24 - finish
The problem with the SF marathon course is, the last miles are BORING. There is no scenery, no spectators. Although my pace was still good (sub 7:00 for the most) I started to fade a little, having to take one or two short walking breaks each mile. The best bit was seeing the Bay Bridge and realising the finish point was in sight. There is a bit where you have to run round the AT&T ball park..although this is part of the course/26.2 miles, at the time it seemed sadistic! I passed several people who had resorted to walking and was glad I had run a slow first half.
The last mile or two also involved me shouting abuse/encouragement at myself, this probably looked quite amusing to anyone around me, e.g. "COME ON!!! Do IT!! MOVE!!!" plus some other less polite phrases - hey, whatever works!
I remember seeing the 'mile 26' marker and thinking two things - 1) thank god! and 2) I've almost run a marathon..me!!
Just before the finish came my favourite moment of the whole thing..there's, like a corridor you run down (of sorts)..on one
side were loads of cheering spectators. I thought to myself (knowing I was about to finish nearly bang on 3hours 30), you're
only getting this moment once - lap it up! So I started shouting at them "louder..c'mon let's hear it!" and gesticulating to
them like a game show audience ("higher..higher!")..hearing those people shouting and cheering was probably the best moment of my life, it really was so cool.
The next thing I know, I'm running over the finish. I made sure to place both fists in the air in triumph! I had finished a
marathon. I looked down at my Garmin to see 3 hours 30! And then....wham! My legs are killing, my quads,thighs, calfs...ouch!
'Mile 27'
I walked on a metre or two and got my finishers medal, thinking (still) "I've finished a marathon..me!" and "3 hours 30..there must be a mistake!". After that I got one of those foil blankets you may have seen on TV when they do the London marathon. I remember when I was a kid thinking, I want one of those. Well let me tell you, on a hot day, when you're covered in sweat, you don't! But it's a cool souvenir.
I then grabbed some water and some sports drink and wandered around in a daze looking for the OH. I'd said to her, meet me by the meeting point 'K'..I walked/stumbled over there...not one person there!
I turn around and see the bright yellow balloon back where I'd been. I hobbled back there, hugged her and promptly broke down in tears (good tears!)
Me after running 26.2 miles -
I switched my cell (sorry, mobile) back on and picked up a voicemail from my Dad who had been able to see my progress in real time online (via triggers at certain points). I promptly started crying again!
After some more staggering around I got my official race photo done, then off we went.
*Edit - just remembered another classic moment..standing around near the finish, a lady shouted over "good race tattoo man - all the way!" I've never been called 'tattoo man' before but I guess it could be worse!*
We walked back to the hotel (few blocks up from Union Square, on Pine). I spent most of the day laid on bed going "uuugggh..I feel rough", "uuggghh..I'm tired" or just plain "ugggh".
I reflected on how lucky I felt to have been part of such an awesome event - the scenery, the city, the runners, the spectators (who are as much 'stars' as the runners in my opinion), the house playing 'the eye of the tiger' out of their window at full blast, the lady at mile 23 with a water bottle spraying a cool mist into runners faces, the guy at mile 24 with the cardboard 'nearly there' sign, the bikers with the sound systems, the awesome people running the aid stations, my girlfriend being there to see it, the cop on Haight giving me a thumbs up - "looking good!".., realising I could hit 3hours 30.. it was amazing and I was hooked on marathoning!
An hour later I was online checking where I could do my next marathon!
Well here I am back at home..back to reality.. realising I want to do another, and another.. knowing that all 7-8 months I spent training, the early mornings, the aching legs, the ice baths, it was all worth it for those three and a half hours of the marathon.
I have raised over £3000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. I know my Dad won't ever get better, but I know I can combine my love of running (and now marathoning) with raising money towards finding a cure. I figure if I can do two or three marathons a year that's a fair amount of money going their way.
Finally, here are some stats for you about my race -
Out of 4084 marathon finishers, I came 286th. Of those finishers, 2719 were men and I came 257th of those men. Of my age
group (30-34), I came 42nd of 438. My time splits were
7.5 mile mark - 1hr 6 mins 35s
Half marathon mark - 1 hour 51mins 54 s
20.7 miles mark - 2hours 52 mins 21s
Finishing time - 3 hours 30 mins 39 seconds
and for a bit more detail, my Garmin Forerunner (GPS speed distance monitor), although it reckons I ran 26.82 miles, it says
my mile split were
9:16, 08:41, 08:57, 08:19, 08:28, 09:11, 08:14, 08:14, 08:17, 08:25, 07:34, 08:19, 07:53, 07:38, 07:55, 07:51, 07:52, 07:04,
07:33, 07:17, 06:51, 07:02, 07:10, 06:41, 07:07, 07:09.
Oh and being able to upgrade to UCS with mile going home was very welcome
If you've never done a marathon, whether you're a runner or not - my advice is - do it!!! You will surprise yourself what you are capable of, you will get fitter, you will have fun, you will grow your confidence, you will experience something amazing. Life is there to be lived. It is so easy to take your body and health for granted - why not put it to good use?
I read a good point ages ago, which is that deciding to do a marathon is the hardest bit. OK I probably wouldn't have agreed at mile 24 but it's true..
So many times in training, I'd tell people about it and they'd say "oh there's no way I could ever do a marathon". I sincerely think anyone could do a marathon. Yes you have to train for it and yes it takes an effort but you can do it! And trust me it is SO worth it!
There are marathons all over the world (http://www.marathonguide.com) so why not combine it with a holiday (to a VS destination naturally!)
Have fun!
SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON - July 30th, 2006
Why do a marathon?
The story of this marathon really starts back in November last year. On a rather cold, dismal winter night, I was sat at the
PC wasting another evening away online.
I realised it had been some time since I had done anything really challenging. In recent years I have done several things which have, as well as being fun, served to make me realise there is more than the day-to-day mill of work, etc. These have included skydiving, bungeeing and firewalking.
So for whatever reason, I got the idea of running a marathon. Now, bear in mind that apart from at school (where I was a reaonsbly succesful 100m/200m runner) I haven't run at all. However I am quite fit and walk to and from work each day (40 minutes each way).
The next thing to decide was, which marathon to do. There are loads! (http://www.marathonguide.com is a good site). I wanted to one
abroad, and also one which would be a bit 'different'. And where better to do my first marathon than my favourite place in the world, San Francisco.
I went on to the website, and two minutes later, I'm registered for a marathon! gulp..
Training
The next few months were a huge learning curve for me, as I didn't have a clue about running. I learned about training (I followed Hal Higdon's 'novice' schedule - http://www.halhigdon.com), nutrition, having proper running shoes (and indeed, why you should NOT run in regular trainers/sneakers - ouch!) and motivation.
I'd like to say I enjoyed all my training but this wasn't the case - my lowest point being my first 13 miler - running in snow and sleat, and knackering my knee putting me out of action for a month. But as an overall thing I did enjoy it, especially the 'long runs' on the weekend - gradually seeing my endurance going up - the first 10 miler, etc.
Nearly every week gave me something to increase my confidence, and nearly every week running further than I had ever done before.
Early on I realised it would be a shame not to use the marathon as a way of raising money for charity. Around the time of my deciding to do the race, my dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. This is why I chose the Motor Neurone Disease Association to raise funds for. It was great having a cause that I really had personal feelings about to fundraise for.
I also learned a lot about the psychological aspect of running and racing. After I had injured my knee, I did some work with a superb NLP/hypnotherapy therapist called Emma James (http://www.firstday.webeden.co.uk/) who specialises in sports performance. I realised that a lot of the 'injury' was more about me wanting an excuse to quit training; additionally I realised I had created a situation in my mind where I thought of myself as running the marathon for my dad. Once I let go of these things, and took a more positive approach to training, the injuries (bar one issue with my left leg) vanished. And I mean literally overnight - don't underestimate the mind-body relationship!
Something I found particuarly hard during training was, as my fitness and endurance was on the up, my dad's MND was quickly
taking hold of his body. It hasn't even been a year and he is already wheelchair-bound. I found myself feeling guilty on several occasions - not because he made me feel that way (far from it) but because it seemed so unfair he no longer had his fitness and independence - one of the most frustrating things about MND is that it can affect completely fit and able people, my dad was a regular walker/hiker.
Running/training quickly became a huge part of my life (one that I think will be permanently). The highs and feelings of satisfaction from my long runs got me through the week; shorter runs and speedwork provided a great way to blast through stress and negative feelings from work at the end of the days.
As the temperature started increasing with summer approaching, the earlier I had to get up on Saturdays for my weekly long runs - at my peak of a 20 miler I was getting up at 4.30am - it's a really special time of the day, you feel like you have the whole world to yourself..so peaceful.
I won't bore you too much with more about training, but there is a blog of this at http://andymarathon.blogspot.com)
But I will leave you with the tip - ices baths after a long run are great at aiding recovery - look, I'm even smiling whilst having one! -
Pre-marathon nerves
We flew out on the Thursday before the race (marathon being on the Sunday). On the Friday we checked out the race expo, where you have to pick up your race bib (i.e. the piece of paper with your number on it that you wear), along with the timing chip (small thing that attaches to your shoe which automatically triggers and records your time when you start, finish, and a couple of other points along the way).
It was at this point that I began to really feel nerves. Eight months seems ages but when you're two days away from the most
challenging event of your life..
Here is me in front of the map displayed at the expo -
The day before the race I was a mess..'jittery' would be an understatement! I started to doubt myself - not that I couldn't do the distance (I knew, being the stubborn person I am that I would crawl round the course if needed!) but that I wouldn't achieve my time.
I had two times in mind - a conservative but acceptable time (3 hours 45 mins) and a 'dream time' of 3 hours 30 mins.
Statistically I knew I should be capable of the latter (my PB for a half marathon being 1 hour 37mins) but I was increasingly worried about the hills.
I phoned up Emma James (the therapist I mentioned earlier) who pointed out that all the stressing was zapping the energy (albeit it mental energy in this case) that I would need so badly the next day. She also suggested that rather than getting pedantic and worrying about what time I did on each mile, I just listened to my body and 'went with it' on the day of the run.
So I felt a bit better and decided to put off worrying until the next day, and got on with carb loading (read - lots of pasta).
Here's all my gear (shoes, map, carb gels, etc.) laid out ready -
Race day!
The race itself started at 5.30am. I got up at 3.30 am (nice!) and we arrived at Embarcadero around 4.50am. It was quite a
surreal sight, hundreds and hundreds of runners warming up, stetching and queueing for the portaloos (the side effect of last minute hydration
).I felt so nervous I was very nearly physically sick. Thankfully I managed to hold it in, said my goodbyes to the OH, and went off to my 'corral'.
For those of you who haven't done a marathon before, what happens is, according to your intended finish time, you are assigned a 'wave' - so the fastest runners start first, with the slowest ones at the end. I was in wave '3', so we started at 5.40am.
One of the waves starting -
The start
After a rendition of the US anthem, we saw waves one and two leave. Wave three was then called to the starting line. I looked behind and to my right to see the gorgeous Bay Bridge lit up against a light blue sky, as the sun was starting to rise. It was a beautiful sight and I felt really grateful to be there.
I knew one of the golden rules of running a marathon is "don't go out too fast" - i.e. it's very easy to get caught up with the initial excitement and run the first mile or two far too fast, thus guaranteeing burn out later. So I took the first mile
nice and slow.
The race
The marathon course is gorgeous. The early stages of the run lead along Embarcadero, through Fisherman's Wharf (OK not so gorgeous!), then the Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, then onto Crissy Field. Once into the run any nerves I had vanished, and I settled down to enjoying the scenery and pacing myself.
Crissy Field has always been one of my favourite SF spots and running along here toward GG Bridge was really special. It was along here that the first few spectators were - "way to go marathoners! You are all rock stars!". It's so nice that people like this take the time out (especially at 6 am on a Sunday) to do this.
Then begun the biggest hill, leading up to the bridge. 120 feet over 2/10ths of a mile, followed by 60ft over 1.5 miles. But
it was over soon enough (plenty of huffing and puffing from all runners though!).
Up onto the bridge..one lane had been split into two - one for runners heading over, the other coming back. On this uphill section I saw the race leaders coming back over. This section of the race is notorious for being crowded, and I found myself running a slower-than-planned place as I kept getting boxed in. With hindsight this may have been a good thing as it prevented me using up my energy too early.
Over the bridge, on to the second aid station for some water. A bunch of bikers were running this station, much to the apparent fear of many runners, being greeted by seven or so huge biker guys! This, however, was one of my favorite moments, as, walking along, collecting a couple of cups of water, I heard "nice tats, man..", "awesome ink bro.." and so on, in relation to my heavily tattooed arms. I ran off, smugly and admired the view of the city on the return over the bridge.
Back over the bridge and a nice (and welcome) downhill section. I began to feel my legs properly warming up after the rather cold and windy bridge. Most of this section is a bit of a blur to me so I will skip to..
Golden Gate Park
I had arranged to look out for the OH here. She had made the wise purchase of a bright yellow helium balloon (complete with smiley face) from Walgreens so it would be easy to spot her. After a quick "hi it's going well...see you later" and then another a couple of miles on, I continued running. Although GG park is undeniably lovely, the course does mess with your head a bit here, as you are on a winding, up and down, in and out route and it's hard to work out where you are.
Me approaching the OH -
Nevertheless, I realised during this point that I was feeling good and started to pick up the pace. I ran past the bison thinking to myself, this is all a bit wierd, I'm actually running the San Francisco marathon!) and a couple of miles later I realised I'd caught up with the 3 hours 40 mins pace group. (There are runners who go round with a sign saying what pace/finishing time they are aiming for, the idea being that if you want to finish at that time, you just follow them). I ran with this group for a few minutes, thinking, hey, this is great, I'm going to finish in a good time. Then I thought to myself, I can do better than that - I'm feeling good, let's go for it.
So I let off the brakes some more and did just that and from that point onwards carried on overtaking other runners until the finish.
Mile 19 to 23
Running down Haight was cool - not just because of the welcome downhill section but also some really cool people out cheering, along with some more compliments on my tattoos (Californian's really seem to like them, unlike the English!). I don't remember much of the run through Mission, I'd kind of got 'in the zone' at this point and had stopped looking round too much.
Having said that, I realised that I was now (if I kept the pace up) well on form for a 3hr 30 min finish.
Mile 24 - finish
The problem with the SF marathon course is, the last miles are BORING. There is no scenery, no spectators. Although my pace was still good (sub 7:00 for the most) I started to fade a little, having to take one or two short walking breaks each mile. The best bit was seeing the Bay Bridge and realising the finish point was in sight. There is a bit where you have to run round the AT&T ball park..although this is part of the course/26.2 miles, at the time it seemed sadistic! I passed several people who had resorted to walking and was glad I had run a slow first half.
The last mile or two also involved me shouting abuse/encouragement at myself, this probably looked quite amusing to anyone around me, e.g. "COME ON!!! Do IT!! MOVE!!!" plus some other less polite phrases - hey, whatever works!
I remember seeing the 'mile 26' marker and thinking two things - 1) thank god! and 2) I've almost run a marathon..me!!
Just before the finish came my favourite moment of the whole thing..there's, like a corridor you run down (of sorts)..on one
side were loads of cheering spectators. I thought to myself (knowing I was about to finish nearly bang on 3hours 30), you're
only getting this moment once - lap it up! So I started shouting at them "louder..c'mon let's hear it!" and gesticulating to
them like a game show audience ("higher..higher!")..hearing those people shouting and cheering was probably the best moment of my life, it really was so cool.
The next thing I know, I'm running over the finish. I made sure to place both fists in the air in triumph! I had finished a
marathon. I looked down at my Garmin to see 3 hours 30! And then....wham! My legs are killing, my quads,thighs, calfs...ouch!
'Mile 27'
I walked on a metre or two and got my finishers medal, thinking (still) "I've finished a marathon..me!" and "3 hours 30..there must be a mistake!". After that I got one of those foil blankets you may have seen on TV when they do the London marathon. I remember when I was a kid thinking, I want one of those. Well let me tell you, on a hot day, when you're covered in sweat, you don't! But it's a cool souvenir.
I then grabbed some water and some sports drink and wandered around in a daze looking for the OH. I'd said to her, meet me by the meeting point 'K'..I walked/stumbled over there...not one person there!
I turn around and see the bright yellow balloon back where I'd been. I hobbled back there, hugged her and promptly broke down in tears (good tears!)
Me after running 26.2 miles -
I switched my cell (sorry, mobile) back on and picked up a voicemail from my Dad who had been able to see my progress in real time online (via triggers at certain points). I promptly started crying again!
After some more staggering around I got my official race photo done, then off we went.
*Edit - just remembered another classic moment..standing around near the finish, a lady shouted over "good race tattoo man - all the way!" I've never been called 'tattoo man' before but I guess it could be worse!*
We walked back to the hotel (few blocks up from Union Square, on Pine). I spent most of the day laid on bed going "uuugggh..I feel rough", "uuggghh..I'm tired" or just plain "ugggh".
I reflected on how lucky I felt to have been part of such an awesome event - the scenery, the city, the runners, the spectators (who are as much 'stars' as the runners in my opinion), the house playing 'the eye of the tiger' out of their window at full blast, the lady at mile 23 with a water bottle spraying a cool mist into runners faces, the guy at mile 24 with the cardboard 'nearly there' sign, the bikers with the sound systems, the awesome people running the aid stations, my girlfriend being there to see it, the cop on Haight giving me a thumbs up - "looking good!".., realising I could hit 3hours 30.. it was amazing and I was hooked on marathoning!
An hour later I was online checking where I could do my next marathon!
Well here I am back at home..back to reality.. realising I want to do another, and another.. knowing that all 7-8 months I spent training, the early mornings, the aching legs, the ice baths, it was all worth it for those three and a half hours of the marathon.
I have raised over £3000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. I know my Dad won't ever get better, but I know I can combine my love of running (and now marathoning) with raising money towards finding a cure. I figure if I can do two or three marathons a year that's a fair amount of money going their way.
Finally, here are some stats for you about my race -
Out of 4084 marathon finishers, I came 286th. Of those finishers, 2719 were men and I came 257th of those men. Of my age
group (30-34), I came 42nd of 438. My time splits were
7.5 mile mark - 1hr 6 mins 35s
Half marathon mark - 1 hour 51mins 54 s
20.7 miles mark - 2hours 52 mins 21s
Finishing time - 3 hours 30 mins 39 seconds
and for a bit more detail, my Garmin Forerunner (GPS speed distance monitor), although it reckons I ran 26.82 miles, it says
my mile split were
9:16, 08:41, 08:57, 08:19, 08:28, 09:11, 08:14, 08:14, 08:17, 08:25, 07:34, 08:19, 07:53, 07:38, 07:55, 07:51, 07:52, 07:04,
07:33, 07:17, 06:51, 07:02, 07:10, 06:41, 07:07, 07:09.
Oh and being able to upgrade to UCS with mile going home was very welcome
If you've never done a marathon, whether you're a runner or not - my advice is - do it!!! You will surprise yourself what you are capable of, you will get fitter, you will have fun, you will grow your confidence, you will experience something amazing. Life is there to be lived. It is so easy to take your body and health for granted - why not put it to good use?
I read a good point ages ago, which is that deciding to do a marathon is the hardest bit. OK I probably wouldn't have agreed at mile 24
but it's true.. So many times in training, I'd tell people about it and they'd say "oh there's no way I could ever do a marathon". I sincerely think anyone could do a marathon. Yes you have to train for it and yes it takes an effort but you can do it! And trust me it is SO worth it!
There are marathons all over the world (http://www.marathonguide.com) so why not combine it with a holiday (to a VS destination naturally!)
Have fun!
(Better than I'll every do, that's for sure!)
