Budapest marathon weekend 5K: Last weekend was... - Couch to 5K

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Budapest marathon weekend 5K

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate
15 Replies

Last weekend was marathon weekend in Budapest and this is a marathon length celebration post. It was a feast of running and a feast of the other sort. More of the latter later.

Back in August, before I graduated, I asked your collective advice about signing up for the 5K and, with your encouragement, I did so. I was nervous but excited too. Fortunately, I had little time to think about it as I had a houseful of guests. Two friends come from UK to run the 10k with my husband, and our gorgeous son flew in from London to run his first marathon. There was also a small but very important non-running support team.

I read a lot about eating for a marathon before my (28 year old) boy came home and the menu for days before was carb heavy. We all ate with him; an important job for whole support team.

Saturday was 5k and 10k day. I was up early to feed those in need and to make tea for the others, gathering water, sports drinks, poo bags (for the dog), and not forgetting the cool bag full of ice for my friend and her recovering Achilles for after the 10k. I dropped the three 10k runners as close as I could get to the start and then began the arduous job of finding a parking space. Job done, I set off in the direction of the Danube laden down with a stuffed backpack, the increasingly heavy cool bag, and Juno who was overexcited and needed to sniff everything and do her business at the least convenient moment. The rest of the support team were following in a taxi, but I suspect they finished the pot of tea first. I eventually reached the river just in time to see the three runners pass and then rushed back to the finish line to be ready to cheer them over. The trailing support team arrived in time for the victory celebrations.

Lots of congratulations and then it was my turn. There were over 3000 runners and my brisk walk was to find my place in the 'over 30 minutes' area. I was reassured to see that it was the most populated of all. The sun came out just as we started - not part of the plan and - I spent most of the race worrying about not wearing sun-cream. It was hot and the last 500 metres was hard, but my supporters were very vocal in their encouragement. I had a great big grin on my face when I heard my name announced as I crossed the finish line.

The icing on the cake was a great performance by my son on Sunday who completed the marathon in 3hrs 50mins and raised a sackful of money for Crisis. The race was along both banks of the Danube which provided lots of stunning views and plenty of chances to see the runners. We saw our son 6 times on his journey. A few celebratory beers may have been consumed afterwards.

I enjoyed watching the races last year but never imagined I’d be a participant. Three months ago I couldn't run and, thanks to C25K and you lovely folks, I now have my first medal and official 5k time of 33.50 in the bag. And wonderful memories of taking part in a glorious festival of running.

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Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-love
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15 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Congratulations to you and your family members you should all be so proud. 😊😊👏👏👏👏👏

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate in reply toBuddy34

Thank you, Buddy. I’m particularly proud of my son who was in the ‘not good at sport’ box at school. He’s been running for less than a year and was smiling to the finish line. ❤️

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

Excellent!!!!!! What a wonderful experience!! 🎉

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate in reply toAnnieapple

Thanks Annie. It was a lot of fun.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Congratulations to you Puppy-love on completing the Riska Minimaraton 5K in Budapest in a excellent time of 33.50, well done, also, congratulations to your son on completing the marathon in 3 hours.50 minutes

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate in reply toAlMorr

Thank you Al. Very grateful for your support.

AliHC profile image
AliHCGraduate

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh I'm grinning from ear to ear like the Cheshire Cat! 🐱

What a wonderful post! So proud of you!

Congratulations to you, your son and your friend! Hope you're still buzzing with great energy! ❤️

NOW SHOW US THE BLING! 🏅

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate in reply toAliHC

Thank you, Ali. Really appreciate your enthusiastic encouragement. I’ll post a pic of the bling. It’s wonderful to get a medal for coming 999th! 😂😂

AliHC profile image
AliHCGraduate in reply toPuppy-love

999th! You were in the top third! xxx

And also what a wonderful charity Crisis is too! When we have food left over from our events, I take it into town and walk the streets hand delivering it around the homeless people in the city centre ❤️ I've got to know a few of them really well, so I find them first and they help me carry the boxes 😊

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate in reply toAliHC

That’s a lovely thing to do. My retirement plan is to work with Centrepoint or Crisis. Both do wonderful work. My son was inspired by helping his perfect ex/girlfriend (I’m still hopeful she’ll be my daughter-in-law) who volunteered with a homeless choir in London. Just up your street. Have a lovely weekend. I’m on my way to Lucca in Tuscany for a few days. Running shoes packed of course. Xx

Jazzyrunner profile image
JazzyrunnerGraduate

What a fabulous post! You did absolutely brilliant - not only running your amazing time for your 5k but also looking after and supporting everyone else. Fantastic, I feel a happy glow from reading your post 😊

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate in reply toJazzyrunner

Thank you Jazzyrunner. I am still glowing - though some of that is the lack of suncream. I’m happiest supporting though I did enjoy my moment of glory, particularly as my husband and son were so proud of me despite their own more significant achievements. Very happy that you’re making great progress. X

Jazzyrunner profile image
JazzyrunnerGraduate in reply toPuppy-love

A lovely thing for you all to share 😘

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

What a fantastic day for you all, just fabulous. Well done 😁👍🏻

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Thank you GoGo_JoJo. It was a very enjoyable weekend. 😊

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