What a weekend! This could turn into a rambling saga, but I will try and precis it. We arrived on Friday evening, which meant I at least had one fairly decent night's sleep before the big day. Saturday was spent largely registering and being force-fed carbs by Ironson. I was in bed by 10pm with number pinned on shirt, chip laced through shoe and all kit laid out. But predictably, I couldn't sleep. Half hour snatches were all I managed until the designated rising time of 6.30. I did feel much much calmer than before my only other big race (the Bath Half marathon in March, before which I was a gibbering wreck). So the hypnotherapy was worth it. A quick slurp of disgusting instant porridge and half a banana and Ironson was escorting me through the Berlin subway to the start. We met a lovely English girl on the train who took me under her wing and promised Matthew she's look after me once we got inside the competitors only pen-this she did -even helped me find the right tent for my drop off bag before we had to part (she, needless to say was not in my pen which was for first timers and really slow people). It was pleasantly warm so the hour long wait before our pen shuffled to the start wasn't too much of an ordeal. I sat on the kerb wrapped in a plastic sheet put myself in the 'pleasant place' my hypnotherapist had advised and strove not to compare myself unfavourably with all the fit young people around me.
And then we were off, and as soon as we started jogging, I felt comfortable and confident. I never for a moment doubted I was going to finish, and I did my very best to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere and support along the way. Once the crowds thinned out as the faster people streamed ahead, it was much easier for me to do my walk breaks without getting in people's way (I did Galloway 90:30 ratio) It also meant people could cheer on individuals and every few hundred metres I would hear. "BRAVO Pamela' usually coming from women of around my age, which was great. In my head I had planned to think of it as two ten mile races and then a 10K, so that the distance in front of me didn't seem too enormous. The first 10miles were really lovely and I felt so strong at the end that I had no doubt I would complete the next one. My Garmin tells the story that I gradually slowed down over the second 'race' but I didn't feel tired, and the knowledge that every few miles my lovely family would pop up and cheer me on (after incredibly well-organised subway journeys) was a carrot dangling in front of me.I was also very conscious of all you lovely forumites willing me on (I had no idea some of you were actually tracking me on the App) At 35K Matt appeared on the pavement and yelled, 'you're on target, you can do this,' which meant I was on target for a sub 6 hours which would give me a Good for Age automatic entry to the London 2018 marathon, So exciting! And then, precisely at the 36K mark I felt a sudden pain in both hips and every step became agony. Oh no! Mr Smudge's dreadful predictions had come true! He was right after all! Running IS bad for your joints! I stumbled on. But my steps were becoming shorter and shorter and after my next walk break I found I could hardly lift my legs to jog on. And when I did, I seriously thought my legs might give way. What if I had stress fractures of the hips?What if the next run was going to be the final straw and they would shatter into a hundred pieces? I decided to carry on anyway. But from then on, most of it was walk. And other walking people were passing me! I was so cross, so angry. How dare my body do this to me? Then with 1K to go, Ironson appeared on the pavement beside me and ran alongside encouraging me like a rowing coach on a towpath. 'Turn your bleeper off and just run now ' he said 'the Brandenburg gate is around the corner' So I threw my Gymboss to him and went for it. Quite how my legs did it I don't know and it wasnt pretty , but I was not going to suffer the ignomony of walking through the Brandenburg Gate. The photo proofs show me hunched and waddling , iike Mrs Overall from Acorn Antiques , but nonetheless NOT WALKING! I thought I would cry at this moment but in fact it was more of a groan, though I did manage to raise my hands for a victory photograph. The actual finish is 200 metres beyond the gates and it seemed a very very long way,.But finally I was there and it was over. A young lady hung the amazing bling around my neck and grinning like an imbecile I staggered to collect my drop bag and head towards the family reunion park.
Except I didn't! Suddenly my chest tightened and I found myself struggling for breath. The last time this had happened was after the Bath half marathon and I had thought it was a one-off and due to me having a bad cold. But no; the medic who approached me recognised I was having an asthma attack and shepherded me once again into the first aid tent. Not to worry. Twenty minutes with an oxygen mask (and advice to use my preventative inhaler next time) put me right and I was able to scoot outside and finally locate my family, who were on their third beer by this point. And that was it really. I am left with a warm afterglow, from what was, for the most part a truly brilliant experience. I also have a strong desire to do it again and to get it right next time. I have been very lazy about cross-training and that was my downfall . Ironson says it was the muscles, rather than the joints that let me down (and sure enough the hips feel fine today) and I also went out rather too fast, though it didn't feel that way. So. More Pilates and get my asthma regime sorted. Then I'll be back.
Off to get the tattoo now! Thanks all xxxxxx
Written by
turnturtle
Marathon
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Fantastic report! Well done, what a race! You have done a brilliant job, not just in the race but inspiring so many others to keep at it. I recognised that feeling at around the 36k mark - but it's amazing what your brain can tell your body and then you just keep on!
Oh Pam, that is just amazing! I have tears in my eyes reading that, I am so proud of you! I'm so happy it went well for you, you look fantastic! Another one for tem C25K xx
WOW JUST WOW. well done, what an amazing journey. It shows just when we think there isn't any more there is always the last bit that can carry us through. I've loved being part of every step of this journey and it's so great to hear that you did it, so very well done. Don't forget to ask Ju-Ju for your marathon badge.
Blimey, I was welling up reading that , what a absolutely brilliant report !!!!
You should be held up as a shining example of what can be achieved when you put your mind to it. I used you as an inspiration when I was running a 17k on Sunday. I was flagging , and then I thought of you in Berlin , and gave myself a stern talking to .
You look great , your family will be so so proud of you , and so are we.
Well done Pam, have a nice rest and we will look forward to seeing the new inking ! xxx
That made me cry! Well done Pam. You're just awesome. So pleased that your family supports you. It's immense that they do. Your son's input is worth diamonds isn't it. He's like your Personal Trainer. Such a boon!
I am glad that it's nowt to worry about, hips that is. That's all right then. Crack on with the next one then Pam. No hurry. Take the rest of the day off x
Marvellous!!! You and your son must be very proud. I hope that picture has pride of place on the mantelpiece. Would you mind just telling me a bit about the hypnotherapist?
Thanks AR. I just googled 'hypnotherapy in York', which is my usual lazy way of shopping and came up with a really good lady. My theory was that since hypnotherapy works for phobias and anxiety it might help me with my pre-race nerves, which were horrendous before Bath HM. And it certainly did. It was one more bullet in my marathon armoury, along with Pilates and hill-training. Think I may need a few more cylinders in my gun though, judging by the way my effort petered out at the end!
Thanks - sounds like money well spent. I had just been getting paranoid that my neither of my last 2 races went well and maybe I had a problem, but really there was a 10 k and by the time we set off it was around 28-30 degrees and just too hot for me. Still can't really explain the GNR vomiting - maybe I'm just an attention seeker. Glad to have read elsewhere you are feeling great after the massage. One thing about running, any bad bits seem to fade faster in the memory than the good ones!
Oh Pam what a fantastic story and what a fantastic photograph. You really are quite something, aren't you. Your preparation was so thorough, even including hypnosis is to help you mentally, so it seems really unfair that you had hip trouble towards the end. But at least it was only short term pain. Phew!!
It sounds like such an amazing experience Sweetie, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing a photo of your victory tattoo. Well done IronMum xxx
wow , wow and wow again. You are so amazing. Reading that I felt tears in my eyes as I found the last 5k of the Paris marathon the hardest ever, and it takes every ounce of strength to get to that finish line. Bravo you are an absolute superstar and I have also given you your well deserved badge
POMPOM TIME! So proud of you, TT. You rock!!! You are one kick-ass girl, Kiddo Smudge can stick his/her opinion where the sun don't shine. Now I'm off to snivel proud tears into my lentil soup. HUGS xxx PS. Wanted to read this earlier but for some reason couldn't open the page.
What a lovely read. Congratulations. I am very impressed and may tell my neighbour about you! She said, this morning after meeting me coming back in my bright leggings, that she was to old to start running (she's 68)...
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