We started celebrating the Oslo Marathon last night, with my two eldest running a 3K race, and coming in at 14 and 17 minutes. Little brother aged 6 was inspired and declared that he wanted to do the children's marathon on Saturday (500m), so we signed him up. This meant changing our usual marathon day plans, but it all worked out. My mother came to town with us, then took the kids home when it was time for us to run.
Hubby and I were signed up for the half marathon. Unfortunately both of us came down with colds about mid-week, so we weren't feeling too great. Luckily both colds were above the neck, so we decided to give it a go.
I can't deny that I found the race harder going than usual. They have also changed the route to make it quite a lot more hillier. But I soldiered on, and took a gel at 7K, planning to take another gel at 14K. I had tried this gel earlier on in the week, and it had been fine. I don't know if the cold had an impact, but the gel was horrible this time. It made me feel really sick, and gave me stomach pains. Just the negative stuff some of you have written about.
I manage to keep running fairly well til about 13K in, with a couple of short walk stops. By the time the second major hill came along, I was in a lot of discomfort, and hubby's knee (which has been a problem in the past) was also acting up. But we made it up and around. I was looking forward to the last 4K, which was mostly downhill, but I just couldn't run all the way.
Anyway, we finally made it to the finish line, hand in hand. And I was happy to see that my time was only 5 minutes slower than last year: 2:34. Not too bad for a sick lady with an unhappy gut!
One of the pluses about the race was that it didn't get too hot. They also put up handy signs like: Slow down - cobblestones ahead. Or Slow down: Insults ahead! This apparently referred to a local restaurant that was handing out treats. Nobody insulted us, though.
The downside was the usual. Very little cheering. There was more cheering by spectators in the central locations. But the volunteers were really bad. I think only 20% of marshals cheered for us. And most of the rest were sitting on the ground, staring at their phones.
I have mixed emotions about today. I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to capitalize on all my training. On the other hand, I think we did really well considering the circumstances. At least things are looking promising for Royal Parks. It should be a mostly flat HM when I should be in good health. And a few more weeks to work on my mental training.
Written by
C3PO
Marathon
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Well, masses of respect to you both for running a HM despite having been unwell this week - and horrible feeling like that after the gel (never used them myself, and don't think I will!!). And you may not have felt supported by many of those marshalls but...👍👏👏👏👏👏👏🥇👏👏👏 well done from all of us on here!🙂
Well done C3PO and Mr C3PO, a right challenge by the sounds of it, but you did it 👏👍. It's a shame the marshals weren't overly enthusiastic, I've had that, one event I did this chap just stood with his arms crossed watching you go by, never said anything and didn't look happy to be there - I don't think he was a runner! Probably someone pulled in at the last minute, I still thanked him for being there.....
sometimes I wonder if they are runners, the ones that are runners are usually brilliant and know how lovely it is to have encouragement , especially when you are not the speediest.
Anyway, event ticked off, considerable mileage under your belt and some nice gentle recovery to look forward to 🤗
Very well done, especially when you weren't feeling well, and that's a good time in those circumstances. It's a shame about the marshals and not much cheering But you did a great job, and I hope Mr. C3PO's knee recovers soon, and that you are fighting fit for the Royal Parks.
Well done on getting round in such circumstances. I haven't tried the gels myself and as I get ibs maybe these won't be so great. I find with a cold my digestive system can be fussy or sensitive so maybe this is why you reacted this time. It is tough running with a cold, I have one now and not running but struggled with my 10k event with a snotty cold. Despite that you still completed a significant distance so you should feel very proud. I feel for Mr C3PO and his knee, my hubs is limping around on his knee and looking at a surgical fix before running again. Hopefully Mr C3PO will be running fit soon. Congratulations to you both, fantastic job!
I am saying FANTASTIC!! You are made of strong stuff to go out after being ill, and never underestimate just what an achievement running that distance is.... no mean feat. That's a good time too. I would take stock, celebrate your achievements and get excited about your next run.... well done 😎
I'm glad I stayed away from the gels today! I was feeling tempted when I was getting tired and the signs said "Energy", but I just took water and a piece of an orange at all stations.
I think you and hubby did very well considering you were recovering from a cold, and with a stomach/knee ache. Great the the children got a taste of the marathon too!
What a great running family you have Cristina! Well done to all of you! Hope you are feeling recovered now? The Royal Parks HM should be a brilliant day!
Well done, it's not much fun running with a cold and dodgy knee. As for the lack of cheering I hope your experience at Royal Parks will make up for that- when I did it a couple of years ago the support was amazing!
Thanks, all, for the lovely comments. The support here is incredible! After reading so many reports online about the wonderful volunteers, I wrote directly to the person in charge of the race volunteers, presenting my alternative view. I hope they don't just dismiss my email.
The race seems to have helped my recovery from the cold, and I felt much better yesterday. Mr C3PO appreciated all your good wishes. He also pointed out that even though all my training didn't pay off in a PB this time, it meant that, unlike him, I recovered really fast from the race.
Well done, '3PO!!!! I'd say that was a triumph over adversity. I'm sorry to hear about the lack of insults though. Shall I insult you here, would that help? Perhaps not
Well done 😃 Pity you were off colour and the gels didn't help. These things happen though but you kept going! Lack of support is a pity too but you can't do anything about it. It makes you stronger I think as you have to dig even deeper within your own resources. Makes for a more boring run though. At least you had your husband to run with 🙂
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First half marathon completed
