What better than Thursday if you want to cover full marathon distance, eh? I made such hard work of it all, ticked a few 'no-no' boxes, had to make very last minute adjustments, forgot a few things, etc, etc. Finally, l beat my 5hr target (or just 'cross the line' target) and got it all done in around 4.40hrs. I am trying to think what part of my body doesn't hurt (just ears, perhaps, the rest is mangled) but l'm also thinking of taking a few weeks off running, I need that badly. Jeez, why did I put myself through that, what was l thinking?!
The photo was taken before the run. Now I look a bit different, lol.
Written by
mrrun
Ultramarathon
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Oh brilliant! Just brilliant, mrrun! You are half grit and half determination and I admire you. Oh you are also a mighty fine runner. Wow. How did it feel to be running for that length of time? And what was your route? Bloody well done! Now for a well earned break. Enjoy your ears. Put your feet up and enjoy. 😁
Haha, thank you! I'm not trying to put anyone off but let's just say that towards the end, last 7-8km was not a leisurely stroll in the park. Next time I'll go for different tactics to make it less hellish, :).
I had to change the route due to late start and warm weather so l focused on zig-zagging Battersea Park and crossing Albert bridge a few times. I had to be close to my drinks supply (inside my car), toilets (just in case) and lots of other people (also just in case, this was lone running in uncharted territory so it's good to be seen).
Massive experience and so different from my 32k run because from there on is where the wheels can come off. I've learned lots though!
It was awfully humid today, so extra kudos to you. I have just sat having a few beers on a tatty pub-boat on the the Thames, and that’s pretty much taken it out of me! 😂 Well, you did it, and learned a few things on the way, (and your wheels did not come off) so here is to the next one! 👏👏👏
Wow! Congrats on achieving a huge milestone, on your own, without the crowds and other runners as a distraction to push through to the end. True grit you have there mrrun, true grit! My hats off to you.
Thank you! I often read how happy some runners are when finishing the marathon. I was angry, felt wretched and spent, blood pressure dropped and stomach hurt. This morning, apart from still feeling sleepy and tired, l am feeling no muscle/bone/joint trouble. Oh boy….until next time!
I had to change the route (long story, my mistake), l started late when the sun was in the twenties and it was humid. Although l trained lots and hard, you don't change major factors on the day, if you can avoid it. I was meant to be out there at 8am but only started at 11.30. The night before was late, friends were around, some beer was drunk. That's why l was extra determined but also angry because l went against the plan. Carbon copy of my life. At least l knew what to wear, lol.
Ok... yea I get ya. Too many changes really. I must admit I find it odd that training plans run up to 20 mile then jump to the full 26. When I do go over my 20, I'll still be doing it in small increments I think, as yes, I can well imagine that final 10k must be the killer, that's assuming boredom doesn't set in!
Once you've done 20, you are good to go - assuming you've already done a fair bit of mileage. Also, once you've experienced 20 miles you want this thing to be over and done with. The last section, normally from mid thirties onwards is all about joy and laughter. And no, boredom never set in. That would probably be the last thing on my mind as it's difficult being bored when trying to stay alive, lol.
Whatever wrong I did in past lives, whatever famines l caused, whatever wars l started and whatever misery l maintained, the Guy Above made sure that yesterday l settled all those scores in full. Now we are even. I hope.
Nice one! That's a hell of a training run! Your hair ususlly doesn't hurt either after a marathon. The 36/7/8/9k deadzone is an arse-kicker eh? 40k onwards is not so bad (that in the bag feeling). Only marathoners know out of body experiences are possible without the use of Class A drugs. A 04:40:00 is a great first time and close enough to make 04:30:00 a realistic future target. Running an an event might give you that added impetus? Although the costs and hassle are not to everyone's taste. Congrats and enjoy the recovery!
Deadzone? Is that what it's called? Around 32-35 l thought l got it, l could do it, I'm home-free. And then the damn thing hit me and took me to dark places. Lots to take home and change for the next time, although l can't think of running it any time soon, hehe..
Absolutely no other reason. Thinking back of all that training during the winter I start to realise what l put myself through. Again, just for the sake of it! Now I will commit to 3 runs per week for fun only. Short, scenic and enjoyable.
I think it's great. You keep hearing all that advice that it isn't necessary to practice the full distance, but I keep thinking how much reassurance I'd get from doing it in training. Of course, I live in Norway where the superhumans that live here seem to regularly go for super long runs "for fun". Makes the rest of us feel like wimps. Ergo - you're a superhuman (or Norwegian).
Haha, neither, I'm afraid. I find scheduled runs to be against why I do this. My professional life is highly structured, busy and organised. I want to retain some of it when training but the element of fun comes with being able to do it on my own terms, hence choosing my routes, times and distances. And, funnily enough, even my friends who ran event marathons couldn't really grasp the idea of going the full stretch alone. On a Thursday morning. Lol
I think recovery will take some time. Well, at least a week or so but then l will aim to simply enjoy running until l start developing more of my merry ideas. This morning l feel pain-free but sleepy as a newborn. It will pass.
Thank you, and an event it was. A torture of an event, lol. Chill will have to wait. I planned it all except the aftermath. Got so much to do today and over the weekend.
It's just sunk in that nobody out there is running solo marathons!? Ever since l started I've run and consolidated each milestone, 5K, 10K and HM. I ran them until I felt comfortable with each distance. I've just foolishly tasked myself with consolidating marathons, haha...oh lord. Well, look, there is definitely something in there. Solace and suffering. One day I will probably end up wearing a robe in a cave, murmuring to myself...Lol
Massive congratulations! An inspiring achievement. I have a loose ambition to run marathons and ultra distances (not a goal as I haven't put a timescale on it). But I don't want all the pizazz and froth that comes with an organised race/event. So I'll probably do it like you did (but half marathon first). Thanks for the reassurance that my idea isn't totally mad!
l hope it's not mad, nobody else is doing it. I simply prefer my own rules and feel without pressure being alone. It inspires me to find different rules and whatever l want otherwise, l am certain, I'd go resistant and bored. Freshness of new situations is a constant boost. For me, at least.
Wow. Well done! I am hugely impressed and inspired and slightly terrified as I'm running one in October! A solo marathon is a very proud, quiet achievement, you have some determination!
I did a fair bit of walking yesterday in London and today in beautiful Dorset. Those hills can put you back in working order. No pains anywhere, whatsoever, so I'll go back to my usual runs in a week or so. Much better than l could hope for!
Wow! That must take a very special kind of determination ... I'm super impressed. To be able to do a 'fair bit of walking' a day or two later is even more amazing. You've definitely got something right there. Congratulations!
Haha, thank you but walking was all l could do, running was not an option. Walking helped me keep it all together, l could feel that muscles and joints appreciated it. And given how hard l trained in all conditions, the after run recovery was much quicker and easier than anticipated. It's amazing how our brains can be surprised by our own bodies.
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Finally going to Army Selection 😁
Ok, that could have gone worse!
Finally Heading for Paradise
Marathon finally complete!
