I'm so happy to be able say I got round my first marathon in 4:39. In fact it was my first ever race. There were to have been 4 half marathons in the lead up but, due to either illness and injury, I didn't get to the start line of any of them. All the setbacks just made me even more determined to at least pin on my race number and get started this time.
The course is very flat with only 115 metres of elevation gain and much of it is alongside the Mediterranean. With perfect weather conditions every thing was in my favour. On the way round there were many pockets of kind supporters cheering us all on but in my head the virtual pom pom wavers were with me for the entire route.
Never underestimate just how much of a difference this forum makes. I only let on what I was up to in the last few days before the race and I am so glad I overcame my shyness. I hit the wall after only 16 miles and without the generous support of this wonderful community I would almost certainly have called it a day. The same thing happened again with only 3 miles to go and the virtual pom poms came to my rescue once more.
I painfully shuffled in among a group of other almost broken fellow runners after a really painful but strangely ecstatic 26.2 miles. I was too exhausted to celebrate picking up my medal and finisher's T-shirt but i definitely had a big smile on my face!
Thank you so much for the support I received here. As I said earlier it made a massive difference!
Written by
RiceAndPeas
Marathon
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Thanks IP, trust me I felt utterly battered but mostly from the hips down. I seem to be doing the Douglas Bader shuffle today, can these legs that can barely tackle a few stairs really be the same ones that carried me all that long way yesterday?
I will most definitely be taking you all along with me on my next adventure. Those virtual pom poms made all the difference! 😃
You did brilliantly R&P. We have all been there; away from home, big challenge, often on our own and reading messages from supporters really helps. You ran brilliantly; time to chill and eat well. Off out for my own Monday run now.👍
Thanks so much BC, I'm still chilling in sunny Malaga although Mrs R&P has dragged me out on a shopping mission today. After being the best support crew in the world on Sunday she definitely deserves a little retail therapy.
I love the photo! The gentle, almost disbelieving smile that just seems to be saying 'I did it, I really did it! Me!!!'That's an awesome achievement and a time to be very proud of. Massive cingratulations.
Every shuffling step today, every groaning staircase, is a badge of honour. Wear it with pride, you definitely earned it.
We may not ache as much as you today, but we were definitely right behind you all the way to the finish line 😄
Thanks so much Linda, I've been taking all the aches and pains as badges of honour as you suggest and it really does help. I do seem to be weighed down with badges of honour still though! 😂
You are quite right too, I sat at the finish in a state of almost total disbelief!
Thanks Aliboo, that is so kind of you. I'm not really made of strong stuff, I even had a little blub at one point when I swore I heard my mum cheer me on. I got it done though and am wearing my medal even now whilst on a shopping trip. 😁
Thanks Mudita11 , the legs are a little better every day. I really should have taken the strength training a lot more seriously but I'm still grinning like a Cheshire cat!
An amazing time and achievement, congratulations! 🎊 👏 A marathon is no easy feat, and you'll have been filled with doubt and nerves too. Hope your legs are returning to normal and you can walk down steps by now.
Feet up, enjoy the celebrations 🍾 and start planning your next run!
Thanks Teresa1632 , you are so right. A marathon is definitely no easy feat. I knew it would be tough, really tough, but I hadn't realised quite how hard it would be on the legs and feet. Hopefully after a few months of focus on strength training I will be strong enough to cope better next time. After swearing never to run another step at the finish I'm planning next year's event already and have booked the same hotel already!
I did the same after London Marathon, said "never again", then entered the ballot that evening. Got through!Milan sounds like a fab run, and 2nd run is always better! 👌 🏃♂️
Congratulations on running a marathon. Thats an amazing achievement and a fantastic time. Just reflect on what you have done. I hope the legs are OK and you are avoiding going down stairs!
Very well done and huge congratulations to you. It's a massive achievement and you should be very chuffed with yourself. Great time as well.
I did my first just over 2 years ago and finished my 6th end of October this year with time ranges from 4:24 to 4:44. I keep on saying never again, but I want to finish one where I am happy with overall strategy and have a smooth process throughout....
Thanks so much Freecloud , yes I'm so chuffed to have finished it. It's funny, I said never again at the finish but also would like to run one with a much better approach. I suffered dreadfull stomach problems at the halfway point and didn't dare take any more gels or energy drink for the next 10 miles. I built a pretty big wall for myself and ran straight into it!
Thanks so much 00marks , the legs are slowly returning to life although i can't see me running again this year. Having just walked down stairs at a shopping centre it is very clear you know exactly what you are talking about. I had to hold onto the rail and go down backwards!!!! 😂
Taking time to reflect on what I've what I've done sounds like perfect advice and I will be doing that.
Ha ha, I know the feeling. Things will get better after a few days. Take it easy and if you do any running make sure they are very easy efforts. Running a marathon really takes it out of you so don't do too much. Try to keep physically well - often running a marathon can disrupt your immune system so making it more likely you catch any bugs in circulation.
One other thing to watch out for are marathon blues. Its quite common to feel down about things a week or so after the marathon. You've invested so much in training and now it is over. Thoughts can come of - now what?
Anyway celebrate your achievement and rejoice when you can walk down stairs properly!
Congratulations on your first marathon! A great achievement and I am so glad it all came together on the day having missed out your half marathons. As for the pain - I don’t think there is any other way to run a marathon (although it is not something I will ever do!)🤣 Fantastic time too!👏👏🙂
Thanks Sandra, the aches and pains have largely subsided now. I suspect you are quite right, even the elite runners probably struggle with stairs for a few days post marathon. I really don't blame you for never wanting to run the dreaded 26.2 miles! 😃
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