I have run and completed my first ever full marathon!!

[Krissie]

So now you do not need to read how it went as that is a much longer story

Firstly we were really lucky with the weather, dry when it seems like my training has been done in the wet. This was definitely the case for my long training runs. I was worrying where I could carry all the gels and jelly babies without my jacket pockets. I was also dithering as to how many layers I needed as it was bright but chilly. I was so glad I listened to my running club friends and took off my long sleeved base layer before the start. A short shirt sleeved top was perfect once I got going.

The Great Welsh marathon event itself was super and extremely well organised. It started in Pembrey national park which is huge and beautiful. After running 5km round the park the route went out along the coast path to Llanelli and then came back to the start. Being an out and back route gave everyone the chance to see everyone else which was great. There were lots of marshalls and every single one of them was so supportive and friendly. The course had been advertised as nearly flat, I beg to differ, it was undulating and as my legs and whole body got more tired each slight climb became much more noticeable.

The event was small (668 runners) by comparison with many. This combined with the route meant that for the last 10 miles you were very much running alone apart from the wonderful marshalls. I did find that difficult and I missed the encouragement you get from the crowds willing you on in the bigger city events.

Prior to running this I have read a lot about running a marathon and how much of it is in your head and your heart. Now I see more of what they mean. I love running a half marathon but a full marathon is a really different kettle of fish. I had followed a training plan really thoroughly, I have also been doing strength and conditioning classes at the local gym plus my weekly yoga and I found the marathon hard, really hard. I had a plan but the second half did not keep to the plan and I struggled. But I kept going forward and got to the finish. It has to be a PB as it is my first marathon. Also I was first in my age group but that was only because there were no other crazies over 70! So I was the oldest woman running and I wasn’t the last.

My aim was to get a good enough time so that I can apply for a Good For Age place in the London marathon. I have that, now I just need to decide if I want to run a marathon again….I bet I do. Even my lovely husband/support team is talking about what to do differently “next time”!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Goodness! What an inspiration.....you are so positive, and I bet you do too 👏👏👏a marathon really is something else 😁

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

What an epic adventure! You are an absolute inspiration Krissie 👍💪👏 That is an amazing achievement at any age but even more so for over 70!!!

Congratulations and very, very well done to you. I’ve just given you your marathon badge which you should wear with massive pride.

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done Krissie 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Brilliant work Krissie! Congratulations on that terrific achievement. As a fellow over 70 who keeps bleating on about trying to run 26.2k at the end of April, you have really given me something to think about, as in “get a grip”. Perfect timing! Never mind next time; I am sure that you will take the time to celebrate this time properly. You are simply amazing. I frequently run into a marathon runner who started running in his mid seventies. Now in his eighties, he ran the Berlin Marathon last year. So who knows what you lies ahead ! 👏👏👏👏🥂🍾🏆🙂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

That's amazing Krissie ! Big congratulations to you, and on your good for age place too! 😊🏃‍♀️⭐x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Absolutely incredible Krissie , what an achievement. Simply wow, I’m in awe! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Massive congratulations! A fantastic time too, Whether you stuck to your plan or not, you have a huge amount to be proud of. Rest well and soak it all up. Then London here you come ... you'll certainly not be running alone there 😎🥇👏👏👏

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

How brilliant! Your first marathon was not a flat one with lots of people cheering you on all along the route, so that must have been tough. But you kept going and crossed the line. That is amazing .

There is no doubt, if the opportunity arises to do the London Marathon, you must do it. This is from someone who has no desire to run further than 10 miles, but someone who watches it on TV every year, and can understand the buzz of doing one of the greatest runs in the calendar. I hope you celebrate well.

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Wow, what a brilliant outcome! Many congratulations on a magnificent achievement. A good for age place in the London Marathon in your first attempt, that is so special!👏👏👏

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Oh my word…you are absolutely fantastic!👏👏🙂💪 Thank you for the run report and huge congratulations on your marathon debut! Sounds like London is now on the cards…go for it!🙂

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

A big congratulations to Krissie on completing the Welsh marathon and being first in your age group, good luck for London 🏃🏾✔️✔️

[Krissie Marathon]

Thank you everyone you really are very kind. On Sunday once I had finished I felt that running a marathon was too hard to ever think of doing again. But like all our runs, every marathon is different so perhaps it would be good to try another one in a completely different setting. 🤔🤔

[IRunning Half Marathon]

what an achievement! I have no real pull to run a marathon but when I read accounts such as yours it makes me think,,,, are you sure IRunning? You’re an inspiration whether you choose to do London or not.

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

What an incredible achievement. I have no desire to run a marathon and am in awe of those of you who can. Massive congratulations 🥳 You have every reason to be ultra proud of yourself. With a Good for Age entry, London surely has to be tempting? The atmosphere there is something else!

[00marks Marathon]

Congratulations, well done!

[Run46 Half Marathon]

That's amazing, I'm always in awe of anyone doing a Marathon but at over 70 you are an inspiration...I'll keep you in mind when I'm finding a run harder than previously and wondering if it's my age (52)...clearly it's my mindset!

Like you I love a HM and have done a few, I'd considered a Metric Marathon last HM I did but came down with a nasty virus afterwards & by the time I'd recovered I was doing the usual build back up from 5/10k...I'm a dab hand at that 🤦🏻‍♀️😆

Defo want to do a Metric but a Full Marathon, wow, still sounds insane...you should be extremely proud of yourself, well done 👏🎉🏅

[Katnap Marathon]

And you now have the HU Marathon badge 😺👍

[Tessie66 Half Marathon]

Congratulations you smashed it, any tips you can give me for my first marathon the Manchester marathon in April?

[Krissie Marathon in reply to Tessie66]

Hi Tessie66

You sound to have a good plan already for building up your long run distance in preparation for your marathon.

Two areas that I found really different in a marathon as compared with a half marathon were fuelling and pacing. I used SIS gels occasionally interspersed with jelly babies for fuelling. This was not entirely successful. If, or even when, I run another marathon I will try out other sources of energy and try them out in my long training runs. I have heard good things about Torq gels or Voom bars but the real test is trying them out yourself in training.

Also I thought I was ok pacing wise as I was going slower than my HM pace but it was still too fast in the first half so I struggled in the second half. At least at Manchester you will have lots of crowds. That really makes a difference. But do not get carried away and start off too fast.

Good luck in Manchester and I can’t wait to hear that you have successfully completed your marathon. 👍👏😀

[Tessie66 Half Marathon in reply to Krissie]

Thank you and jelly babies 👶 I used on my last half I will also use on full as well

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

Congratulations! Wow, what you have accomplished is amazing. 👏👏🎉🎉