Paris Marathon 🇫🇷

[dory950]

Well what a day ! My first marathon. We arrived on Saturday and went straight to the expo to collect the race numbers. Little disappointed I couldn’t get any official merchandise but the experience was good .

onto the day I felt very nervous but had my training plan. The bag drop off and organisation was great.

started off way to quick ( not on the plan) but settled in to a more steady pace after the first 10km . The aid stations were great, lots of cake banana raisins sugar and savoury snacks.

the crowd is incredible support all the way round the noise was a bit much in places but a real lift when I started to tire . My pace was fairly consistent but my worry was getting past 20 miles and hitting the wall ! I don’t think I did so must have got my fuelling right ( gels salt sticks and Kendal mint cake) I jeffed the last 5 miles or so and soaked up the atmosphere. Aim was to finish wanted to get the cut off 6 hours but managed 5.15 . I think could have gone a little quicker but enjoyed the last few miles and soaking up the experience. Wonderful medal and T shirt and surpassed all expectations on a big city marathon. 55,000 participants .

I will be back one day to do another and I can walk too ! 🇫🇷

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Wow ! Congratulations on your marathon - such an achievement and I’m sure a great event. 🇫🇷 I’m glad that you were able to enjoy the experience - bonus that you can still walk too!🤣🙂👏🏅

[dory950 Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Ha ha yes a bonus . I have just been out for a very steady jog with the dogs . Pleased I feel so good

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done! dory950 Such an achievement ❤️

[dory950 Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thank you so much

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Always a pleasure to award a new shiny badge! Well done on your Marathon; you managed the run,hydration and nutrition really well and got the result you deserved. Time for a period of smug reflection I think; you can think about your next challenge some other time. Just so pleased for you 👏👏👏🙂

[dory950 Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you so much. I had so much support on the run up and even calls on the course really lifted my spirits when it was getting tough

My main objective was to finish smiling and I did

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to dory950]

Finishing is a triumph; the smile is icing on the cake🙂. Just look after yourself for a few days to give your body time to recover. all of my dog walks are slow these days; Molly is almost 13. She stops and looks at us when it is time to turn around and head home; she has to have her half time biscuits before she starts the return leg!

[dory950 Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I certainly will it’s been a hard slog on the long runs so need the time to unwind

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Congratulations 👏👏👏 you must feel.amazing to have achieved that marathon

[dory950 Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you still buzzing now !

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Oh my! Fantastic 👏👏 A huge well done and congratulations to you. It sounds as if you covered everything and got it spot on on the day. And that’s a great time too!

Funnily, I read just this morning that Paris is now the world’s biggest marathon having surpassed New York City. Just think, you were part of history there 👍

[dory950 Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you so much . Yes I believe it is 55,000 participants it’s a great place to go and see so many iconic landmarks on the way .

Would certainly like to do it again

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Absolutely amazing achievement dory950 You were miles inside the cutoff time too, which must have felt fantastic. I’m especially impressed that you jogged with your dogs today. I think I’d have awarded myself at least a week off! 😅

[dory950 Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you I did say I would be taking a week off. I don’t plan to run again this week just a few steady walks