Now the Marathon is over.
Today I went back to work after spending a couple of days in Canberra after the marathon. I have felt exhausted and flat today and am not surprised by that. I rest satisfied in knowledge that I did my best on the day. I gave it all I had. When I crossed the finish line I was near collapse. It took a lot of will power to stay upright. To continue on to do the 50K would have been madness on my part.
The run was, for the most part, very enjoyable. I enjoyed the company of Nicholas Petrie, until he turned on his supercharger, Horrie, until I had to slow for water, Rooster, who kept me going at a good pace, and Colin, who was displaying guts and determination after injury.
I had Tesso hot on my heals for quite some time. A big hug from Clairie at the 10K mark gave me a boost.
Having not been happy with my preparation, or lack there-of through injury, I had very mixed feelings about the race but never once considered not doing it or not going on to 50K. Race morning I awoke and just wanted to get into it. Staying in a motel right at the start line was a real bonus.
I was really happy with my first 10K, about 47 mins which was slower than I planned but still good. When Nicholas Petrie left me behind at about the 15K mark I knew it would be a mistake for me to try and keep up with him. He was running so well and looking strong.
When I saw Pat Carroll coming along on his return I surprised that his group had dwindled so much and that Rith was not with them. It wasn't long before I saw Rith and I was pleased to see that he was going so well. I reached the Half point in about 1:42 and was pleased to hit 25k in 1:58. However I knew that I would not be able to maintain the same pace for another 25 and come in for 4 hrs for the 50k.
Heading back out on the last leg of the Marathon I was tiring quickly and by 30K was finding it an effort but knew from my experience, limited though it is, that I would come good again which I did at about 35K. This was short lived because by 40K I was thinking about still having 2.2k to go just to finish the Marathon let alone going on to 50K. 2.2K seemed like a hell of a distance at that point. My legs were saying WALK and my head was saying RUN and run I did to 42.2K. I went into the 50K shute and thought a test of my ability to keep going would be to stop and see if I would be able to start again. I stopped and didn't start. My legs went to jelly. I was ready to fall in a heap. I went back and got my medal. A wise decision I think.
I finished in 3:25:59, an average pace of 4:48. I am very happy with that. My race number was 187 and I came 187th out of a field of 788 finishers. I was placed 17 out of 69 in the Mens 50 to 54 category. It was a great experience and I can't wait for the next marathon. Bring on the Gold Coast.
7 comments:
It was nice to meet you Eddie after sharing the journey to Canberra with you for so long. No shame in calling it quits after running a marathon mate. There will be other days where the thought of doing the extra won't seem as bad. To run as well as you did after your recent run with injuries is a testament to your character. Rest up for a while and then start your assault on Gold Coast. Congratulations on a great run.
Bloody fantastic day at the office for you Eddie. Okay so you didn't run 50km but bloody hell 42.2km is a loooong way to go!
You had so much support out there and everyone is so proud of your achievements. I could only dream about running a sub 3:30 marathon! As if.
Oh well I guess I will have to be contented to seeing the back of your head in our upcoming speed sessions once you have recovered.
Congratulations on your run. Good to hear you are happy with your time and performance. You certainly sound as if you have the mental toughness to run marathons.
nice to hear about your marathon :) Well done!
Eddie well done on finishing the Marathon. Maybe next year for the 50k mate. You had a good run on the day and now can look forward to GCM.
So, that's why I bombed out - no hug from Clairie at the 10k mark! Sorry I missed you all weekend Eddie - my problem for being so slow. I'll see you at the Gold Coast. I've already received my post-race party invitation! Good effort and sense to not try 50k feeling that way at the finish.
I have your hug, Eddie, and it is a lovely warm one that I need at this time; if I can eventually decide to do the GC marathon (entered for it) I'll be able to return the hug. Love... Norma
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