Edinburgh Marathon 2009

The decision…
It was inevitable I would run a marathon at some stage, especially when surrounded by friends who are all seasoned marathoners! The decision to make my debut in Edinburgh followed my non acceptance in the Flora London Marathon and the fact that I could train with many of my friends. With my longest run so far being 14 miles, the thought of running over 20 was beyond my imagination.

The training…
Garry, Craig, Liz, Matt, Angela, Jo, Jane and I decided to follow the same 16 week training plan and run together for support. My start was delayed by 4 weeks due to an injury which meant my long slow runs were out of sync with everyone else for another 4 weeks or so.

I stuck to the training plan religiously (which is ironic for an atheist I know!), increasing my weekend long slow runs in increments of 2 miles each week from 8 miles to 22. It helped to concentrated on the run being another 2 miles on the previous week rather than on the total distance. I charted my progress each week and kept a diary of runs- noting pace, distance, how it felt and any niggles etc. I even noted, with different coloured pens, which of my two pairs of running shoes I wore. I am not obsessive! The last week of the three week taper prior to the race was an odd experience having to cut runs to 3 miles only and run at a very slow pace. The theory is obvious but I found the execution quite difficult. But fear not, Garry was there to steer me through it! J

With just a few days to go, my attention focussed on the weather forecast. Each daily check forecasted a hotter and sunnier day for the 31st of May. Oh-oh, it was going to be hot!

The race…
I arrived on the start line looking like a full size action man with my shades, headband, Camelback, wrist bands, waist gel belt and wired up for music. I was fully prepared (well, apart from getting 3 hours sleep the night before- having to sleep in the bath where it was quiet, and with tissue paper stuffed in each ear because of noisy crowds partying until 5am)! I’d trained properly, rested when required and eaten all the right things, but this heat had now put a spanner in the works. Because of this, I decided to wear my 2Ltr Camelbak, containing the same energy drink used in training, and supplemented by taking water on route. Even though there were plenty of water stations, I didn’t want to risk ruining all my hard work to date with suffering from dehydration.

Liz and I trained at a similar pace so decided to run together without obligation at around 9min/mile pace. This would get us to the finish line in just under 4 hours if everything went well. In fact I had in mind that as long as my Garmin showed an average pace under 9.09min/mile, I would crack 4 hours in my first attempt, even though my main aim was just to reach the finish line in one piece.

I wanted a consistent pace for the duration of the race rather than my usual positive splits! I was very aware of the advice from others regarding setting off too fast and suffering later, so had to force myself to run on pace, which felt uncomfortably slow but knew that this was going to be an investment for later on. We hit the half way point at 1.59.30, bang on pace and feeling good! By mile 15 Liz and I started to separate (no, we weren’t previously stuck together!).

I wasn’t sure if I’d picked up the pace or if Liz had dropped off it, but knew that we wouldn’t see each other again until after the finish. By mile 17 the heat was blistering, and with no shade to run through and no breeze to cool me down my head felt like it was going to explode. At this stage many runners were walking and stretching out cramps on the side lines, and I soon realised anything could happen here.

Mile 22, the same distance as my longest training run (actually, my longest ever run!), so I was now entering unknown territory. Up until now my Garmin displayed an 8.59 average pace. Now, for the first time it displayed 9.00. The slowdown had begun!

My pre race plan was to pick up the pace a little for the last 4 miles, but all my energy was being used in just trying to keep up to 9.00 pace let alone go faster. Mile 22:- 9.30 pace. Mile 23:- 9.40 pace. Damn! I felt physically sick at this point and wasn’t sure if it was due to all the sugary drinks and gels I’d consumed or that It was a symptom of dehydration. Fortunately it soon passed, helped I’m sure by a refreshing shower of water from a supporter’s pump action water gun!

From mile 23 I looked anxiously and repeatedly at my Garmin hoping to see another ½ mile or so clocked off, but instead saw only 0.1 of a mile change each time. The last two miles seemed like the longest ever, but the crowds and Dragons’ own supporters: Bev, Lorraine and Wendy cheering on gave me a boost to get to the finish line. 26 miles, nearly there, and my garmin displayed an average pace of 9.04 ….surely I’ve got under 4 hours. I crossed the line, hit stop on my Garmin. My time: 4.00.23. What the f***?!

I then noticed my Garmin also displayed a distance of 26.47 miles, which must have been due to my not exactly following the shortest route during the run. Oh well.

In truth, I didn’t really care about the time. It was my first marathon and I had successfully completed it! I was so please just to reach the finish line, especially in that heat. It was fantastic to be reunited with everyone after collecting my medal and share our experiences, aches and pains.

I’ve always had the utmost respect for anyone completing a marathon however long it takes them. Now I have empathy too.

The celebration…
But the day wasn’t just about running. We got together on the evening to celebrate too, with John Laurie, who was there supporting us, joining us for drinks. He told us of his position at mile 5 on route supporting us during the marathon and that he walked along the promenade and beech in the glorious sunshine, which is where he said he got his tan. In remembering this part of the course during my run I replied “oh yes, it looked nice”, to which john came back with “thanks”. There was a slight pause as I tried to understand John’s inappropriate response to my comment before realising that he thought I’d said “oh yes, you look nice” ! The misunderstanding was hilarious, but even funnier when you consider it from John’s perspective with his gracious and unquestioning response to another man complimenting him on his tan. Brilliant!

On reflection…
I’ve loved training with others. I’ve loved the discipline. I’ve loved running on new routes. I’ve loved increasing my long runs into distances never done before. I’ve loved buying more running gear. I’ve loved eating properly. I’ve loved having a focussed mind. I’ve loved the support and encouragement of others. I’ve loved the strengthened friendship. I’ve loved reading anything ‘marathon’. I’ve loved getting fitter than ever. I’ve loved completing the challenge. I’ve loved the camaraderie. I’ve hated energy gels!
I’m going to do another.

Thank you to my wife Alice for her full support throughout….and for putting up with me (I think I was difficult at times)! X