I have finally found the time (and energy) to write this blog about my experience. Needless to say it has been an epic weekend in Paris and I am glad to have completed my 2nd marathon in less than 4 hours.
The journey started with a 6am wake-up call. Instead of my usual grogginess and snooze button addiction, I jumped right up to greet the day. What a cracker it was too. Not a cloud in the sky, light breeze, chilly temperature but perfect for the big one…. RACE DAY!!! Yes it had finally arrived. After 15 weeks of preparations, 4 off-road half marathons, 1 road half, two 20 mile off-road runs and countless jogs in the snow and around the boring outer circuit of Regent’s Park, I was finally at the end of all this madness.
The morning was filled with excitement and also nervous thoughts: Have I done enough? Am I going to beat my previous times? Should I skip the first two drink stations? How about my right knee and will it hold up to the mileage?
After frying my brain with all this randomness I ate my breakfast of champions, grabbed my bag, laced my shoes, kissed my wife and child and got the metro to l’ Arc de Triomphe. Once there, the magnitude of the race became apparent and I became even more nervous. Officially 40,000 runners were ready to face the challenge and certainly the sea of people along the famous Champs Elysee was a magnificent sight to watch. The atmosphere was electric and everyone was keen to get going.
Boom! The start was dramatic and everyone ran like crazy down this beautiful road. Tripping over bin bags, discarded jumpers, bottles, etc we hurdled along the Champs, down rue Rivoli, past the Louvre to Bastille and into parc Vincennes. The first 8km were quick and we ran in the 3.30 pace group from the start. I was equipped with a belt with small water bottles so that I could skip the first 2 drink stations and avoid the chaos!
I felt fantastic and my pace was right on. As we left the bois Vincennes I slowed my pace down a bit to a 5.20/ km to keep with the 3.45 pacemaker. The course now weaved along avenue Daumesil and stretched along the northern part of the Seine river. My half marathon split was 1.50 and I felt I still had lots of energy in the tank. After leaving Notre Dame and the Musee d’Orsay we hit the 30km mark along the Eiffel tower. The crowd became thicker and louder again and it felt a bit like the Tour de France when riders sneak through a small opening of spectators. I was excited to see my wife and child there, who I kissed and hugged in passing.
The hard part began shortly after and I braced myself as my legs became heavier and the pace maker for some reason became faster. I recalled the awful time when I hit the wall in my first marathon. I was dizzy, my legs were not running and I just wanted to lie down. This time I thought I was going to jump this hurdle and beat my nemesis!
Unfortunately the pacemaker was starting to get away and my mind was playing tricks on me. I forgot how much of a mind game marathon running was. My body really felt fine this time but my brain was fighting to get me to stop. I tried to have some food on the stations, eat another gel and give myself little running markers to reach every 50m. I lost 7minutes in this stretch and was now behind the 3.45 mark.
However suddenly my energy came back as fast as it had left me and I pushed on through the last stage in the Bois de Boulogne. Lots of people walked around me at this stage, stretching their cramping calves or shuffling like me along the last kilometers. The last part of the race was a blur. All I heard was my breath and my footsteps. The crowd was amazing and we ran down Avenue Foch and across the finish line! Done!
People lay exhausted around me, crying with joy. I was emotional and happy. My legs were made out of concrete and aching like mad. I was dying for something salty that had substance. I probably could have eaten the entire McDonalds menu and a box of KFC chicken!
It was altogether an amazing day. Even though I didn’t run the 3.45 I intended I was under 4 hours which I was really pleased with.
Me, Baby and Medal
I was proud when I saw my girls and happy to have done it once again.
Next year London!
Peace out,
Seb
Next challenge: Exmoor coastal half marathon
Ps. It not too late to donate to my chosen charity Noreen’s Kids. This is an amazing charity and I know that all the money will be given to the children in need! Thank you for your support!
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