8th of May, 2011, a hot spring day in Prague, perfect for a gentle stroll through the city’s numerous historical landmarks, parks and museums and of course its restaurants with fantastic beer and meat dishes. ……However, a 26.2 Mile run across the cobbled streets and historic bridges was what was in store today!
Sweltering heat in Prague
Compared to the other BIG 5 marathons in the World, Prague is relatively small with only 8000 runners. However what it lacks in size it makes up in atmosphere!
Dave, Seb and Vuko at the start
We find ourselves at the tightly packed startline. Tension is in the air and music is blasting in the background. Andy – my brother in law, Vuko – fellow physio, Dave – former patient and myself are in for the challenge. We have all been training for the last 15 weeks. For some of us it was the first marathon, for others like me it was the third event. Regardless of our past experience, a similar thought went through our heads: Have we really done enough?
At first the race went smoothly for all of us. Andy gunned off first to attempt a sub 3h run. Vuko and I stuck with the 3.30 pacer and Dave stayed with the 4h group. The course was wiggly and narrow at first. It took us along the old town and over the Charles Bridge, then along the banks of the river and back numerous times.
We were all well aware that the temperatures were rising and most runners were looking for shady areas of the path. Drink stations became like an oasis and most runners ravenously jumped over the drink bottles and sponges to keep as hydrated as possible. My strategy, to wet my hat each time did provide some cooling effect, but only to find that 5km later the water had evaporated.
Seb and Vuko running well
Dave running well
To be fair I did not deal with the heat well. My mind wasn’t ready to battle and I was forced to slow down. Vuko ran ahead. Andy tired also and Dave kept his cool.
The miles began to feel longer and longer and the physical effort started to pay its toll. Running was not fun anymore and psychologically my mind started to drift off. Water, gels, electrolytes did nothing.
At last the finish line within sight. I came in a slow 4.05 dehydrated and craving salt! Andy and Dave came in around the same time. Vuko greeted us first as he came in an amazing 3.29 for a first marathon!
Overall it was a disappointing race for me. I know I could have done better but things weren’t right for me on the day. Things I have learned in hindsight:
- Drink plenty of water the week before the race
- Train in the heat if you race in the heat
- Rely on electrolyte-rich drinks to keep you going
- Choose a race in early Spring!
Next stop for me is a 22mile off road race in Wales called the Man vs. Horse . It’s a race over fells and across rivers and will be a spectacular event. Only twice in its 20 year history has a man won this event. It surely won’t be me but I am certainly up for a good time enjoying the sport I love.
Wish me luck.
Seb
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