Regrettably not taking the necessary time to pat yourself on the back and say "well done"..."another one on the medal board".
Key questions going through my head:
- Did I suffer a massive blowout at 18 miles?
- Did I have a virus in the days leading up to today?
- Was I overly anxious about the run?
- Was skipping dinner last night the killer blow?
- Was it just plain and simple: Bloody tough?
Well guess what? Probably all of the above.
Saturday, 27th (trip day) started with me flying solo (literally) as Nicole was under the weather. Unsurprising as our eldest had pharyngitis earlier in the week.
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| Registration time: Bags under eyes = feeling off colour |
I too felt pretty rotten most of Saturday. I could not even contemplate the "night-before couple of glasses of wine" routine. That is BAD!
After popping a couple of Lemsip Max's washed down with a hot toddy, I drifted off to sleep at around 10:30.
Naturally I awoke with a start: a 5am..Nevermind..I felt good and was determined to run today.
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| The walk to the waiting coaches and buses at 7:15. Ready for the long journey to the start line |
Things got progressively better and I managed to wolf down 2 eggs, a croissant, some milk drinks - oh. And a Gaviscon just for good measure. Breakfast of champions.
After the long coach coach ride to the start, we all shuffled to the portals and commenced final preparations.
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| Ominous skies and the walk from the coach to the portal/start line area |
The march of the pipers signalled the imminent start of the race.
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| The March of The Pipers: 10 Minutes to start. |
I started off in the 3 hour bunch and was off like lightning. It felt good. It should have done as the first 5 miles were largely downhill.
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| In my starting area: The sign behind me reads "3 Hours" |
A few short inclines punctuated the long undulating sections. I did remember hugging the shoreline for longer (in 2010). It didn't appear that we spent that much time at the waters' edge.
I was knocking out sub 7 minute miles consistently all the way up to the half marathon mark but started to feel empty and nauseous. That stopped me from taking on board any gels after about mile 10 to mile 20.
I started to feel dizzy so backed off the gas. Still with a 1:29 half, I was on fire...why slow down?
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| My solitary photo: Half Marathon Point |
And then it came: Shortly after mile 18 the hill began, rising up in front of you like the Loch's most famous celebrity monster. I slowed, I started power walking instead.
I knew I had money in the bank but didn't appreciate that the walk/run approach was going to be order of the day for the remainder of the race.
I exchanged words of encouragement with fellow walkers/runners. We were all on the cusp of 3:15 (or under) but the hills and the relentless pace of the first half were clearly taking their toll.
I soldiered on and again slowed and started walking - but then after throwing caution to the wind at 22 miles and chugging down a full gel I was off again.
And then out of the stillness I could hear the faint noise of the PA system at the end.
Knowing that I would have to run past the finish (which is on the other side of the River Ness), cross the bridge and come back to it I conserved the tiny amount of remaining energy.
3:15 came and went. I had a mild pang of disappointment but knew, honestly in my heart of hearts, that I had left it all out there.
Properly broken I crashed to the floor after finishing and felt the tell-tale tingle of trouble.
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| In pain after finishing. |
I shifted towards the first aid tent but fortunately did not need the assistance as I had planned well, stashing a coke in my bag..sweet sweet nectar!
3:16 achieved. 2nd best marathon time ever. Position 117 and 35th in my age group.
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| The profile of the course and my slow bits emphasised |
So, in short I probably did feel less than 100%, and "yes' I was anxious, oh and I should have eaten dinner the night before.
I don't want to take a way the fact that this is a tough one - treat it with respect and conserve that energy.
The monster will bite back!
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