Marathon in Bratislava

Beginning of April and marathon season is on for me. I had an ambition this year when I turn 40 to run one marathon a month at a new place but have not managed the first three months. I think it is a good birthday present from myself to myself. First one was this one in Bratislava. A new city and new country for me.

Preparation phase

Last time I was running longer than a half marathon was in October. I have been running quite a lot with good results and luckily no injuries so I was confident I was going to make it and this was just a test marathon. The day before the run I walked a bit to explore the new city but I was stopping several times for eating. Smoothie bowl, coffee and pasta dinner. I was sleeping good and felt ready. Was so full I could almost not fit any breakfast but two mini croissants and one slice banana bread and a small yoghurt I started the day with. 9 was the start. It was very cold only 1 degree, yesterday it was 19 and super windy with northern winds. Not my cup of tea. I left late to have the last toilet stop at the hotel. The 10 minutes outside before the start made me freeze to an ice cube.

First 10K

It was so cold. The wind was right in the face and tried to cover my fingers with my top. It helped a little but I wished I had a pair of gloves. Had downloaded the track to my Garmin and made race myself with target time 3:55:00. I would be happy if I made sub 4 with the amount of training I had in my backpack. Longer runs are the key to marathons and I had not done my homework. Half marathon and marathon started at the same time so it was rather packed on the course. Nice because it helped for heating purposes. My legs felt great and I was way ahead of my time the first 10K. The route was already very boring. Not many people out watching and straight road with Sovijet buildings on the side.

10-21K

This part became more fun. Not fun as in fun but fun compared to the start. First a tour through the old city. That meant cobble stones so some foot massage included. Less wind and a little bit more people watching. A lot of turns and then back to the wind along Donau. Over a bridge to circle in a park. It was okey. Best part of the race. I kept a steady pace but around 12K my hamstrings started to be painful due to the cold. Also my neck was suffering from the wind so if I don’t get neck restraint tomorrow I will most likely never get it. Rotating the head to the left was so painful. Half marathon I passed at 1:45ish. Feeling was good and now I knew the track. Out for a final round.

21-30K

Marathon friends all over Europe suffered the same ice conditions. The positive thing was no pollen. I was not drinking much either. The water at the water stations tasted iron so I could barely swallow it. The positive thing I take with me was condition of my legs. They felt strong all the way. Walking was no alternative on this flat course. I never had that feeling I wanted to walk either.

30-42K

Stayed focused. Again a round in old town and hello again cobble stones. This time it was completely quiet almost zero people out watching. Yesterday the town was full with tourists. Kilometer after kilometer passed and I was thinking if I should go for a PB or not. I decided to not. This was just a warmup race for the season. At 37K I started to feel a bit tired in my legs. People around me were walking so maybe only mentally tired. I kept on running though. Looked forward to the sauna and spa. One step after another. It was far from crowded on the second lap. I don’t like these races when half and full marathon starts the same time. Better the other way around because it feels so empty the second lap.

At 41K the windy bridge appeared again. Was almost storm out there and not very nice to pass. Only the hot sauna was in my mind here. Now my arms also hurted after holding on to my top to cover my fingers for 3,5 hours.

3 hours and 42 minutes later I finished. Not much power left in the legs at this point and the best reward apart from a time better than I ever could imagined was the sauna. Finished and I will not come back to run this race again. Boring course and boring atmosphere matching the greyness of the city. They were not even giving me a marathon finisher shirt but a half marathon one because they were out of them. A dot in my global marathoners calendar is achieved though and I am ready for a nice race next time. With great views and cheerful atmosphere. Any recommendations for May?

/ Pernilla the marathon finisher