Marathon number 40

Back in 2009 I thought running marathons wasn’t a huge thing. At least not for me a freshly university graduate that started her first job and had big dreams. I was speaking to one of my colleagues over a lunch about my dream and he was also a marathon runner. At that time I had been running several half marathons so longer runs wasn’t new to me. My colleague had been running marathons in Europe and South America and I was deeply impressed. I also wanted to do the same. I thought five marathons in five different countries would be a great goal so I signed up for Brussels marathon almost a year later. Trained focused on the marathon and in May 2010 I got injured. So badly I could not run the whole summer. My marathon was in October. From May until the marathon start I was running twice. One time at 10K female only race Tjejmilen in Stockholm and second time Stockholm half marathon the same month. I spend hour after another with dedicated training on the cross trainer at my gym in Oslo where I lived at that time. I was going to finish that marathon if it so had the coat I would spend more hours at the cross trainer. 10th October came. I was standing at the start line in Brussels with the words from experienced marathon runners in my head “Whatever you do, don’t stop running”. Like a miracle I finished the 42K without stopping. The second miracle was that I felt nothing from my injury in the groin . Not during the race. Not after. Almost 15 years after my first one I was at the starting line to go for the 42K run for the 40th time. Who could ever think that?

Bath Two tunnels marathon

The arena for my 40 marathon celebration came to be the small city of Bath in UK. The city had been on my to visit list for a long time and when I searched a marathon in August this was going to be it. A small sized organization but I like to mix big commercial ones with the smaller ones. The Two Tunnels marathon run was taking place on Sunday so Saturday I spent doing Bath. Maybe I write a post about that place later.

The race had different starts for marathon runners in block of 100 for each block. I signed up for 10:15 start so I could have a stable breakfast before at 7. There wasn’t loads of places open that time in Bath but I found a nice place to have a stable breakfast at. Then off with the bus to the start three kilometers away. It was pretty full with spectators and runners already in the park. I picked up my number, relaxed half an hour. Never felt any race pepp. When they had the race briefing the guy said it was fine  if you just wanted to do a half you didn’t had to do the second lap and still get the time for the half. It felt very tempting I had to say. I did however left for the run focusing on exactly nothing. I wasn’t prepared mentally for this run. The course was very beautiful and I liked it a lot. Thanks to that I made it twice because I was as ready to run that the picture shows.

After two kilometers the best part came. Two long biking tunnels of over 1,5 kilometers each. I loved them. Air was very cool inside and amazing to run through. On the other side we already finished 25% of the first lap. Then came one tougher part. Up and down hills, though some gates and stairs here and there. Passed some villages. It was lovely British country side vibes. Soon 10K was completed and time to change the arm I wear my watch on. I do it every 10K in a marathon just to have the small goals. 

Another scenic part was coming. Canals. I did not expected this. Running along a canal. With house boats and Sunday strolling people. I liked it a lot. Also met two fellow runners that did the same thing like me, going different countries to run marathons. We had a long chat and kilometer after kilometer flew by. I got Leiden marathon in Holland recommended. 

Aid stations were coming up every 5th kilometer and they served everything a runner could need. Water, Electrolytes, coke, salted crackers, candy, fruit, gels, snickers and other bars, cookies and so on. I went for water and salted crackers the first lap. And without almost noticing I was out on my second one. The course was nothing for time chasers and it was not even officially measured so timing doesn’t count for races you need to qualify to. It was just a pleasure run if you now can call a marathon for that.

The second lap more runners were out. It started to get hot also. 26 degrees and burning sun at some places without space to hide in any shade. A lot of various distances was taking place this day. Relay, ultra, half marathon, 10K, 5K and color run. It was a very festive atmosphere although the run wasn’t that big that streets were blocked. Paths were well marked and race Marshalls all around the course.

I have to say that after 30K it was tough. I stopped and stretched. Counted down every kilometer. I felt the burning heath. Wanted to stop. Told to myself to not stop and walk. Doesn’t matter what it is I hate to fail. Sun 4 hours was in reach but it didn’t came for free. With 4,5 kilometers left I was so tired. I even heard someone on the side commenting that I looked tired. 40K passed. I would make it sub 4 even with walking. That was a relief. And even if the course would been 500 meters longer I would make it within my limit. I walked one uphill. Because I thought I deserved it. Then the sign of 200 meters left came. 100 of them was another uphill. And I walked. I was feeling completely exhausted. Needed some energy to finish running. The done. 40th time I ran a full marathon. Managed with my timing goal and with the tough course and the heath in mind I think it was a good outcome. Was this my last marathon then? I hope not. I still have a lot on my dream run list. Just think of completing 100 marathons before turning 50. 6 marathons a year for 10 years. Sounds pretty realistic if I can keep healthy right?

What’s next?

Today is the last day of post marathon week. Legs were fine the whole week but. I decided for a run break for a week but it lasted 2 days but took it very easy. Until today I made a longer 16K run in slightly above 5 pace. I cannot feel I was running a marathon last week. Continuity is key. I’m not afraid of the distance. It feels easier and easier every time I do a marathon. The body gets used to it. It’s still long. It’s sometimes very painful. But what keeps me on always continue is the finish line. It’s always within reach. And the feeling of finishing is rewarding. According to my Garmin watch I had 17% of energy level left when I finished. So I signed up for a challenging one in two weeks. Jungfrau marathon in Switzerland. I will take it as a day trip to prepare for Berlin. Will be fun I hope. Anyone else who have run plans this fall?

/ Pernilla keep on doing her marathon challenge