It all went wrong - but I'm not put off
Apr2620101:39 a.m.
Well, I survived the marathon but only just. Did the first half in 2 hours, great, on schedule for a run between 4 and 4.30 but things went bad from mile 16. I could feel the energy being drained from my body, from mile 18 I was drained and couldn't get into a regular stride. I think I walked most of the last 4 miles, unable to run for than a few hundred metres without having the urge to sit on the kerb, even walking was an effort but I was determined to finish no matter what. I managed to put on a show for the cameras up to the finish line with a time of 5hrs 17min.
I am dissapointed in my time but at least I did it, I would like to have another go so with any luck my 2nd and last marathon will actually be the last one before the next one.
Where did it go wrong, ate well before the race, plenty of water before the race and during, Lucozade Sport (although drinking it while running makes me feel sick) and jelly beans. My legs just couldn't take it on the day. Probably could have rested a bit more on the Saturday after the Expo but after what I'd put the family through during training I couldn't begrudge them a trip to the shops. Didn't sleep too well the night before, checked I had set all 5 alarms on my phone a couple of times, checked the time was right twice, fell alseep only to be woken up by some idiots outside the hotel arguing, beeping car horns and playing music. I felt ok when I got up so although that was annoying it wasn't the reason for taking an hour longer than I had hoped.
Must say the crowds where fantastic, Grahams tip about having your name on your top worked, loads on encouragement, especially when they could see I was struggling, just wish I could have got going again. Lost count of how many BBQ's I ran past or people having a pint, wish I could have joined them.
Hope all your runs went better than mine, will be catching up on your reports while I'm off.
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Comments (11)
Account_closed 'Sometimes these things happen. My back went at 16miles of the South Downs last year, and it's a long trudge back to the finish at that point. You did it, that's the main thing.' added 26th Apr 2010
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simonedumergue 'Hey Stu - you still earnt that medal! Well done. Annoying I know when it doesn't go the way you want it to, but you still did it and now you've got something to try and beat for your second one!!' added 26th Apr 2010
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lillywhitered 'Hi Stu Had a very similar experience to yourself,unfortunatley the nature of the marathon is that despite doing everything right in advance it can still go wrong. Having had acold all week revised my target from 3.40 to 3.55-3.59 went through have way in 1.55 feeling good but by 16 felt terrible managed to keep going to just short of 20 but by then I knew I didnt have it in me to break 4 so took it sensibly to makre sure i got home safe.Felt like crying at the end every one saying I have done well does note ease the frustration but despite saying at the end never again ,I will do it again and hopefully will manage steer clear of bugs next time.Well done for finishing stuart next time will be better' added 26th Apr 2010
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Firefly123 'Stuart - you did it and thats what counts. Thank you for your comments on my post. Maybe it was the humidity that drained us of energy, because I certainly found those last 10 miles hard going. So, next year then?!' added 26th Apr 2010
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glen_b 'Stuart, I agree with a couple of the comments above, not many people can run a marathon, let alone in the time you achieved. So things went wrong, but you carried on, which takes some willpower with a long way to go. So enjoy that medal, it tells you have achieved an awesome feat, and please don't forget that!!' added 26th Apr 2010
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peterb 'YOU DID IT AND YOU CAN HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH. The wheels fell off for me last year , I had trained the best I'd ever done , but its what happens on the day , at least its not put you off .' added 26th Apr 2010
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Suziewee 'I really hope you are not too disappointed - afterall you have run a flippin' marathon and should be so proud. You did it and in one piece so really well done. Thanks for all your supportive comments, they were really appreciated so thank you. Like Glen says, your medal is thoroughly deserved, you carried on when things weren't going to plan and that is worth a lot. Take care and be proud of yourself x' added 26th Apr 2010
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Jenny1961 'Stu- my first marathon was like that- actually it was worse. But that is just the nature of the beast- you never really know just how it is going to pan out on the day. But you finished even though your body was screaming out to stop. Thats the bit that counts. Be proud! There are years ahead when you can have another go :0' added 26th Apr 2010
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squa25 'I think a lot of us found the conditions challenging yesterday as from the sounds of it for some of us, the wheels started to fall off at 16 miles. The last 10 were hard! But the main thing is you finished! you can hold you head high, you can wear your medal proudly because you did it and 5 hours 17 mins is not to be ashamed of, many can't do it in 24 hours! remember that and be proud of your achievement. ' added 27th Apr 2010
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blondiekels 'You completed a marathon in a VERY decent time!! Well done you and enjoy the positive bits!!' added 27th Apr 2010
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Abberley 'Hi Stu, I have just read your blog having avoided the site for awhile since I too was disappointed with my time. Anyway, realising that things also don't go according to plan for other people does help and I have now posted a brief account of my run. But HEY, WE FINISHED and how many people do you know that have run 26.2 miles (there will be a few) but the majority think we are amazing, so let's go with that!!!!' added 30th Apr 2010
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