TheKiltedScot: I've run a marathon.......race report

Monday, October 10, 2011

I've run a marathon.......race report

Seriously chuffed to bits with an official 3.25.59 - sub 3.26 by the slimest margin and I don't care a jot. The most important thing is that I have raised nearly $2000 for Touched By Olivia and with Westpac Matching Gifts that will be close to $3000. Actually really enjoyed the run and the conditions were nigh on perfect - a wee bit of rain and some wind on the coast but other than that it was great. Was seriously concerned when my right calf started to get a sharppain at the 7km mark, so stopped for about a minute and stretched it out but didn't appear to make any difference and over the next couple of kms the pain was getting sharper. Tried changing my technique and leaning forward a bit more and that help a bit so kept going and by the 15km mark it was bearable so tried to put it to the back of the mind and concentrate on the pace and scenery. Saw Terence as I was at roughly 22kms and he would have been about 30kms in - looked like he was travelling well an he managed a 2.37.05 which is just sensational. Was keeping pretty consitent pace between 4.45 and 4.50 per km and had been sticking to the hydration and nutrition plan. Started to feel the quads tightening up at the 35/36km mark and despite the slight inclines around the Botanic Gardens at the 37-39kms managed to keep the pace going. Loved seeing the 40 and 41km mark and as I came around the corner to the MCG, saw Anna and the kids so stopped to try and take them with me for the last 100 meters but they weren't interested so ran home and crossed the line. Got to admit that the eyes welled up after the finish but managed to remain relatively composed! Worst post race organisation I have ever experienced so took half and hour to find Anna and the kids by which time walking was extremely painful and ridiculously slow. Anyway a great experience, one of the wishlist ticked off and most importantly a load of cash raised for a great cause. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/120382872 and formal splits from the race website are below.