Taming the marathon beast...

Dilbert75

What CM said - utterly thrilled for you A.

AuldManKing

career_move wrote: »

Marathons are never easy but to deliver a PB on the back of all the illness you've had to deal with is AMAZING.

Congrats

+10000. Congrats.

dazza21ie

Well done Runchick looking forward to the report, enjoy the celebrations

Runchick

Thanks guys!! What an experience, oh my goodness if you ever get the chance to run London do it!! Felt amazing except for nausea from 15 miles but still managed to take it all in and enjoy it all!! Brilliant weekend, a bit sad to be at Gatwick now to fly home, back to reality report to follow...

Beef

Huge congrats Runchick - delighted for you!

Ososlo

Over the moon for ya Runchick:D Super pb and sounds like you really enjoyed the experience. Looking forward to reading more about it in your race report!

Willie42

Well done on PB Runchick looking forward to race report

blockic

Well done Angie! Fantastic day for you, hope you really enjoyed it!

overpronator

Well done you legend!

Dilbert75

BTW I take it you took your electrolytes the "standard" way this time??? :eek:

Runchick

Dilbert75 wrote: »

BTW I take it you took your electrolytes the "standard" way this time??? :eek:

Haha!! Did indeed, that little experiment's not something you'd be doing twice

Runchick

London Marathon Race Report

Well that was some experience!

On Friday I woke up feeling so ill I looked up the hotel number in London to cancel. OH convinced me to see the doctor and then make a call so I trotted off to the GP totally dismayed and feeling sorry for myself. Got checked over - bit of inflammation in the throat and ears but chest clear and no temperature. Got the all clear to run on the assumption that I rested well and felt better the next day, happy days!

Travelled to London on Saturday thankfully feeling a bit better, fairly long commute from Gatwick to the expo and back to the hotel, was wrecked by then but slept for a while and felt a lot better. Meself and Mr Runchick met up with Meno, RR, CL and Digger for a nice relaxed dinner, spirits were high and I felt the excitement building - maybe I could pull this off after all.

Sunday morning, big breakfast (if anything I was gonna fuel properly) and headed for the train with Gavlor, RR, Meno, CL and Digger..bit of a fiasco getting to the start line - basically we went a stop or 2 too far and then had to go back - jaysus I'm laughing just thinking about it but made it to the start line just in time for bag drop, toilet and in the pen with a few mins to spare.

So there I was about to run London marathon - hardly any training done bar one run over 20 miles, hardly the healthiest I had ever been so how was I gonna do this? Positive attitude was all I really had - enjoy the experience, take it as it comes. Knew I could get round under 4h30 and had 4h15 in mind from the start.

First half of the course is really fast and I spent the whole first 13 miles holding back - the legs wanted to push on but I knew how far I had to go and held back as much as I could. The crowd support was unbelievable, having my name shouted out the whole way was fantastic and I soaked up the whole atmosphere. I think I smiled the whole way through the first half. Went through the first half in 2.05 - a bit faster than planned and I knew it would be a slower second half but I was enjoying myself and made the call to forget about the watch. Felt strong until 15 miles when I felt the first sharp pain in my stomach, uh, oh. From then on waves of nausea consumed me. I'm guessing it was a combination of the heat and gels, not the most pleasant feeling but once I realised it came and went again I learned to manage it. So once it passed I ran strong, looked around me, soaked up the experience and reminded myself how awesome this all was.

By 20 miles all I could think of was where the hell could I puke - some parts of the course were so narrow and congested that I couldn't guarantee not puking over other runners or spectators so I ploughed on as best as I could, slowing way down when the queasiness was at its worst. Mile 23 or so my opportunity appeared, a big tunnel, no spectators - happy days - straight over to the side, stopped and projectile vomited - like something out of an alien movie (sorry folks)…Felt dizzy for a minute and briefly wondered was that the end for me but there was no way I was for stopping. Trudged off and actually felt a lot better (wishing I'd done that a lot earlier) but was completely spent. Came out of the tunnel and for the next 3 miles the crowd literally brought me home. People say that about marathons but to actually experience it is something else.

I was exhausted but kind of euphoric, I knew I would finish and the atmosphere was electric. Turning the corner for the finish line I could have cried, over the line, 4h19, that'll do nicely. Slowly made my way to collect the bag and staggered to where I was to meet OH. Was dizzy and close to collapsing at this stage. But a sports drink, sugary tea and massage later and I felt human again - in fact felt much better than expected and was able to eat something. Back to the hotel for a shower and then a few drinks in the Coal Hole with the other boardsies. Amazing runs my so many and it was great to put so many faces to boards names. Hard luck for some on the day too, was especially disappointed for Meno as he really deserved a good day.

Left the party in full swing to head back to Gatwick. Feeling grand today - throat and ears a bit sore but nothing worse than they had been. Legs not too bad at all, just feels like the day after a long run. Bit tired too but nothing major so happy enough.

Now time to forget about London and get back to studying. The assignments have been building up over the last week or so, need to get my ass in gear on that front!

What next? I need a sinus operation so no more marathons until after that. Hopefully not too long a wait though as I can't wait for the next one already

SamforMayo

God your some woman, you did well to hang on til you got to the tunnel, very considerate! Hope you get your sinus op out of the way soon. Take care.

DOCO12

Smashing stuff Runchick so happy for you, super running and to be able to recover from the puking incident respect! I was glued to it on the TV yest morning and kept thinking were any of ye on the telly enjoy a well deserved rest your a star!

Murph_D

Enjoyed that - good running, and good puke too. You're a tough one; well done.

barryoneill50

Good run, good puke and good read, well done!

New runner

So well done,great run n great report,so happy for u. U deserved it after all u came through. Good luck with your op,hopefully u will get it soon n get back to full health. London sounds like an amazing experience, enjoyed watching it on TV.
Rest up now.

ncmc

Absolutely amazing Runchick, I don't post much in these parts any more, but I am so happy for you with all the sickness and hard work and disappointments, you deserved it so much. I was jealous of all the runners while watching on Sunday, it looked like an amazing race and fantastic atmosphere. Congrats again on a well earned PB

Runchick

SamforMayo wrote: »

God your some woman, you did well to hang on til you got to the tunnel, very considerate! Hope you get your sinus op out of the way soon. Take care.

Thanks Sam, you for DCM this year again?

DOCO12 wrote: »

Smashing stuff Runchick so happy for you, super running and to be able to recover from the puking incident respect! I was glued to it on the TV yest morning and kept thinking were any of ye on the telly enjoy a well deserved rest your a star!

Cheers DOCO you have to do London!!

Murph_D wrote: »

Enjoyed that - good running, and good puke too. You're a tough one; well done.

barryoneill50 wrote: »

Good run, good puke and good read, well done!

New runner wrote: »

So well done,great run n great report,so happy for u. U deserved it after all u came through. Good luck with your op,hopefully u will get it soon n get back to full health. London sounds like an amazing experience, enjoyed watching it on TV.
Rest up now.

Cheers NR, hows your marathon training going? Hope its all going to plan, maybe you'll be the one reporting from London next year??

ncmc

Runchick wrote: »

Cheers NR, hows your marathon training going? Hope its all going to plan, maybe you'll be the one reporting from London next year??

LOL A, Training for a marathon of a different sort, due my first baby in 7 weeks! But wouldn't rule out London, was so jealous watching it, it looked amazing, think I will have to enter the lottery for the craic!

Runchick

ncmc wrote: »

Absolutely amazing Runchick, I don't post much in these parts any more, but I am so happy for you with all the sickness and hard work and disappointments, you deserved it so much. I was jealous of all the runners while watching on Sunday, it looked like an amazing race and fantastic atmosphere. Congrats again on a well earned PB

OMG its so good to hear from you!! I had my suspicions about what had happened - congrats, you must be so excited!! If you've run a marathon you've nothing to worry about - its a similar experience - the hype, anticipation, excitement, then the hard work on the day - but that's all forgotten about the minute you reach the end All the very best with it all!!

ncmc

Runchick wrote: »

OMG its so good to hear from you!! I had my suspicions about what had happened - congrats, you must be so excited!! If you've run a marathon you've nothing to worry about - its a similar experience - the hype, anticipation, excitement, then the hard work on the day - but that's all forgotten about the minute you reach the end All the very best with it all!!

Aw thanks, that's so sweet! I'm due a year to the day after Cork Marathon, so will compare and contrast! Hope to get back running by the end of the summer. You're the inspiration as to what the mammies can achieve!

New runner

U never know Runchick, watching it on TV I so wished I was there,looked amazing!
Tho many a day I say if I get through this 1,never again lol! Training going well so far,must admit happy enough, have a wee cold with sore throat and runny nose at min so hopefully will clear up without developing into anything worse. Ran a 5k race while back n got small PB,then ran a good 10k in derry a month ago,44.52 which was almost 2 min PB n won f40 category so was delighted. On sunday I ran the inishowen half marathon, wasn't feeling great n it was really windy so was happy with 1.41.01, but again won f40 category,(€50) so I was thrilled, tho obviously the competition wasn't too tough! Just wish marathon was over now at this stage. The time commitment is a big factor but hey I'm lucky to b able to run n hopefully will stay injury free till then.
Hope u enjoying your recovery now,tho I know u doing assignments etc. Rather run another marathon anyday! Good luck with them.tho from what I know of u on here,you're a fighter n won't give in so u will do them n do them well!!

RubyK

That was some run you put in, after all your health woes getting to the startline! You are a tough cookie Congrats to you.

Runchick

New runner wrote: »

U never know Runchick, watching it on TV I so wished I was there,looked amazing!
Tho many a day I say if I get through this 1,never again lol! Training going well so far,must admit happy enough, have a wee cold with sore throat and runny nose at min so hopefully will clear up without developing into anything worse. Ran a 5k race while back n got small PB,then ran a good 10k in derry a month ago,44.52 which was almost 2 min PB n won f40 category so was delighted. On sunday I ran the inishowen half marathon, wasn't feeling great n it was really windy so was happy with 1.41.01, but again won f40 category,(€50) so I was thrilled, tho obviously the competition wasn't too tough! Just wish marathon was over now at this stage. The time commitment is a big factor but hey I'm lucky to b able to run n hopefully will stay injury free till then.
Hope u enjoying your recovery now,tho I know u doing assignments etc. Rather run another marathon anyday! Good luck with them.tho from what I know of u on here,you're a fighter n won't give in so u will do them n do them well!!

Geez NR you're flying! Winning in your category is awesome, go you! Thats a fab half time, what are you aiming for in the mara? You know the GFA time for London is 3.45 - no bother to you!! Best of luck with the rest of the training and let us know how you get on. Maybe put a race report in the events section? I agree with you about the studying - horrible business but just has to be done! Best of luck

RedRunner

Hey RC. Enjoyed your report even though I knew most if already and congrats again on a great run. It was lovely to meet you and Mr RC. Hope the studying goes well for and you get those sinuses sorted out. Best of luck with all that and maybe see you again later in the year for some more PBs. :-)

Runchick

2 weeks since London...took a whole week off, legs were great but was exhausted. Expected to get a chest infection after the marathon but that didn't happen so delighted on that front. Still got the same symptoms in my ears/throat /chest but not any worse so can't complain.

First run last Sunday, 3.5 easy miles. This week still very much in recovery so 4 short, slow runs, Tues 3.4 miles, Thur 3.4 miles, Sat 5.1m and 2.6 slow miles this morning. Still fatigued but getting there.

So what next? I am delighted that I ran London, such an experience. But to do it I had to slow things down, reduce the training and forget about a sub 4 attempt. That bugs me. I still want that sub 4. So how do I get there?

I need to get back in PB shape for 10k and HM. Set PBs last Spring of 48.xx and 1.47.xx but haven't been close to that shape since. I'm thinking I'll take another 2 weeks of easy recovery running then start in to a plan, probably a HM plan with a 10k or 2 along the way. Plenty of June 10k options locally and HMs in July and August. I'll decide on a plan over the next few weeks but any advice welcome.

Looking forward to a summer of racing without marathon training. Here's hoping the body allows...

xElDeeX

Runchick wrote: »

2 weeks since London...took a whole week off, legs were great but was exhausted. Expected to get a chest infection after the marathon but that didn't happen so delighted on that front. Still got the same symptoms in my ears/throat /chest but not any worse so can't complain.

First run last Sunday, 3.5 easy miles. This week still very much in recovery so 4 short, slow runs, Tues 3.4 miles, Thur 3.4 miles, Sat 5.1m and 2.6 slow miles this morning. Still fatigued but getting there.

So what next? I am delighted that I ran London, such an experience. But to do it I had to slow things down, reduce the training and forget about a sub 4 attempt. That bugs me. I still want that sub 4. So how do I get there?

I need to get back in PB shape for 10k and HM. Set PBs last Spring of 48.xx and 1.47.xx but haven't been close to that shape since. I'm thinking I'll take another 2 weeks of easy recovery running then start in to a plan, probably a HM plan with a 10k or 2 along the way. Plenty of June 10k options locally and HMs in July and August. I'll decide on a plan over the next few weeks but any advice welcome.

Looking forward to a summer of racing without marathon training. Here's hoping the body allows...

Hi Runchick,
Well done on your London time! Don't know how you did it sick....I could barely string together five 10min/miles last week when I had a touch of the same thing.

I'm new on here and we seem to be in a very similar place with running goals at the mo. Last years 10k PB 47:xx, half-marathon 1.51:xx and missed out on sub 4 at DCM by 9 mins. Boo! Hoping to knock the HM time into line in Limerick next weekend and then trying to decide what to do after that. Want to get under 4 hours for the marathon but don't know if I want to do Dublin yet. Nothing booked but Athlone Flatline HM in September (seriously good value at 20 euro) What to do.......
Will be following this thread to see if any more experienced people give you and advice I can follow/steal!

Runchick

xElDeeX wrote: »

Hi Runchick,
Well done on your London time! Don't know how you did it sick....I could barely string together five 10min/miles last week when I had a touch of the same thing.

I'm new on here and we seem to be in a very similar place with running goals at the mo. Last years 10k PB 47:xx, half-marathon 1.51:xx and missed out on sub 4 at DCM by 9 mins. Boo! Hoping to knock the HM time into line in Limerick next weekend and then trying to decide what to do after that. Want to get under 4 hours for the marathon but don't know if I want to do Dublin yet. Nothing booked but Athlone Flatline HM in September (seriously good value at 20 euro) What to do.......
Will be following this thread to see if any more experienced people give you and advice I can follow/steal!

Very similar times alright ED! Best of luck in Limerick, let us know how you get on. Was DCM your first mara?

xElDeeX

Runchick wrote: »

Very similar times alright ED! Best of luck in Limerick, let us know how you get on. Was DCM your first mara?

Yup! Had stomach issues (gels....never again!) and went out too fast and swore blind over the last few miles I'd never ever do it again..........but knew I wanted to do another one by the next morning.

Had to move in January and my job was unstable so that put paid to any ideas of a spring marathon. Settling in now and I start my new job in August so time to start planning.
Have slowly built my mileage back up to 25-35 miles per week and I'm tolerating it well so I should be starting off a better base this time around.

Who am I kidding....I've obviously been thinking about this way more than I'll admit and will most probably do Dublin unless I decide to do one sooner!!!

Haven't followed a plan for Limerick so god knows how it will go but will be a nice tester of the fitness if nothing else. Bet you're glad you asked that short question now??? Do you want more detail.....my favourite colour? No?