Can I give more? The answer is usually yes

career move

Super running Barry and it beats Blockic's first marathon time Hope the legs and hips aren't too bad today!

Duanington

BIG congrats Tang, a really impressive debut - looking forward to the report and to see what you put together over the rest of the year now too. Enjoy the well earned recovery

aero2k

tang1 wrote: »

Cheers aero, she's some woman in fairness to her. Body is fine, legs are a different story. Both feet are destroyed with blisters, something I've never gotten before, and my hips are in bits but hey I enjoyed every step of yesterday and if Dublin is anywhere near as good in October I'm in for another great day. We're flying with Aer Lingus.

Good call - no stairs!

aero2k

ThebitterLemon wrote: »

Not too bad I suppose.

What happened for the slow kilometre towards the end, you stop to comb your hair

TbL

I think last year the 41k mat was actually at 41.2k, i.e. 1k to go, my splits look like I slowed dramatically between 40 and 41.

adrian522

Well done, great running. Looking forward to the report!

Darren 83

Fantastic stuff Tang, looking forward to the race report.

tang1

Rotterdam Marathon 2016 - 3hrs 24mins 44secs(Unofficial)

To begin with I want to save a huge thanks for all the well wishes, PMs and congratulations the past week folks, as I said on the Rotterdam thread this is what makes Boards so special to me, I may have only met some off yet but I know the comments are genuine and meant.

Buildup

My training had gone well into this and I was confident heading for Rotterdam that there was a good race in the legs if I played it smart and done nothing stupid on race day. Flew out of Dublin Saturday afternoon with the missus who was Chief cheerleader for the weekend. Got into Schiphol and got the train handy enough down to Rotterdam Blaak that was suppose to be right outside our hotel door. Cue 20 mins of minor panic and cursing Google maps till a row ensued which resulted me walking away bullheaded to stumble across the hotel entrance up an alleyway.

Panic averted and we checked in hassle free and headed for the Expo to collect numbers, bumped in YoungAnne and her husband as we crossed the street who kindly directed us to the Expo so as to there was no repeat falling out trying to find that. Registration was hassle free voted number and t-shirt and a quick look around, my first time being at one of these and not much to see really. Got some grub in Jamie Oliver's restaurant on our way back to the hotel, pasta and garlic bread was on the menu for me and went down a treat. Had been taking plenty of water all day so as to be well hydrated as done good bit of walking. Back to the hotel and watched some of the Masters and hit the nest for 11pm, fell asleep quick enough but woke at 3am and was awake on and off from then on.

Race-Day

Up at half 7 and headed for breakfast, sat and chatted with Anne and her husband and talked race tactics, had whatever was available in the hotel as I'm not strict on what I eat prior to racing, had scrambled eggs, bacon, croissant and cup of coffee topped off with a banana and 3 glasses of water. We noticed it was quiet sunny this early and that it could be warm later in the day, back to the room to shower and get into race gear, was tempted to ring the Lemon to come over and help put the Vaseline on for me!!!

Walked down towards race start at 9am and the place was hopping, the 10k started at the hotel door practically and there was loads about for this. Walked down towards the Coolsingel and its was buzzing, music on loudspeakers and runners flying about the place, sipped on water as I made my way down to keep hydrated. Walked to what I thought was my startwave and lifted my t-shirt to show my number, the kind official said you can start here if you like but wave one is up there, Ooops!!! Was in place by 9.25am, gave the missus a kiss and told her I'd see her at about 25k, no congestion to worry about in the start pens, was 25-30 rows back from the front and happy with my positioning.

Nerves were kicking in now, took my first gel ten mins from off and finished my water, cue a Dutch man being hoisted in a cherrypicker to sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" and every Dutch man near me singing in unison, I wasn't letting that get to me being a Real Red!!! More or less after he finished a load cannon went and we were off, into my running no problem and again congestion wasn't an issue, up the Coolsingel towards the Erasmusburg taking it all in, it was sunny but not overly warm at this stage, up and over the Erasmusburg and we made our way out of the city towards Stadion Feijenoord and the 5k checkpoint, I was wearing the AGS singlet and any Irish runner that passed me stopped to say hello and wish me well and I did likewise. First 3 mile splits were:

7.38 7.38 7.36

At 3.5 miles in snailsong passed me, had a brief chat with him and commented on the sun and how it was getting warmer, let him off and get I to his running and he glided away in the distance. The support was constant the whole way along till this point and the people of Rotterdam are a credit to there city. Still feeling good as I should and concentrating on the task ahead, more Irish runners passing all wishing the best and continuing on to run there race, got to 10k buzzing, enjoying every step so far, mile splits from 4-6 were:

7.33 7.33 7.40

Took water at every aid station, it was quirky but a good system and made drinking from the cups very simple. We made our way along a canal section for about 2 miles here and support was sparse, thankfully it wasn't in a section I needed it, feeling good still and taking it all in, done quick system check along here and all felt good, just a long run left I said to myself you've done plenty of these in training. One thing I noticed from here on in was the am out of runners pulling in and dropping cracks to relieve themselves, even in well crowded areas, was thankful I wasn't in that state. Got to 15k and took another gel, my third of the race and fourth of the day. Over the 15k check and everyone here popped into my thoughts, there's another update for ye lads, mile splits from 7-9 were:

7.37 7.34 7.35

On I continued taking it all in, in awe of the Dutch people and the support they were giving, I switched off here and remember little of the race as I was concentrating on the job in hand, the sun was heating up now and I normally sweat buckets in Artic weather, sweat was pissing out of me and running down my legs into my runners, it was around here that I first noticed my feet felt like they were burning!! Mile splits from 10-12:

7.31 7.39 7.33

Over the 20k check and Boards popped to the mind again, more water on board just after, two cups at this aid station and towards half way, I distinctly remember looking at the watch at half way and it showing 1.39.47, a minute up on my real target time. Still in great shape and enjoying it, thought to myself I have more done now than I have left bring it home, bit early I know. Next bit of the course around Masshaven was very lonely, factories and industrial units with next to no support, was counting down seeing the missus at this stage as I knew this would giveaway huge lift, mile 13-16 splits were:

7.40 7.32 7.38 7.41

I had a bit of a wobble here, the sun was baking my bald head I thought and I just wanted to see the missus, over the 25k check and I didn't see her, looked up the road and there she was on the left, perked up big time again, the legend that she is she had the best, most coolest bottle of water I ever tasted in my life waiting for me, quick kiss (easy C) and I bounced away. I knew I was heading for the Erasmusburg again at this stage. Climbed up the bridge and down the otherside, and into a cauldron of support. I never experienced anything like it before, there was a DJ here spinning dance music and the song that he was playing brought me back to my youth and increased the humour ten fold. I got a shout of here that I'm convinced was RQ, I never looked to see but had it in my mind it was her? Shouts of go on the Garda came from the crowd to, miles 17-19 were:

7.34 7.33 7.37

Down underneath an underpass and heading back towards our hotel, I was being carried by the crowd, it was amazing and I fed off it as much as I could. Past by our hotel and there was a DJ here again spinning tunes, he was playing a song my 13 month old daughter loves, she's like her Dad loves her dance music, I started to cry!! I write my kids names on my hand before every race I do so as there with me and when the going gets tough I look at my hand for inspiration from them, it certainly worked here. We headed out towards the Kralingse Plas here and we ran along the elites as they made there way for home, spotted ultrapercy and gave him a shout, few minutes later seen dublin runner bounding down the road towards me gave him a shout and applause and continued on my own race. Miles 20 - 22 were:

7.39 7.36 7.50

The hurt begins, my hips just started to give in after mile 22, I got to here I said to myself don't give in and walk, strap on a pair and tough it out. FBOT came into my thoughts and what he shouted at me at the Trim 10 mile and my log title, Can you give more? Fook me Barry you can, dig in and bring it home, you've enjoyed every bit till now.........

I have to go board my flight now, to be continued if we're not Fed up already!!!

Scratch that, flight delayed!!

My feet felt like they were on fire at this stage, my left baby toe was killing me, my hips were in a jock and I was conscious that I didn't want them to lock up. It was one foot in front of the other at this point, I kept wanting to see the exit from the Kraslingse Pas as I knew it was just 3k to go from there. Feet burning, hips aching death march on. The rest of me felt fine, body felt super so I don't think I hit the infamous wall, just the legs started to protest and give up, dug in again, through the last aid station and slowed to take 4 cups of water on board, I was a sweating mess at this stage, miles 23 - 25 were:

8.03 9.08 8.33

Turned left back up towards our hotel and I knew I was nearly done, missus gave me a huge shout out with just over a km to go, lifted the spirit again no end. Rounded the corner and onto the Coolsingel, thought of a great runner who once graced these Boards, blockic, and how his marathon came to an end here, don't do a blockic I kept saying. I don't know from where but I mustered up a sprint of some kind along the Coolsingel. The crowd was 4-5 deep here and played a part, mile 26 and 0.37 were:

8.40 2.37

Over the line in 3.24.44 per my watch, slumped over the barriers and cried my bald head off for few mins. I had done it, I ran a marathon and ran every step of it. Elation was to mild a term to express my feelings at that point. I done it and genuinely enjoyed every single step, I gave every ounce of what I had and could have given no more today, proud as punch!!!

Afterthought

Will wait, flight defo boarding this time.

Well what can I say, a dream marathon debut, back to Paddy Murphys and we swapped tales. mbarr, YoungAnne, snailsong, martyboy48, dublin runner, ultrapercy all had tales of joy and woe to tell, mostly joy if I remember correctly!!! RQ came in later and the place instantly lit up, she was on a high just having witnessed the event. Slipped away about half 7 cause it could have gotten memo like from London a few years back if I had more!!

What now?? Enjoy the moment of completing and finishing a marathon. Again I want to say huge thanks to Myles Splitz, your a legend forever more in my eyes L, thank you very much once more. To the other L, the Boss, only for her understanding, kindness and encouragement this past 3-4 months and giving me the time to train I wouldn't have gotten through this. To FD for being a great friend, FBOT for dragging me to a PB in Trim, TbL for being a bo!!ix and for each and everyone of you who read my log, huge thanks once more.

Next race, wipe the floor with some Lemon juice next month at the Bob Heffernan 5k. Thanks for reading.

annapr

Brilliant Barry, looking forward to the afterthought, glad the flight was delayed so we got to the end of the race . Well done, hope the feet and hips are ok!

Kennyg71

Fantastic stuff, great run, really enjoyed the run report, recover well:)

yaboya1

Barry, you were as steady as a rock for the guts of 22m and managed the slowdown pretty well when it inevitably came towards the end (as it does for most of us). Not a big positive split by any means and an excellent debut marathon in my opinion. In fact, it doesn't read like the report of a first timer at all. I look forward to following your progress when you improve that time in Dublin, which I've absolutely no doubt you will despite the tougher course.

Great report too (and still more to come )

Very well done again.

Murph_D

Brilliant stuff, B. Agree with P, so solid up to mile 22 or 23. Sounds like the blisters caused by wet feet - you'll have to figure out a way to control that! Impressed by the breakfast - would never risk a banana. And how do you carry FOUR cups of water? Bleedin' legend. :cool:

chickey2

Fantastic!

Singer

Fantastic race report, and a very well run race. I loved all the boards references

Gavlor

Murph_D wrote: »

And how do you carry FOUR cups of water? Bleedin' legend. :cool:

You've obviously never witnessed a copper buying coffee and donughts for the precinct

Great run, you must be buzzing from the whole event?!

Bungy Girl

Just brilliant! Loved that report. Delighted you got the time you fully deserved after all the hard work. Also happy your flight was delayed so we didn't have to wait for the happy ending

tang1

Gavlor wrote: »

You've obviously never witnessed a copper buying coffee and donughts for the precinct

Great run, you must be buzzing from the whole event?!

We spent the day in Amsterdam today and I didn't need the waft of Morrocos finest to get me high, yesterday's result done that for me V.

snailsong

Massive well done, Barry. That really was an outstanding debut. You looked rightly chuffed with yourself in the pub. Onwards and upwards, a lot more to come from you.

Great report, too. You reminded me of the conversation we had at 5k,

You: 'Either you're going too slow or I'm too fast
Me: 'I started behind you so I've run further '!'

Took me a second to realise how stupid that was, I think you knew what I meant.

tang1

snailsong wrote: »

Massive well done, Barry. That really was an outstanding debut. You looked rightly chuffed with yourself in the pub. Onwards and upwards, a lot more to come from you.

Great report, too. You reminded me of the conversation we had at 5k,

You: 'Either you're going too slow or I'm too fast
Me: 'I started behind you so I've run further '!'

Took me a second to realise how stupid that was, I think you knew what I meant.

Knew exactly what you meant P, well done on breaking the sub 3.10 barrier I know that's what you wanted.

kit3

Well done Tang -delighted for you

El Caballo

Report much like the race, hadn't a clue you'd finished it!:) Well done man, cracking run and write up and great to see you get the monkey off your back. Enjoy the recovery!:)

jake1970

Well done tang, great performance.

Mrs Mc

Wow that's a super report very honest really enjoyed it and delighted you got the deserved result. That FBOT's an awful bully !!

tang1

Mrs Mc wrote: »

Wow that's a super report very honest really enjoyed it and delighted you got the deserved result. That FBOT's an awful bully !!

Cheers A, well done yourself at the weekend. I'd call him more of a hard task master than a bully. Enjoy Boston.

tailgunner

Fantastic performance, well done Tang.

Younganne

Great report Tang, enjoyed reading it as i could picture the places as i had no idea where we were along the course!!. I hope you are feeling good today!!

tang1

Younganne wrote: »

Great report Tang, enjoyed reading it as i could picture the places as i had no idea where we were along the course!!. I hope you are feeling good today!!

Cheers Anne, I'm golden apart from the dreaded hips, rest of the legs feel great. Managed a run from the plane last night in Dublin as we had to exit outside into the rain and walk!!!

Younganne

tang1 wrote: »

Cheers Anne, I'm golden apart from the dreaded hips, rest of the legs feel great. Managed a run from the plane last night in Dublin as we had to exit outside into the rain and walk!!!

Ryanair had about a 2mile walk(well probably not quite) but that's how it felt!! hope hips are good real soon!!!

AuldManKing

thats a great report and even better race - super level of emotion in there - reminded me of one of MarthaStews finest

Congrats again!

Chartsengrafs

Good man Tang, delighted it went well for you.

laura_ac3

Really well done tang. Delighted to see the training paying off, I've enjoyed reading your log. Nice report too, glad you enjoyed the experience.

Good luck with the recovery.