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Stockholm Marathon June 2018

  • 12-12-2017 2:25pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭


    Looks like I'll be doing this. Flights booked and was finishing registration when I realised I'd need my bank token thingy for the Credit Card security step. This evening hopefully. I see it has a new course for 2018. Hmmm.

    Anyone know the city well and could maybe have a peak at the course. I'm thinking fairly flat but with a longish bridge at km 33/34.

    Anyone else on for this?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,008 ✭✭✭✭Zebra3


    Have been tempted by this. Afaik it’s on a Saturday so would give the chance for a night out after!! But June in Stockholm can be very hot.....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Zebra3 wrote: »
    Have been tempted by this. Afaik it’s on a Saturday so would give the chance for a night out after!! But June in Stockholm can be very hot.....

    Early morning, early June. Fingers crossed. Love the Saturday factor. Few scoops that night (credit card, but hey!!) We have friends we can stay with so shouldn't be too expensive a weekend.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    I have signed up for this too. The new course seems a bit flatter than 2017, with the main challenge being the Västerbron bridge apparently which is quite the slog - I think it comes around 30km in. I'm in Stockholm next week and hoping to run it to see what the big deal is all about.

    Here's a map with the inclines included - looks accurate to me: https://runkeeper.com/race/asics-stockholm-marathon-6354/132056


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    gawker wrote: »
    I have signed up for this too. The new course seems a bit flatter than 2017, with the main challenge being the Västerbron bridge apparently which is quite the slog - I think it comes around 30km in. I'm in Stockholm next week and hoping to run it to see what the big deal is all about.

    Here's a map with the inclines included - looks accurate to me: https://runkeeper.com/race/asics-stockholm-marathon-6354/132056

    Any feedback much appreciated. The bridge looks like a bit of a bump alright. You'd want a small bit in reserve for it and to be in good shape so that it doesn't knock the remaining stuffing out of you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    So I can report back on the bridge :)

    I did a 7k run around Stockholm during the week, taking in the bridge everyone says is the toughest part of their marathon.

    It's not too bad - the climb to get to it was actually tougher, but it is a very long bridge with a gradual slope for almost a km, which I'd imagine is quite a slog after 30 or so KM.

    Here are some pics:

    HnFwgVZhcQT6vZG3Z7jgOGypqRLV8faP-7fRxzBxgxcCaatJV28y4du3pdiBW7PGS4apwfyiLwJcG_AZZm50YZmjRdyz8mmXTU2hmSklPZJP08anQCVogpTILoD_5yza1jIJcrA_s_cdciSBQsYZmrDSzM-wTrdAMQz9NvV0MJaqDO1PxXhrSWJkWqZQ9biTNAd7P8OJctjL0God4WsgneOW1FZbDeZ-XGO2s91Z3BmAvto8pq0xiUE_Z_I9HNTIYDUhhlsC_I4kzckm__fQSr3wa2UxpoVMxI5HDa_qcibie6pVj-vU3cqyxsEN_F1Cqf1lECf4313KseVPE-SiJB1pyQNi6a1KNPm1_gCshg8Jz97QJxcGCCjWBGGJ2QQT_0TaSBPb7NUrGAG26Si-UlMermUjWitBFPjxiEpKyNl_fCaSIxV4U5W3r4jTsF4Qngtt9kUDKgfg9xPCyiKsVu3BhAuyTzVHqISuOXOpI21tq4Wr6hZFBMPwT5oqUeXD5SdqWTQfl_OdBKB1EToXWcPyx6463t5y5vkLT5GmenBaRsSnWHt_vPXFhq__SJ237ddZrUk2M_6Hv1-f-nj5Bxii-kR-PwYvFpe_8oYdto6vN4NcexrlWay7VtqQ6LC9d-lKAo2wpjIbeiis0MH221Z3wQX8LEc1Kg=w1250-h938-no
    YeMpOv7dvaegE_o-NbS4PUuVUJ7DuXjlSi9lgjt_PGKjBphXibge2BDMoFgo-75RAmFoXR_SP0nU2ihFupmbvfBiFx1H-4juBGB8JYQPzIDRmvgnmnW_zT6Fxq7h8EOV1JiAfRheOaDdg6P1IfPMAn6v3ZW9h7A-P4ntGDda4G25Rwv53YcBpwHZUeg8C-6LW-JNnsyHmYcN7V_COj9oxgvtGCSTuCUhWjloL8PCIcEUKgWNS4HeYHH2g_X2oTOq9dw4Yu4l4b95p16n8UFD0i04Aiga2MYBvjmUqFwZiZ6IJQHCQhfM-6vWbMJmkbv2r7kAllRRs0LC2G2zKdBevhAoDys6l002r1tWvKeYi6ET60RBx6u5vVB-7bYU5htsNMzYnfzXm292v0M6H9-od5lP6R1XXuRWA7X_k0O7IbiSUVXIacmKgoDeQS42A2h9QPz1xv6w3wxz0ecpzlZRhCxb3Vlva48nKGImSM7VfF1wP9iburA7yo33caWNRVmRh3qaUv9yT2Xivr46Wt5UNFgjk1XSauxWUYtR-ioroLGlMk1fFdWLbnoeuwQ3cN2T9DJW4T5UJ3t8y2saMArZK9M0F7RcIOfy4Jw3bN4jHLDaZm13poD8USA535kmEWWBpjxgx7h1QxJdcffJVQBFG0vZ3wzCz0IRpA=w704-h938-no


    It gives a nice view, even in terrible conditions..
    4sjknogax1Eaim8GieXiLZaKDGCjh4rCohVbiRr9PkhjM_vB6J6MQQTBA1Zg790Iju4_EtdYt2mPoZ9-WU1_zuW9HbuWcjOGUabCiza-VXL924HT-omD_k5nSG-yCWOnR3FpKGJZrydih6Wq-Mdn7EvfcKP8RNCN2Pqxf-57aJfsDYrM3bsrbu2cTPH-2L5UvpVHzBZgPpqNxnAA-aURIAs4x6Q6mTv61grLcbZzYl4D0s6bDzU2DAbuW7uRyoqv43eygBYEEzoNEyWoWQ5AECfL5qnGdRwIiSeiRqDhHUiiuPPgh4w0U4ThidUeEK9Aym1ZGdmMMlnjTelRbagn0KyX9PkM0CHpZXl2IvK1KmOpDGP7zvkm15G7FiDc6wIM8o5v33A1NLlQGZetWGibwouLKImpnr90KtguWWjdoQrezgSSSOV3I2GM6dqIqqD-Xe266BgA-59MMM8gLdV_xHrrl9cWQl4FpP1YSDCw0shcWYSJMEgTyDbAIpfDHwb2v6ba3m9ltB1HqDIG3DUgcnChVHHVzlZK8TvzRszdUm4_N2RPS_G5xSbBUQABvevMOlEwbxa_oRH4_beKQYPMKMKJsW9V5T1z_ccfyTsUGrGFyIwj4MsckSkVngvqRtRv-sFtg8V7QzpesUBmChNN-s8U7FvBQk16qg=w1250-h938-no

    Three runs in Stockholm last week reminded me how great a city it is to run in. Very excited for June.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,834 ✭✭✭OOnegative


    Looks fantastic, one for the to do list.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Gawker, one question. When you say "the climb to get to it was actually tougher", will we have to tackle that same climb in the marathon or was it just the way you were approaching the bridge that day?

    The bridge itself looks a longish 'gentle'* drag. Thanks for the pics.

    *Probably not the word I'll be using in my race report


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    Itziger - it's the route during the race. It goes through Sodermalm, and there are a few sharp enough (but not very long) climbs on the route in that area that probably make the bridge an unwelcome sight. It'll be fine on the day - apparently they have people holding up signs saying "F%*k the bridge!" :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Just seen this in the Course km by km description........... Hmmmmmmm. Km 34 no less.

    We continue to THE CLIMB of Västerbron, Sweden’s largest arched bridge. Here you will find the toughest ascent of the race, so take it easy!

    The capitals are not mine. :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    I think they hype it up a bit much after running it myself. Although I imagine my opinion might be different after 34kms ;)

    Hope training is going well for everyone.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    WTF!! I thought this started at 8.30 or so. Turns out it's midday. Fingers crossed it's not hot then.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,008 ✭✭✭✭Zebra3


    Itziger wrote: »
    WTF!! I thought this started at 8.30 or so. Turns out it's midday. Fingers crossed it's not hot then.

    Madness!!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    So, as all eyes turn to Stockholm (ok, and Cork too) I've been having a peek at the weather conditions. Fook that lads, we're going to have to get lucky especially given the midday start and all those horror stories from London re heat. I see there are a few 24/25 degree days next week with the coolest being 18. Please Marathon Gods can we have the 18 max.? I'll be a good little runner for the rest of the year. Promise.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    All my Stockholm friends are talking about this being a heatwave currently. We will be unlucky if it hangs around until the marathon. I guess next week we will have a better idea of how it will be.

    I'm into tethering now. It's my first full marathon after a bunch of halfs, and I hae stuck to my plan religiously. I did find the 20 miler at the weekend tough going, especially in the last 5 km or so. Hopefully it'll stand to me on the day. I hope training is going well for everyone!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Well, taper started. Last two big workouts were Lux marathon on May 12th (3.16 controlled) and a 2x10k @M pace last Saturday. I badly need this taper to work its magic cos I'm feeling wrecked at the moment. Saturday went ok though. Might do one more short number on Thursday but nothing too long.
    Gawker, that weather still hasn't changed............. We're going to the wire with it I reckon. 
    Anyone else doing this?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    It does seem like Factor 50 might be in order alright. I'm holding out hope for a balmy 17 degrees or so - or at least cloud-cover. Luckily, there is a water/energy station every 2.5km or so. Yr.no, one of the more reliable weather services for the region, shows a dip in the days before the marathon. Hopefully this is correct: https://www.yr.no/place/Sweden/Stockholm/Stockholm/long.html SVT, their 'RTE', is showing a similar trend - high temps midweek but falling to 17 or so at the weekend.

    Hope tethering goes well for everyone!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Gawker, is there a specific Swedish reason why you call tapering tethering or is it an auto correct thing? ;)
    We might just about get lucky with temps. I've seen high 20's falling to 20 or low 20's around the weekend but of course the long term stuff is fairly unreliable. I can do up to 20. After that I'd have to start compromising, which would be a shame as this has been a target race. June is full of social stuff as well so it's not as if I can use the training to have a good lash off a Half as I've done before. I have 6 or 8 parties pencilled in for June so far. Eating and drinking.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    I might need to be tethered to someone if current forecasts are correct, with most now showing 30 degrees heat for the afternoon now.

    I'd imagine if that stays the same, they may even move the race forward an hour or two? That really would be exceptional heat for Stockholm.

    I guess I should just stop checking the forecast until midweek next week, when it will be more reliable.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Ah FFS, let's just hope that's wrong. I'll say one thing, I'd consider simply not doing it at all if it was 30 degrees. That's the temps they had in Lux marathon last year and a few friends struggled around the Half and one or two I know attempted the Full. One was carted off to hospital and another was DQ'd for switching to the Half when the courses split. What's to be gained by 'running' a marathon in those temperatures? 
    Our only hope is that they've gone from 21 to 17 to 31 in the forecast over the last 24 hours. You can't believe anything more than about 3 days out normally.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    Sorry for the daily weather update, but things look better now with temps of around 17 and maybe even some light rain after 2pm. That'd be more like it. Emergency averted hopefully.

    Last long run tomorrow (16k) - getting a bit nervous now as it's my first marathon and every KM after 32 is an unknown to me.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Gawker, we're going to have to wait and see man. But I think it's definitely moving towards cooler. Just depends on whether it comes in time. The BBC weather is saying 22 for the Sat and the following days 21, 20, 19. Know what I mean? So fingers crossed. Did a mini session yesterday and all short and easy stuff now till the big day. Take it nice and steady for the first half. Try not to get caught up in the madness and euphoria cos with that size crowd you won't realise how fast you're running till it's too late. In the recent Lux marathon I did easy, not so easy, hard and you wouldn't believe the number of runners I passed. Some of the positive splits I saw in the results were eye watering. Keep it under control. Relax and you'll be fine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    Thanks for the tips, much appreciated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Well Gawker, not much time left now for that forecast to change. I haven't given up hope quite yet mind. But the window is closing! It goes without saying that the 'take it handy' advice I was giving above would be multiplied by 2 if temps are 27 degrees. Might check out ice-cream joints around the course and treat myself if i5 doesn't change between now and then.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    So what's your usual sun-screen routine for marathons Itziger? ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    gawker wrote: »
    So what's your usual sun-screen routine for marathons Itziger? ;)
    A cap!! And water over the head regularly. Almost more important than drinking the stuff. I'll rethink the strategy early on if it's silly warm. I'm half thinking of seeing what sub 3 pacers do and going with them for a few kms. We'll know after 5 or 10k if we can keep the pace or we have to dial it back a little. 
    Gawker, Boardsies normally meet for a few beverages after foreign marathons but I'm not sure how Saturday is going to work out. For starters Mrs Itz will be there and the friends we're staying with as well. Don't know how they'd react if I told 'em I was off for a couple of jars with some random stranger from the Interwebs!!! Then you obviously have mates there as well that you'll be linking up with. Keep me posted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭Aarnikotka


    Hej! 
    In keeping with my (unintentional) boardsie tradition of lurkage, I'm just popping in now to say hi to you fellow Stockholm runners! Sounds like you're both ready to go, and adjusting plans accordingly, since it now looks like it might be 28C on the start line...
    As for me, well, I'm currently slightly chunkier than I'd like, more than slightly undertrained (pesky kids - contagious feckers!) and wondering how I'll cope with the kryptonite heat on Saturday... :O I have the good fortune of living in neighbouring Finland, so I've had some weeks to acclimatise, but I remain convinced a leaden-footed hell awaits me :(
    Anyway, I just wanted to wish you all 'lycka till', remember to bring sunscreen and maybe see you out there on that damn bridge or some other course landmark... :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    Itziger wrote: »
    A cap!! And water over the head regularly. Almost more important than drinking the stuff. I'll rethink the strategy early on if it's silly warm. I'm half thinking of seeing what sub 3 pacers do and going with them for a few kms. We'll know after 5 or 10k if we can keep the pace or we have to dial it back a little.
    Gawker, Boardsies normally meet for a few beverages after foreign marathons but I'm not sure how Saturday is going to work out. For starters Mrs Itz will be there and the friends we're staying with as well. Don't know how they'd react if I told 'em I was off for a couple of jars with some random stranger from the Interwebs!!! Then you obviously have mates there as well that you'll be linking up with. Keep me posted.


    Hey Itziger - seems like a smart strategy, although you are a good bit faster than me. :) Enjoy the sunshine with family a friends, I'll raise a glass to you over the interwebs! It's a beautiful city to visit.


    Aarnikotka wrote: »
    Hej!
    In keeping with my (unintentional) boardsie tradition of lurkage, I'm just popping in now to say hi to you fellow Stockholm runners! Sounds like you're both ready to go, and adjusting plans accordingly, since it now looks like it might be 28C on the start line...
    As for me, well, I'm currently slightly chunkier than I'd like, more than slightly undertrained (pesky kids - contagious feckers!) and wondering how I'll cope with the kryptonite heat on Saturday... :O I have the good fortune of living in neighbouring Finland, so I've had some weeks to acclimatise, but I remain convinced a leaden-footed hell awaits me :(
    Anyway, I just wanted to wish you all 'lycka till', remember to bring sunscreen and maybe see you out there on that damn bridge or some other course landmark... :)


    I'm clunky too, don't worry!


    I have been at my (first) marathon training plan since December and sticking with that has given me some confidence to feel I can do this, but the weather certainly has me wondering a little. It's been around 18-20c in Dublin the last couple of days so I have gotten out in that as much as I can to prep for the heat. We'll see. :)





    I see there's a good few Irish signed up, we'll be able to spot eachother from the sunburn: https://registration.marathongruppen.se/StartList.aspx?LanguageCode=en&RaceId=51&RaceVersionId=795


    Looks like they have put in extra refreshment and shower/spray stations as of today:

    Km Place Shower stations
    2 Vasparken Yes
    5 Hornsbergstrand Yes
    7 och 35 Rålambshovsleden Yes
    9 Stadshusbron Yes
    10 ocxh 38 Strömgatan Yes
    11 och 39 Strandvägen/Styrmansgatan Yes
    13 och 41 karlavägen/Grevgatan Yes
    15 Valhallavöägen/Patentverket Yes
    17 Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen/Sjöhistoriska Yes
    18 Djurgårdsbrunn No
    19 Djurgårdsv, innan Biskopsudde Yes
    21 Djurgårdsvägen/Skansen Yes
    23 Blasieholmen No
    24 Skeppsbron Yes
    27 Söder Mälarstrand Yes
    29,5 Folkungagatan Yes
    30 Götgatan/Medborgarplatsen Yes
    32 Hornsgatan/ringvägen No
    33 Varvsgatan/Lkundagatan Yes


    Good luck in the final few days of prep!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭Aarnikotka


    I'm actually categorised as Finland rather than Ireland, even though I marked my nationality and club membership, so I think they just looked at my address and decided I was Finnish! 
    So this is your first time at this distance? Here's hoping it won't be a baptism of fire for you :) I'm sure we'll be fine (I just really need to accept my limitations in this weather); no doubt the additional water stations will be welcome! 
    Last couple of short runs ahead and then jump on the ferry on Friday :D Good luck!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    Aarnikotka wrote: »
    I'm actually categorised as Finland rather than Ireland, even though I marked my nationality and club membership, so I think they just looked at my address and decided I was Finnish!
    So this is your first time at this distance? Here's hoping it won't be a baptism of fire for you :) I'm sure we'll be fine (I just really need to accept my limitations in this weather); no doubt the additional water stations will be welcome!
    Last couple of short runs ahead and then jump on the ferry on Friday :D Good luck!




    Yes - it'll be my first full marathon. I've done just over 20 miles in the plan. What could go wrong. :P My new aim is to finish the thing and try enjoy it, I won't be chasing times in this heat.



    Careful on that ferry - isn't that the party boat where everyone enjoys the opportunity to have affordable alcohol. Take it easy on the carb-loading ;)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭Aarnikotka


    Yup, I'm all set for today's party-boat! I'll just have to miss out on all the fun until the return journey tomorrow evening ;)  (Says me, I'm sure I'll more than likely be passed out from exhaustion in the cabin by 9pm!)
    Forecast is showing 28C for noon tomorrow; my attitude now is just to go out and enjoy myself as much as possible and keep a close eye on how the body is feeling. 
    Have a good one!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    In the airport now about to fly. Good advice on the heat - my aim is to enjoy it for the sweaty mess I'll probably be! The beers after will be earned. 😊 Have an enjoyable and safe race.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Good luck folks. Hope you enjoy the run and have a great day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    Factor 50 is on. Let's do this!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Tough. Course ain't so easy either. Happy with 3.08 on the day. Which bizarrely got me 286th finisher or something. Can't have been many under 3. Report maybe tomorrow.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,212 ✭✭✭healy1835


    Itziger wrote: »
    Tough. Course ain't so easy either. Happy with 3.08 on the day. Which bizarrely got me 286th finisher or something. Can't have been many under 3. Report maybe tomorrow.

    Well done man. Looking forward to the report. Temperature looked horrific......


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 285 ✭✭gawker


    Well that was worth it. Well done on a great time. Very tough weather and course, but I'm glad to have my first marathon under my belt.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,834 ✭✭✭OOnegative


    Itziger wrote: »
    Tough. Course ain't so easy either. Happy with 3.08 on the day. Which bizarrely got me 286th finisher or something. Can't have been many under 3. Report maybe tomorrow.

    Fair play Itzi!!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,164 ✭✭✭and still ricky villa


    Itziger wrote: »
    Tough. Course ain't so easy either. Happy with 3.08 on the day. Which bizarrely got me 286th finisher or something. Can't have been many under 3. Report maybe tomorrow.

    Well done. It's an odd place, ran it in 2012 on the coldest June day in Stockholm in 60 years. The turn at the park was into a storm!
    3:14 PB on the day so the course must be PB friendly given the conditions.
    Bra gjort!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    dateposted-public


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Stockholm Marathon 2018
    Number 15, hot ;) on the heels of Lux three weeks earlier which was run as training. Flew in on Friday and by now we all knew the temperatures were not going to be ideal. As it turns out the 12 noon start didn’t make a huge difference as it was nice and toasty by 8 when I went out for bread and buns for breakfast.
    I was quite relaxed partly cos I knew a PB effort wasn’t on and also because my Swedish hosts are friendly chatty types and we spent an hour over breakfast before I said, sorry guys I gotta go and pick up my bib number and chip. Metro was lovely and smooth. Bit of a stroll to and from the Expo and sure enough the heat was significant, mid to high 20’s. For the first time in my career I got a pace band and decided to ask for 3:10 splits. The young guy supplying it was well impressed; almost certainly thought I hadn’t a chance!
    Starting pen was not too crowded and after a sexy rendition of the anthem, boom and we were off. Over the mat in 10 or 12 seconds and got into a rhythm which varied little enough to be honest. I had hydrated fairly well and had a small bottle which lasted till about km 16 where I seem to have lost the top and soon afterwards chucked the thing itself.
    I had a cap and a sponge, fortunately. The water stations and showers had been increased in number and even then there were moments in the second half where I was dying for the station to appear. But for now, all is good. First 10k little to report. There was some shade and it was funny to watch people hug the side of the road when the shade was only a metre or two wide. In fact, I had a chuckle to myself when we passed a longish line of Asics ‘flags’, like wind surfing thingamajigs, and a line of us drifted over to pick up even that miserable aid.
    Strangely, after a bit of cloud cover rolled in from about km 14 to 17 (I could be wrong about these details) and at one stage I even felt cool and had a moment or two where I also felt……… you might have to up your pace and game, mate if this stays like this. This didn’t stay like this for very long though!
    A comment or two on those around me. There was an English speaking couple who I was eavesdropping on and the guy was constantly reminding the gal that they were to take it easy and do nothing stupid for another good bit. Good advice, but they were coming across as a bit cocky at the same time, chatting a lot and giving this vibe of ‘we could really pick this up if we wanted to’. I was keeping a beady little eye on ‘em. At one point a bloke with a Norn Irlon accent joined the conversation and uttered those horrible words, “Are you planning on letting the dogs out about km 32?” Now, to be fair to the other bloke he said, NO!!! Still, they were slightly pi$$ing me off at this stage.
    Went through halfway in 1.33.xx and felt happy enough. The fleeting idea of picking up the pace had been put back in its box and I am fully confident that this was the right decision. We were now approaching what turned out to be a bloody tough section and I got a bit of a boost when I saw the wife and our hosts. Even blew ‘em a kiss and gave a thumbs up. We did a hot loop here and saw the gang again at about km 30. I also saw a St Finnbar’s vest of a runner on the first part of the loop and I couldn’t resist a ‘chat’. I gave him a shout in my best Cork accent and told him we only had ‘a few laps of the Lough’ to go. I hope he got a bit of a kick out of some utter stranger coming out with that.
    Heat was on now and we were getting strung out. I was constantly passing runners as the stats from the splits show. There was just one fella who I ran with for a km or two who pulled away from me but I thought, what the heck, he’ll probably put a minute or so into me if I don’t blow up.
    I didn’t actually find the bridge climb at km 34 that bad. The earlier ones were worse. It was very gradual and you knew you had almost a full km after it of descent. So, km 35 at the end of the bridge and the endgame had begun. Unfortunately, so had my old friends the pre-cramp calf problems. I never had to stop and walk but they were getting more and more painful and I had to resort to the butt-kicking, stamping technique that didn’t really seem to work.
    I had taken 3 of 4 gels at this stage and they were gluey and warm and a bit disgusting so when I heard the 4th fall to the ground I didn’t worry about it. One thing I did stop and retrieve were these kinda Rennie tablets they were handing out. I felt like Renton in Trainspotting when I grabbed a couple, dropped ‘em and had to go back to pick ‘em up. I went for the oral application though as opposed to what he does in the book/movie.
    Sure that’s about it. Last two or three kms were sore enough and as we passed km 40 I thought, now there’s an indication of what the heat does to ya, as I stopped and knocked back a full paper cup of water and chucked another over my head. (Maybe another indication was Kawauchi’s 2.23 finishing time, which I believe is his second slowest marathon ever. Of 82!) I passed a dozen or so in the last 2k and even nailed a few buggers on the track. If it’s good enough for Steve Cram…………..
    3.08.41 off a 1.33.28 first Half. Metro back to base and a beer and swim!! before one or two other beverages. Apologies for the long post.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Shoot, nearly forgot.... the slightly annoying chatters passed me at a decent lick about km 21 or 22 and, dear reader, I happily sailed past both of them at km 34 or 5 or whatever it was.
    This may not make me a very nice person, but it did make a very happy one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭Aarnikotka


    Well, that was a hot mess for sure! Ran the first half very conservatively in 1:51 or so, but still felt a bit out of sorts by about 7km (!) and knew things were going to be tough. Had to walk quite a lot in the second half, since I felt dizzy at times and didn't want to end up like some of the unfortunate souls I passed on the sidelines. Didn't care much about my finishing time until I checked my watch and decided no way in hell was that first number going to be a 4! So I crossed the line in 3:59, way outside my PB, but the lack of training and the day that was in it ensured I wasn't going to do any better. 
    I had to laugh at some of the odd items offered en route, including coffee (not right now, thanks, it's 28C), warm Pepsi (ew, not to mention how sticky it made the asphalt just after that station), and vegetable stock (um, it's salty, I guess?). But loads of water and shower stations made the journey slightly more bearable :) Like Itziger above (congrats on a fantastic time, by the way!), I was also amused by everyone competing for the intermittent slivers of shade. One guy near me (for far longer than I would have preferred) seemed to find it soothing to roar at the top of his lungs every half km or so; whatever works for you in tough conditions man, but seriously, just slightly distracting! 
    All-in-all, a fun but challenging day out - I'd love another crack at that curse course someday when I'm in better nick :)
     Well done everyone!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,047 ✭✭✭Itziger


    Oh man, that sticky Pepsi station. I thought I was going to get glued to the tarmac!! I gave the broth/stock a miss, afraid it might make me puke to be honest.
    You're right though; fun but challenging. Jeez, I wouldn't fancy it if I wasn't in decent shape. Well done. Did you hit the bar or the sack on the ferry back to Finland?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70 ✭✭Aarnikotka


    First stop was the ship's buffet ;) I made a decent effort on the bar scene and chatted with some other runners I spotted hobbling about; contrary to my earlier prediction of being asleep by 9pm, I lasted until 10! But with two small kids in tow I had a good excuse not to stay up and party :) 
    In fairness to Pepsi, I did drink the can of the stuff I was given afterwards, but I would have drunk practically anything by that stage! (Perhaps excluding vegetable stock...)
    Anyway, onwards to the next day out!


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