Run > Race

Paris Marathon.
Well what can I say, my first and last marathon...I had said if I break 3.30 I would not need to do another!

Race went pretty mcuh according to plan..hit 32kms (20 miles) in 2.35 then do the last 10kms in under 55 minutes. I hit the 32km mark bang on 2.35.....to the exact second!!...next km was ok but then 34th was a struggle and took over 5.30min ...that was going to make it very close to 3.30. From there on in, it was a mental struggle, as my body was saying give up and stop running...the 2 thoughts that drove me were: You have trained for this for 6 months and should be able to keep this up and 2: I HAVE to break 3.30, as I do not want to ever do this again ....the remaining kms were a real struggle just trying to keep going, constantly trying to work out if I was going to make it or not.....it was only when I got to the 42km mark and knew I had 1 minute to run the last 195m, that I knew that I was going to break 3.30.
Finsh line came in 3.29.33.
Once over the line my head was all over the place, and my legs were pretty much locked! I shuffled up the finish chute, picked up some water and loads of fruit..before picking my bag up. In the meantime I got cramp in my foot...where I have been struggling with plantar faciitis...and also cramp in my calf..agony!

Now a day later my legs are still as stiff as granite, but my smile is still painted on ....I have no need or desire to do another Marathon.