It wasn't a bad effort. I crawled back at
3:53, the 1898th person to return.
But man, I was disappointed at how I was
unable to enjoy the run at all (well - from 35km I felt better but of course it
was a bit late!). It was after all an overseas marathon and enjoyment
should be the primary goal, and the entire time, I was biting my lips wishing
to be curled up in the medics tent.
On the way to the start of the start line to the clothing drop off...
I knew deep down this marathon effort will be doomed from the
night before the race, where I had stomach cramps and visiting the loo more
times than normal. Stupid gastro! I tried to keep my fluids up but I knew it
was too late.
Anyhoo morning comes and I felt dizzy. I tried to stay positive
but it's a bit difficult.
It was a long congested walk from the entry gate to drop my
clothes off...why do they placed the female clothing drop off section all the
way down the back I do not know...my number section was down even further back.
Obviously we were all late and the Germans seem to have been lax
with their timing today (all clothes need to be dropped off by 0830 according
to the brochure). All the girls in my section were petrified they cannot drop
their clothes off as we all passed 0830.
On the way to the start line I was looking for the toilet. There
are simply not enough loos to cater for 40,000 desperate butts out there. Well,
there were bushes so everyone, my butt included, just went au naturelle. Note
to self: don't step into the bushes in the Tiergarten.
And the gun went off and the speedy elites shot off. I was in the
E group so I was amongst some very speedy mortals. I felt slightly better now
but still feeling ridiculously dizzy. Well I told myself I am here so I had to
do it.
The atmosphere was really wonderful throughout the course. The
crowd cheered and kids high-fived everyone. To the crowds, I must have look
like I want to conk out, so they called my name and cheered me on throughout.
At 5km I saw a fellow club mate and chatted to him for around 10 minutes. Eventually
I hung back saying that his pace was too fast for me. The guy said he hasn't run
in two months! But he looked good and looked in a good sub 3:40 form.
I saw him again around 15km at a drink station and I told him I am
behind pace and I want to curl up and die...he said he was feeling the same
too.
My pace was around 5:20min/k from 10km but by the time 30km hits
it has dropped to 5:29min/k. My first goal of a triumphant 3:44 finish went
down the drain faster than I can flush the loo and an equalled GC effort of
3:49 went just as quickly. At 30km I was just hoping to maintain the same
average pace and take it home a sub-4 Hours. I had to walk a few times along
the way too...20 steps each time just to reduce that cramping feeling, in
addition to my normal water station walk.
One interesting addition to the drink station beverage norm was
iced tea. Yes - the Berlin Marathon serves iced tea. I think they were
available twice and it was such a welcoming fluid. I downed at least two cups
at each station. They were so tasty...
I first saw the 3:30 bus flew by me around 20km...that's them near the finish.
At around 35km I started to feel better, probably from drinking
iced tea. Of course by that time I am too tired to pick up the pace. My poor butt was
doing its best to keep me moving...my calves and quads are dead but knowing
that I am going to finish and pick my medal soon, my spirit has suddenly lifted
and I did my best and managed to maintain the same pace.
By the time I got to the Brandenberg gate at 3:51, Mom has already left the spectator
area thinking she missed me after telling her I shouldn't be worse than GC! Unfortunately I was 4 minutes slower and according to her that is when she left for the Family
Reunion Area. Oh well.
I am still quite pleased with my gallant effort. If this is the
worst that could happen then it's still pretty good stuff. I haven't figured
out why I was getting what I got but maybe because I had dodgy water? Food? Koffee?
Coconut water? Cramp wise quite possibly my form is still poor or just the need
for more stretching and speed work. Something to work on :-)
I ended up engraving my medal. At the time I was a bit upset about
the finish time but when I saw the engraving stand on the way out I go...that
would make a great story to tell one day. Mom felt my dilemma so she
said: "Here is 10 euros – go and get your medal engraved and be proud!”
So that's a wrap! Hope you've enjoyed reading my review while I
finish off my beer and breztel!!!
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