If you have been reading my blogs, you will know that preparation for this Marathon has been far from ordinary or standard. In fact I only entered this Marathon, when I realised I was going to be unable to run the Brighton Marathon in April after picking up a knee injury during the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon in March.
Lo and behold, I then won a competition via the Southern Running Guide, which gave me entry into the Marathon, 2 nights in the Dartford Hilton Hotel and an exclusive polo shirt. So I was determined to run (and hopefully complete) this Marathon.
I was only given the all clear that I could at least attempt the Marathon last week after having the results of my MRI scans back. No further damage to my meniscus in my knee, but some damage to my cartilage and bruising.
Anyway after getting home from work and sorting the final bits out, Mich, Max and I drove to the Hilton. Just to top the poor preparation, Max had a nasty cough all night that meant all 3 of us had a rubbish nights sleep.
At 06:15 the alarm that I set sounded. Looking out of the window, I was pleased to see cloudy conditions. Friday afternoon had been quite hot and there was talk that the weekend would be more of the same. So I sorted myself out and had my brekkie.
Getting to the venue, The Cyclosport complex was simplicity itself and we arrived at 07:30, within 5 minutes, I had my number, timing chip and 16 wrist bands, not an ordinary or normal item you would receive normally at a Marathon, but then this isn't a ordinary or normal (despite the distance) Marathon.
 |
| 16 bands and a camera strap in the shot for good measure |
As the Marathon is round the Cyclosport tarmac track, you have to run 17 laps. At the end of each lap you remove a band and chuck it into a large plastic container. Sounds a bit strange, but it is a simple and effective method
Once I had got myself sorted, I went in search for Ian the race organiser and introduced myself, he asked me to be near the front at the start, so he could make a quick presentation.
My final warm up before the run was to play football with Max, probably not the most conventional of warm ups, but Max was happy. I bumped into and had a chat with a few people I knew, Kris from work and Rupert from Orpington Runners.
So at 08:55 the 350 odd runners assembled at the start line. There were a selection of international flags and this we were told represented the nationalities of the people that had or were taking part in this Marathon (2013 being only the 2nd year of this event) The Japan and Nigeria flags were the ones that stood out.
In addition to my presentation, 3 people were celebrating their birthdays by running a Marathon and there was a far more impressive presentation to a lady called Rachel who was running her 100th Marathon. In fact there were quite a few running vests from 100 Marathon Club, obviously these centurions were keen to add this Marathon to their collection.
 |
| Ian (Race Director) presenting me with my polo shirt (c) Stuart March Photography
|
So a bit about the race in general.
How many Marathon's do you know that only have 1 water station? Well when you have a 17 lap course, that is all you need and this was no ordinary or normal water station. Water, juice, energy cubes, biscuits, jelly babies, donuts. It was near on a picnic! Plus, there is a section where runners could set up their own table where people could have their own provisions to hand. So no need really for running belts or having to carry any gels etc.
One chap was commissioned to run around the course the wrong way just keep an eye on everybody. This chap was fantastic, firstly he was wearing a Help for Heroes running vest (Top Man) but he also was encouraging everybody as he ran against the tide. Now considering he was passing 330+ runners 17 times, that in itself requires a lot of energy, let alone having to run a Marathon also.
The two photographers were very friendly and also very encouraging and the race day photos are free! Again how many Marathon's do you know that provide free photos? The prices these days of obtaining even just a digital image are quite frankly obscene.
The Marshalls, one word, Fantastic, every single one of them. Special mention must go to Linda who was standing on the hill over the bridge. She had an assortment of musical items (bells, castanets, whistle etc) and the energy she showed to stand there for probably 6+ hours and encourage everybody deserves a medal. I had a bit of banter with her on every lap.
Those previous 3 paragraphs might seem that I am writing this because I won the competition, but i can assure you this is an unbiased honest appraisal
Now about my race.
My longest training run for this event was a 13 mile run, one month prior and my average weekly mileage was under 20 miles. Ask anybody who has run a Marathon and 99% will tell you that is not enough. I now have conclusive proof of that.
I started off at a 9 min/mile pace and managed to maintain that for 9 miles. Yes I did have some discomfort in my knee, but the brutal truth is that of lack of training (albeit knee related) you will be found out in a Marathon, there is no hiding place. I managed the Half Marathon in sub2 but I knew I was looking at at least 4:30 finish time. During the second part of the race I adopted a run-walk strategy, but my walking also included the couple of sharpish decline, purely because it was less painful on my knee.
The one thing that all but the fastest runners know is that you are going to be lapped. My mate Kris, who actually finished in under 3 hours!! I think lapped me 5 times :-) But what is also strange is that somebody can overtake you but they can actually be a lap or two behind you. Also as you get near the end you are trying to work out if you only have 2 or 3 laps left. But you have to get rid of your last band and then you are your final lap.
I can tell you those bands become a bit of an obsession.
Mich and Max had been there to see me run my first couple of laps and then Mich took Max back to Bromley for his Munckin Athletics, but being only a 30 minute drive away I knew they would be back before I finished. When I did see them again, I had 5 laps left, Max was waiting there ready to give me a High-Five. I was glad I saw them as I needed some Vaseline, as for some reason, my under arms were rubbing and getting red raw. A bloke running behind me said "Mate can I have some as well please", " No problems I replied" He however, had rubbing issues in a slightly more tender area"!
As I came up the finishing straight for the final time, instead of high-fiving him I grabbed his hand and we ran (shuffled) the last 100 metres together, a very proud father & son moment.
 |
| Wave to Mummy |
 |
| Father and Son completing a Marathon |
My final time was 4:47:50. Garmin stats via the link below. Please note the elevation! Not flat ;-)
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/321884760
Oh so that now means that PWR doesn't stand for Petts Wood Runners, but Personal Worst (for) Ray. But I really am not bothered, I finished.
Once I had collect my medal, I can assure you this is no ordinary or standard medal either, it is a whopper! we made our way back to the hotel and once I had stretched and showered, I had the perfect post run nutritional refuel of Fish & Chips and a couple of pints of real ale. Bliss!
 |
| Max had to help hold the medal up as I was knackered |
I whole heartedly recommend this Marathon. It is certainly a challenge, not only physically, but psychologically as well. But it is not standard or ordinary and that is what makes it great! I will be doing this again, hopefully with some ordinary and standard prep?
Until next time
TJH
