3:59:55
I finally did it. Yesterday I completed my first marathon, the Copenhagen Marathon, in the time 3:59:55 (five seconds below the four hour mark).
Honestly, I don’t know now whether I will run another marathon. However, given that I am already–the day after–looking at possible races, I think it is very likely that I do run another marathon. If I do run more marathons I also know that I will strive for the Boston Marathon. There’s only one hitch in that you have to qualify for the Boston Marathon. For my age group it means I must complete a marathon in 3:10:00…
Thinking back to yesterday this entry describes how the race unfolded from my point of view with a few lessons (hopefully) learned thrown in for good measure.
I had been training for this since November, so I reckoned I was be ready. Since I completed the race, I must have been, but the last 10 km was probably the hardest thing I have ever done. Now I can also admit that I several times on this last stretch toyed with the thought of throwing in the towel.
For all the hardship, however, the feeling running the last 200 meters was so worth it. I felt like my feet didn’t touch the ground, and–although I would have sworn it wasn’t possible–I actually sprinted the last stretch. I wish I could bottle this feeling and sell it, I would be a millionaire in minutes.
You may remember that my original goal was 3:30:00. As I said back then, it was an ambitious goal, but it was what I trained for in my training sessions. Later I revised my goal for 3:45:00, and that was also what I set out to do yesterday. At the Copenhagen Marathon they have pace holders, people that run at a set pace to help you keep your desired pace.
Yesterday I started right ahead of the 3:45:00 pace holders, and alongside the Sirius Patrol. And I really think it went really well, at least the first 27 km did. Of course I was tired when we passed the start line the second time and started the last loop out towards Østerbro, but I felt good. Unfortunately, I started hurting around the 30 km mark, and around the 32 km mark I realized that it was just a matter of completing.
Fortunately, I did complete. I didn’t look very good when I passed Susan, Simon, and my parents after 39 km, but I kept on pushing and before I knew it I started hearing the Samba beat from the band at Knippelsbro less than 500 meters from the finish. It also helped that the 4 hour pace holder were yelling words of encouragement to the group of runners around them. I heard it and knew I had to up my pace, there was no way I was going to be overtaken by the 4 hour group.
My efforts were enough, and I kept the group behind me.
Now that I have completed my first marathon, I have also learned a number of lessons (at least I hope I have). I’ve listed them below, if nothing else because then I might remember them if/when I decide to run another marathon.
- Start out slow! (how hard can it be???)
- Set a pace that is slower than you think. If you have energy at 30 km then you can always speed up.
- Since I was training alone I used a belt with water bottles and energy gels. Next time I should train for the aid stations to avoid the belt, it just ends up being uncomfortable.
- Powerade tastes sweeter than soda, so try to vary the energy intake (for example by bringing a few energy gels).
- You can do it!!!
Finally, a thank you for the support of all the spectators, you helped me finish the race. Maybe I’ll see you again next year.