My First Marathon

It has taken me 3 days after the marathon before writing this blog entry. Simple reason — I’m quite disappointed at the result of my race.

On Sunday I ran the Paris marathon. I had trained for 3 months — combining running and strength training. I felt ready. My goal was 4hrs 30 mins. I had only 1 fear — cramping. I had cramped a bit during my training and thought I had figured out how to address the cramping.

Well, my worst fear came true. Not only did I cramp, I started cramping at 11 miles (18km) !!! I had thought ok, maybe if I start cramping at 20 or 21 I am fine still. So I ran/walked 13.2 miles — it was the most painful experience ever. I cursed out loud several times, almost shed tears as well.

The race day was beautiful — great weather and awesome to have close friends and family also there to cheer us on. I started well, and ran the first 11 at a solid pace. A bit faster than normal but didn’t feel that way. I felt strong and was feeling my body to guage my pace.

After my cramps started I forced myself to try to run through and stretched so many times. So many kind people tried to encourage me on. A Mexican lady (she was carrying a flag) who was cheering people on even massaged my thighs for me — God bless her!

Even with the cramping I beat my 30km record in training and if I were able to run the last 12km I would have still come under 5 hours. It wasn’t meant to be. I ran the marathon length (26.2 miles) in 5hrs 56mins. The actual course turned out to be 26.6 miles — I think because of how I took bends etc.

That said, I was successful. I finished the race. I was disciplined in my training. I lost 8kg. I feel great — and I will continue running. God willing, I will be back to conquer the Paris Marathon. I must!!