20 to go…

Last weekend I have finished my 5th marathon. And like Roundwood one, this one wasn’t easy for me. I know that most of participants were running all 4 marathons in the Quadrathlon event and I admire them very much but I must admit that I was struggling… Again.

First of all I’m still behind with my training. After being ill last month, not able to prepare properly to Roundwood marathon and holiday in France (tasty food and less running) my fitness level went drastically down. Shortness of breath when doing regular exercise in the morning. After last two marathons I had such a big cramps in my calves that I couldn’t stand, sit or do anything. Pain was unbearable. I think that I was in my best shape when I was taking part in the Cork marathon even if the PB was done during other run. So, now I need to focus on getting back to my regime and getting help with my training program.

It suppose to be about one of four marathons in Donegal and not about me whining. Quadrathon was really well organized event. I admire people who took part in it (4 marathons in 4 days, in hilly Donegal – respect all), organizers and supporters. Had to say that atmosphere was really like would be surrounded by your family. Everybody very helpful and happy. If I could I would like to take part in the whole experience, not just one day, but we have been in France on our holiday and just came back Friday midnight. At that stage runners had already two marathons under their belt. Anyway, couple of hours sleep and we drove to beautiful county of Donegal. End up in really nice B&B ‘On the Rocks’ in the Greencastle (nice place and nice owners – recommend this one). Even that weather wasn’t great we have decided to visit nearby villages, take a walk on the sea side and grab something to eat. Next day was an early start. Had to be on the finish line at 7:45 to be taken by bus to starting line. Breakfast 6:30, left B&B just after 7 still half asleep. Weather was dreadful. Rain, wind – ‘Welcome to Donegal’. After chitchat with other runners (they were wreck tired) on the way to start I was ready to rock. After running up and down (400 m incline and decline) in France I felt that my legs are strong. And they were for about 15 km. I was able to use decline technique from book about running I have recently finished. So, it wasn’t to bad. For 10 km distance I was second and then I had lost route (took early turn). After couple of km I have just noticed that and the whole ‘good feeling’ disappeared. Because of that I have missed only water station. Trust me, running just on the energy gels is not sufficient. Lost will to run, lost couple of minutes trying to explain marshal what I done. But decided that I will need to add up 5-6 km at the end of my race… Because of that mistake I have lost my will to ‘go’ but have clocked 3:34 time with still 1.5 km to go. I think I would get about 3:43 – 3:44, maybe still 6th place or maybe 7th…

Anyway, besides mix-up all I can say about that marathon that surroundings were beautiful, weather wasn’t great, somebody has turn my ‘fuel valve’  off after 15 km and cramps can really hurts…