One the way down to marathon for the whole time I thought that I know where marathon is taking place. And then just after I have the passed Maynooth I have realized that probably marathon is not taking place where I thought it will. Longwood, Staplestown… what’s the difference? Yep, drive down time wise probably similar but route is different. I hate Longwood loops. Again, hard to say why but it the case. So, I was really glad that I haven’t landed there. But looking at lashing rain and low temperature we were here for a ball. Ohh… and there was just one portable toilet so no chance using it with all runners trying to get into it. Even if that was just for couple of minutes to get shelter from wind, temperature and rain. Even when waiting time was same as usual in such a weather conditions it felt at least like 2 hours wait… That wasn’t great forecast for the marathon ahead.
Ok… and again ‘it can’t be easier… you can’t get lost’. But this time it was actually truth. Twice here and back on the beginning, which was over 3 km (maybe just below 4 km). And then 4 bigger loops. These were too bad in that conditions. So, I think that this marathon will be actually quite enjoyable during good weather. On the here and back section was nice to see all those familiar faces. You couldn’t see them all before marathon, on the starting line. You discover great camouflage skills when situation is forcing you to hide. And that what it was before and during start of the marathon. Turn out was actually great considering all of that. Some of the lads were doing ultra (5 or 6 loops), they were preparing themselves for Spartathlon. You could see that Rolando and Anto have serious plans for Sparta. Their idea was slow but steady… but about that probably in later post. Goal for me was just to get 3:45. Steady… hahaha. That’s a good one. As usual lately steady is not my strongest side now. And again started too quick. And again checking my watch I was amazed – quite quick and not tired. But that last just for … 15 km or little bit more. After that I was at war. War with my tiredness, heavy legs and lack of fitness. What should I think about that? I was so glad that there was water station in the middle of the loop. Spent there couple of minutes going through Lucozade twice. At halfway my time wasn’t too bad. That was at the water station and my first Lucozade. At that stage I knew that it will be pace downhill from here. I wasn’t mistaken…
Got 3:45. Tired, soaking wet… Not happy.
