There is that theory that if you want to pass bad news you should sandwich it between good news. And I think that how I should write about Amsterdam marathon and the whole trip. That might work… so, let start.
Sandwich post
Let start again…
Ok… First marathon booked now. For now only one and for fall next year – Amsterdam. Sorry… This is not true. I have just got spot in Dublin Marathon through ballot. I couldn’t just say no to that. At the moment plan for Amsterdam is for my Wife to run half-marathon and me full with my Cousin from Canada (hopefully covid will allow this). As my Cousin wants to run her first marathon I will try to help her out with that and if possible to get her to 4 hours. First thing is to get myself to fitness level when I can get full distance… I would like to get back to pace I was running marathons couple years ago but I know that I need to put much more work into it. But would be nice.
Almost in the wrong place
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.
On the way to ORANJE
Long weekend. So many marathons to run in Ireland. Tullarone, 100 K Donadea, Derry, Cork (where I have started my marathon adventure). Can run three days in row. And probably I would do that if I was in better fitness form. So, maybe next year. June long weekend 2016 we are spending on small city break in Amersfoort. When was looking for places to spent long weekend and if possible to run I have found small event in heart of Urtreht region in Netherlands. When research that place it looked quite nice. Not too expensive, with nice views and interesting places to visit…
I have been asked by Bozena to keep amount of runs and visits outside Ireland to minimum. Which is quite hard to do. I would like to try as many different marathons in different countries as I can. And even that I have already used my assigned limit of marathons outside Ireland Bozena was quite kin to that one. Probably cause both of us never been to Netherlands before. New experience, new research in country of many canals. Day of the flight was (still is a havoc). To catch flight at 7 PM I had to go to work at 6 AM, skipped break to be able to get hour of training run. Got home and in next 45 minutes I have packed suitcase and got dogs ready for their weekend stay with minders. Don’t know how dogs know that we are leaving but that pair is always excited. I just hope that excitement is cause by them thinking that we will take them with us and not by spending weekend with Brendah and Alan. Anyway, today was the same. I was packing luggage and dogs were running here and back with excitement. Every time I was near shoe cabinet were we keep leashes Kulka and Lucy started to jump and bark. Dogs just know. When we arrived on the airport we could see that there were plenty of flights delayed. First thought was – ‘Ours will be to’. And we were correct. But as usual Ryanair informed passengers about that fact just 20 minutes before scheduled departure time. Typical Ryanair. Officially flight delayed by 25 minutes but after checking watch was more like 30 – 35 minutes. Anyway, on the plane now. When we will land in Amsterdam not step would be taking train straight to Amersfoort. Another 45 minutes of travel and then, last part, 10-15 minutes walk. Mercure hotel should be in centre of the town, just 300 m from starting line of the marathon. Should be quite convenient. Will see. Quick nap now? Will be probably stressed out by train part (finding proper train and so on) of the journey…
I was correct about train but not part with finding it. We had to take that train 3 times. First to get just half way to Amersfoort, second to come back to airport and then to get to hotel. By mistake I took same Samsonite suitcase but unfortunately wasn’t ours. Good thing was that on ours we have our mobile number, so they could find us quite quick. So, instead of us being in bed before midnight we were there half one in the middle of the night. Walk from train station to hotel was just about 10 minutes. We had to wake up guy on the reception to get to the building. Thanks God that room was quite spacious and comfortable. We went to sleep really fast. We had three days in front of us in Netherlands. Nice sleep. Next day we have assigned to sight seeing task. Sun in full swing, not a cloud in the sky. Couldn’t think about anything better for city break. Of course that is not really working when you are Irish. We are used to rain, wind and maybe a week, two weeks tops of sunny weather during whole year. Sun – yes, but not too much. That can kill you 😉 Anyway, we have spent whole day wandering around old town. Picked up bib, visited local shops. They have many shops with cheese, plenty bakeries. You can just spend days enjoying food. Nothing else. And when you think that it is what Amersfoort have to offer food-wise you are somehow brought to the ‘HOFF’. Market where you can buy fresh flowers, food – cheeses, meats, pastry, bread… All is there and fresh. Of course we couldn’t resist the temptation and we bought local coconut cakes and some other pastry (sorry, don’t remember the name). You can’t resist when you see price. Fruits for just fraction of the Irish price. So much was hidden in those small streets of that town. We saw gates into the Old Town, visited small cafeterias, bought cheese from cheese shop. Basically we just got lost in the small streets of Amersfoort. Decided to go to museum to see little bit of town history (interesting part) and exhibition of one of the local painter from mid 20th century (not interesting part at all). It was slow, relaxing day. All was very good, just too hot. Ended our day in Sushi Bar and… that was an experience. Apparently this way you are ordering in any shushi bar in Netherlands. 5 rounds per customer and 5 pieces per round. Usually you have one piece of sashimi or similar but 3 simple sushi rolls. Looks like not much but we were done after 3 rounds each. Full. Sushi bar was near the hotel so we decided to get a nap and continue sightseeing in the evening. And of course nap was longer than expected. So, evening we have spent in hotel preparing for marathon day… Well I could prepare gear and stuff but not my body.
I wasn’t prepared for heat on the day. Marathon was starting at 10:30. Before that there was 5 km for kids and 10 km run. We were starting as last group. Half, marathon relay and full marathon. But at time of the day we were starting it was already about 25 degrees (at least) and not a cloud in the sky. Canon blast and we were off. Quite narrow but not for long. Runners have spread out. More room to run. And of course… I did my thing. Went to quick. Was telling myself that I want to get 3:40 – 3:45. But still most important was not to visit toilet. With second thing I have succeeded. But first I’ve died. And it was just after 12 km mark. Why? I don’t know. Weather, body tiredness. All together… Possible. Only thing which was keeping me from DNF was idea of finishing marathon in another country. First 12 km in pace 4:45 and 4:50. Stupid fella. Paid for that. Next 3 hours something I was suffering. Trying to convince myself that I still running/jogging. But that was just pathetic. I was so weak and tired that for the first time I have stopped to rest and to talk to my Wife. And that wasn’t even first loop done. At this stage there was still about 2 km to half way mark and I was dying. When was turning last time before half way someone called ‘Alan, see you soon’. Ohhh, that person was really mistaken. It took me another 2 hours and something to being seen in the same place. Time to time I had to walk for a bit. Was trying to lie to myself that I’m doing that to charge batteries little bit to be able to run for next half a hour. But that wasn’t working. Still plenty to go. Had to drink quite a lot which meant that too much liquid was in the belly. Electrolytes down, so drunk some isostar but was missing any oranges. Just bananas. Damn it. I was just counting km marks. Wanted these to go quicker. Last 3 km and someone on the side was offering runners orange quarters. That was nice. Quick chat with Lady who was giving oranges. When I said that I’m from Ireland she said ‘Oh, you just know rain then’. That was true. Slow moving towards finish. Made it. My name was called before finishing. Marathon Club Ireland called as well. End… thanks God. So much sun. Moved straight away into shade. Drunk three bottles of water. Wanted just to get under the shower. Colder shower. Just sit there for quite a while.
Killer of a weather. After couple of hours spent in hotel we went out for a while. Was already evening so most of the shops were closed. Just restaurants opened. We went to Italian restaurant. Drunk one of the most expensive beers in our life, called ’32’. Really nice and quite strong. Evening stroll around the city. Noticed that even that Ireland is called green island in Netherlands there are more parks, green spaces and forests. Nobody calling Netherlands green… Enjoyed last day in Amersfoort. Next day small trip to Amsterdam before heading back home. Next day we went for quick breakfast, packed our bags and we were in the train back to Amsterdam. Bags left in the lockers and we went into Amsterdam. Cause we had just about 5 hours we decided just to wonder little bit in the centre. That was enough time to see really nice exhibition of Word Press Photo. Moving, hard to describe with words. Great photographs mostly showing cruelty in the world. Nice pictures but after seeing that all humour was sad. Had quick lunch and were trying to find famous coffee shops. Saw just one until we got at the south end of the city centre. There every third shop was with ‘coffee’. It was funny to see fact of checking ID when accessing that type of shop. With some time left till our departure we were just taking our time walking around Amsterdam canals. And we were taken by surprise when we walked into ‘Red Lamp District’. Everyone knows about ‘Red Lamp District’ but not everybody knows where it is exactly. We haven’t got a clue until we walked there. Kinky shops, pubs, clubs. Not many ‘ladies’ in the windows. Was little bit too early for that. But still quite an experience to see all that and actually do some shopping there. Nice couple of hours in Amsterdam ended. Needed to get back catch train to airport and our plane…
Netherlands is the place to visit again and not necessary to run.
LUX marathon
This marathon was long awaited one. I have made initial contact to organizers of the event back at the end of 2015 when I was pacing Munich. After some time after that I was contacted by Michael from Luxembourg who is responsible for pacers. We had agreed that 4:14 will be ok time for me, for my first time. And couple months later me and my Wife were in Luxembourg to run and support. I suppose to meet new pacing team and experience new marathon. When I was discussing with Michael times option he has advised me that Luxembourg marathon is one with quite an incline and challenging finish (last 12 km). He told me that usually it takes 15-20 minutes more than usual marathon time to finish here and same thing applies to pacing. So, instead of usual 3:45 or 4 h I was in pair with Holger to pace 4:14.
I have never been to Luxembourg (for Bozena that was already second visit). So, it was as much about running as experiencing new place. First thing… no Ryanair flights there. To get to Luxembourg you need to use Luxair airline. Prices higher but much better quality of service. Flight is little bit over 2 hours but during that time you are getting you free sandwich and drinks. Stuff is very kind and nice. And as I would see that is common in Luxembourg. When I have landed I got phone call from Bozena (she was in Luxembourg already) that there is taxi waiting for me in front of the terminal building. I suppose to look for black estate Mercedes. My thought was that it will be nice ride. And then… ups. Most of the taxis in Luxembourg are either BMW or Mercedes, all estates and blackish. So, had to call Bozena again to give me little bit more details about my driver and after next 5 minutes of oozing for him I was sitting in the proper car. Journey to hotel took a little bit, even that it was just 9 km from the airport. Reason for that was Friday. All working in Luxembourg but not living there were going home. Mostly to different countries , sic! Germany, France or Belgium. Each day population of Luxembourg is increasing by about 180 000 – 200 000 people who driving there to work . And we have been caught by them going back home. Small hotel in exact centre of Luxembourg city, with entrance from ‘Old Town’ market. When I have arrived there Bozena was waiting for me already. I was so glad to see her after 4 days of being alone in the house (in theory was accompanied by 2 not well behaved dogs). I left the luggage and we went for a walk to see what city has to offer. Quick stop for dinner and we started our wandering. Without a clue where to go and what to see we were deciding on the go which direction to take. Saw something interesting in the distance so we went there. This way we have visited Palace, main train station, red district, Cathedral and other sites in the Old Town. We stopped couple of times to enjoy nice views of the city. You could see the ‘layers’ of Luxembourg. being in the highest point of city centre you could see houses and park over 50 meters below. All cause Luxembourg was a citadel and fort. And what is the best way to build fort than on the top of the mountain and then making sure that access to it will be hard – climb that 50 meters up. We went to bed late that day, so next morning wasn’t an early one. For me our second day was quite a tricky one. I was running marathon in the evening. Didn’t know what to eat, when to eat and so on. Totally new experience. Breakfast, toast with cheese and ham, one small pain du chocolat with tea. Probably that was light enough and shouldn’t affect my stomach during run but there was of course another meal still to go. If I could I would just run with breakfast but marathon was at 7 pm and I would probably starved to death till then and if not I would die during run cause of lack of energy. After breakfast we went to marathon expo to pick up my bib umber and runner pack. And it wasn’t there. Stuff for pacers will be given on pacers meeting later in the day. But to get that info I had to talk to marathon staff at, wait now, ‘Trouble Desk’. Expo itself wasn’t too big. But what you can see straight away is that there are totally different companies with stands than in Ireland and UK. Some of these I have seen in Munich. Most of these were local or from counties near by (Germany, France). Some familiar marathons stands. As usual Ravena, Nice, Düsseldorf. Again questions about pacing have been asked but this time no luck. Most of the marathons have their own pacing teams. On the expo there was Polish team of masseurs and Bozena decided to try relaxing massage. She was really impressed with the whole experience and actually wanted more. Sorry, not this time. But I know that she will ask me to find out if there is any masseur near us. After drinking coffee or tea in my case we have decided to continue sightseeing. Had to come back to city centre to do that. We have visited some of the places we saw day before to see these in the sunlight. We have visited as well Oberweis chocolate factory. Went to see some parts of the marathon route. And what do you know I would run in front of our hotel. Spent really nice morning and early afternoon. We went for lunch and took salads to avoid any potential problems when it comes to marathon pitstops (by the way, worked ok). And than quick visit in our hotel. Even 25 minutes nap…
Our pacers meeting was at 5 PM back where we had expo. Cause my routine was already messed up by timing I took quick shower. Used Vaseline and Sudocream where needed. Put my running gear and I was ready. Even that pacers meeting was 2 hours before the marathon we saw plenty of runners already heading towards starting line. Our bus was packed. When arrived we had to find Michael, which wasn’t too easy cause he was nowhere to find and it is hard to get any info if you can’t speak French, understand German but have problems talking back and person you talk to doesn’t know English. After 5 minutes Michael has appeared and informed us that ‘pacers room’ has been relocated. I have met rest of the gang and noticed that there was more first timers in Luxembourg than just me (there was actually first timer as pacer altogether – she was pacing 5 h). Really nice bunch of people. Met my partner in crime – Holger. We talked little bit about tactics and our run. He has introduced me to others. And it looks that I made an quite an impact with amount of marathons I have run (members of Marathon Club Ireland I know that for us it is normal to have some many runs under our belts). On girl actually recognised me from Munich. That was a nice surprise. We got our bibs and gear. Luxair running shirt sponsor, calf compression sleeves by gococo an these were customized. Each of us had pacing time on back of the calf. Left one hours, right one minutes and of course some of us put these other way around (not me, I was ok). After briefing we went to take photo for sponsors (and to get extra 15% discount for other products). Photos done. Now was time for last toilet visit and after that I was heading to starting line. With 30 minutes to go I started my stretching. Checked our coral group. And what has surprised me no one actually was asking me questions about tactics for a run. Usually I would answer same pace all the way but this time there specific tactic had to be executed. with 12 km before the finish route was going just up and up. Not too much but incline of 100 m over the last 12 km may ‘kill’ race for some. So, this time tactic was to go slightly quicker till 30 km mark to have maybe 2-3 minutes spare and then we could go slower on the last, long uphill. Couple of minutes before start Holger joined me. He tried before to find his daughter who was running half marathon. He was unlucky before the race and during. After the race me and Bozena met Holger’s daughter. She got great time of 1:27. When me and Holger were discussing our tactics one of of pacer joined us. She was pacing 4:45 (I think). She mentioned that she remembered me from Munich marathon. Was nice to hear that. That was just confirmation that marathon runners are meeting each other all over the world. Sometimes don’t even realise that…
Start now. All the starting line probably about 10000-11000. Rest is waiting on the relay change points. Took us about 9 minutes to actually start our run. We knew that there is on runner who wants to follow us. She was preparing herself for half IronMan. And that supposed to be training run for her. First marathon as well. First 2 km took us through relatively narrow streets considering runners crowd size. Really was hard to got into proper pace and rhythm. Took about 3 km to find free stop where we could run our pace without being disturbed. Me and Holger started to chat about our runs and different experiences during races. He explained me that Luxembourg marathon is specific when it comes to supporters. Told me that part when we are running towards Old Town and Old Town itself is brilliant when comes to cheers. Reason for that is simple – city centre. Plenty of people and tourist. And that is dying out when you are leaving city centre and running towards suburbs. Even that there are still cheers on the way that is really not type is support which could lift spirit of runner who needs that. But, having said that I need to add that whoever was on the side of the road to support was very responsive to our gestures. When Holger and I asked them to ‘make noise’ they did that. Increasing cheer – not a problem. We were showing them what they should do for runners and they did. At least we knew that whoever was running with us was having good time. Yes, and now we got to the point where I should mentioned our runners group. Even that 30 km from starting line was mostly downhill and flat, so, should be easier part, we have lost all runners. To be honest on the half way point we were running with Holger alone. Our group was forming for couple of minutes when we caught with runners in front of us. They run with us for some time then drop back leaving us alone again. That was not the first time when I have experienced that but never in marathon were was about 3000 runners. At about km 16th we have run through market place where our hotel was located. Before that, we run on the main streets of Luxembourg City. But just 2 km after passing our hotel we were in the suburban area. Less support more discussions between me and Holger. We were really counting on our group that it will find us, eventually. Our GPS watches were showing about 200 meters more than km markers. But it was constant. 200 meters and difference wasn’t growing. Until km no 21. At this stage we were 300 m behind (according to watch, so lost 500 m). That was unpleasant surprise. Meant that we lost our 2-3 minutes cushioning. Actually were 3 seconds behind the schedule. That was km 21. Of course same story with halfway point gate. We lost our group, were 3 seconds behind the schedule and need to go slightly quicker to get some spare time before incline. Not great. Me and Holger were trying to work out what was wrong. His idea was that marker for 22 km will come faster than we think. And he was right. marker 22 and our watches again were showing that we run just 200 m more. Back on track then. But still no sign of our group. When I have asked Holger about that one girl who said that she will be following us he couldn’t say when she slowed down and lost us. Sun light started to fade and we were still before lowest point of the race – 30 km mark. With still 5 km to that point of the route we were running over the bridge and we saw below 40 meters below were we will be in about 30 minutes. Small loop now and we were down there. At this stage it was already dark. In the park where we were running there was lightfest. Lampposts, fires along the route. Very mystique surroundings. At the end of the park climb to finish line has started. Pace looked about same. Still just me and Holger. When we climbed up to level of city centre I have dropped for couple of seconds into pub to check result of Champions League final game between Real and Atletico. Did that cause saw through the window that Atletico players are celebrating. That was equalising goal. 1-1. We had now about 6 km to go and still one bigger push. Now we had to slow down to get proper time and try to motivate runners who were now started to slow down. Small group has now created. Most of the runners who joined us for whole race was in front of us. Now we caught them and were trying to push them to get 4:14 with us. Just about 3 km to go there was small pub in the park. They were serving ‘alcohol frei’ beer. Really nice touch. Earlier in the race we were discussing with Holger that we will make as tiny beak in here to get a zip of that beer. 2 km to go. We have still over a 1 minute to spare. 41 km mark is the highest point of the marathon. After that slightly down and flat. Between 40 th and 41 st we had to push others quite a bit. We could see tiredness on their faces. Most of them was struggling but was trying to get over the line. We lost our cushioning at this stage. But there was just 500 m left. Access to Luxexpo grounds and than into entrance 8 where we were finishing inside of one of the exposition halls of the expo. Most of the runners who we were pushing on the last 3-4 km was with us. Don’t know if they got their time, all that was depending on their starting time, but they wee with us. We crossed the line with couple of seconds before 4:14. Timed that exactly as we wanted. I think both of us have nice time running with each other. We had to split just after the run. I went to look for Bozena and Holger went to look for his wife and daughter. Promised to stay in contact if we won’t see each other later. Found Bozena and we went to ‘pacers room’. I had to change my clothes. Decided that will take shower in hotel. Will be easier. Meanwhile Atletico lost on penalties and I forgot to give back my time chip. So, needed to go back to finish line and go through whole area to leave chip at the end. When come back to Bozena we met Holger with his family. He introduced us and informed us that his daughter run quite a race with (as mentioned before) 1:27. We talk for a while and after that went to bus stop.
Maybe we can repeat that next year. Who knows… Maybe I will be invited again.
Little bit more pictures than last time.
Running Prague
This year I was nominated to pace 3:45. Last year I wouldn’t been even think that time could be a challenge. But now with IBS still lurking and form being crap I was little bit concerned. Have I mentioned that in Prague was very hot. Had to buy shorts for myself. Never thought that it could be so, so warm in Czech when we were leaving Dublin. Same routine like last year. Meeting point – Praska Brama, before 8 AM. From our hotel we had just about 5 minutes walk. That was very handy if you compared that to last year 30 minutes walk (or slightly more). Even that we stayed so close to meeting place when we arrived all pacers were there already. All happy. Some runners I knew from last year, some I knew from Facebook. As usual some of them were running in wigs. After all greetings and small chitchat there was time for ‘press’. Many photos were taken. I was feeling really good. Still concerned but ok. Last visit to ‘toilet Jimmy’ and I was ready. Of course when I was ‘doing’ my last preparation rest of the pacers went to starting line and they were officially introduced to runners. As usual I have missed something.
In Prague there are 2 pacers per time for 3:15, 3:30 and 3:45 After that there are three pacers. Last year I was pacing 4 h in great company of Michal and Martin. Thought that maybe this year Martin and I can pace together again (Michal wasn’t running Prague). But no, Martin finished this year marathon 30 minutes behind me. I was paired with Roman. I know that he was running last year as well but I couldn’t remember him. Anyway, when we both were standing besides each other that probably was looking very funny. Roman is at least higher than me by length of head. We had couple of photos taken with ‘our’ runners, couple pep talks and questions about running tactics. Have met in the crowd two lads from Donadea AC. Nice that runners from Ireland are coming to Prague. Oh, Bozena has asked me to do whole stretching routine, including lying on my side and stretching legs. Full motion, apparently that looks funny. Just before run Roman told me that we will be running slightly faster first half. We should be hitting 21.1 K with exact 1:52:30 but Roman wanted to do that distance below 1:50. Why? If you are running flat course you can afford to run constant pace. And that was my tactic. But I have never took into consideration temperature and sun (that what is happening with you when you live in Ireland, you just forget that such things even exist). So, idea was to run faster first half and when runners will be tired we could slow down. That was fine with me. Same music during start, when you slowly marching towards starting mats. Already 6 minutes passed since gun gave sign to start when we passing staring mats. Even that there were many runners with us there was no problem in getting straight into running pace and rhythm. Streets wide enough to accommodate such an amount of runners. I was checking my watch for pace and was trying to keep proper one but could see Roman was going faster. So, I have followed him, which was actually good move cause first 5 K showed on my watch as run quicker than supposed but actually we were on time. Probably too many twist and turns on the beginning as well as trees and buildings disturbed GPS signal. At least I knew that I will need to run slightly faster than watch was showing and had to pay attention to km markers and check time then. First 4 km it’s small loop to get runners run through Karlovy Most. View from that bridge is very nice. Can see old town in front of you. On the side river. Behind you park with Palace. And where ever you look towers and spires. After that small loop next 9 km would lead us to starting line again. This time we would be passing starting line opposite direction. Same 9 km runners are running at the end of maathon. That part of route kind of reminded me Szczecin Marathon. Wide streets, high temperature, sun, no clouds and no shade (besides short slip road tunnels). Must admit that thought about Szczecin was making me uncomfortable. I was suffering there cause of weather and lack of any shade. This time in Prague I have used the ‘shower’ to cool down. We had opportunity to do that 3 times and belive me, it felt good.
After we passed starting line on the 13th km we have run part of town where we staying in hotel. Now, when I knew nearby streets I could tell exactly where we were running. Last year year I knew roughly where we were. This year no surprises. We run then via street with big label shops. Cross Old Town again and back besides river. This time running south direction on the east bank. That bit of the route is here and back, so we could see top athletes passing us already. Czech runners were trying to get Rio qualification time, which was 2:15 for men (sorry, no info on women time). I know that they did it and will run in the Olympics. So, we were on our 16th km and they were already coming back passed 25th mark. Small loop again. Time to shout ‘Hi’ to slower pacers. And back running at the river side towards half point mark. When we passed 21.1 km we had 3 minutes cushion. Didn’t want to have so much but at the end it was ok. Now, we could slow down little bit. But till that time I have been asked many times by runners if we are running for 3:45 or maybe quicker time. They were little bit concerned seeing Roman so far away. Forgot to mentioned that Roman was whole time in the lead. Probably 100 – 150 meters in front of me. I was catching him usually on each water station. I wasn’t stopping, drinking when running. Him and his group was stopping but just after another 2 minutes they were in front of us again. That is until 24th km when Roman said that he has stomach cramps and need to use toilet. I have just asked him if he will continue after pitstop but he said that he’s done. Ok, not a great news anyway. I was the one who possibly could DNF with ‘guts’ problem and now I was the only one pacing 3:45. Now whole responsibility has been put on my shoulders. Loud shout that I will be leading now and that we have some spare time and we are on our way to finish that marathon. I could feel the heat already, so I knew that runners running with me are feeling that as well. 26th km and we were on the west bank of the river. Running between higher buildings, having place to run in the shade. Cheers all over the place. Supporters were great. Marathon is quite hard thing to accomplish and to do that in 27 degrees heat (yes, for Irish person it is heat wave) you need all help you can get. And that’s were supporters energy plays the part. West bank, going north, towards Revolucyjna Aleja on the top of Old Town to start last 9 km. Same 9 which we already run before, same 9 km without any cover. Just blue sky and sun. I could see runners were tired. We had some time to spare so I have slowed down. Asked them to stop on each water station now, take at least a zip of water. On the last 3 km there were two water stations. To give runners a break I have stopped for couple of seconds. I think that most of them was doing that anyway. On their faces I saw that they were tired but behind that there was happiness hidden. Just one more turn and just 500 m to go. Did exactly same thing like last year. Stopped on the 500 m to finish marked and was cheering for runners passing me by. I was showing them way to finish. Shouting that they have less than 500 m to go and that below 3:45 is waiting for them. Again on that spot I felt what running is about. Happines, freedom and helping each other. Saw all that there. I was greeting and cheering for them and they were thinking me for me pacing. I was standing there for more than a minute. After that I have slowly run towards finish line. Was still shouting at group to give it all. I was trying to get crowd to cheer them as well, to be as loud as possible. On some stage I was running even backwards, with my back facing finish line. That was funny. Slowed down again to push another group of runners. When we had just 150 meters to go crowd was very loud. 50 m to go and I have stopped again to applause runners. They all were going for time below 3:45 even that timer over their head was showing already 3:50+. Ohhh… and the plane has landed. Was lonely pacer for over 18 km but that was ok. Roman joined me when I was standing on ‘my spot’ 500 m before finish. Asked him if he was ok. Said yes, but after pitstop he hasn’t continue run. I got my medal, didn’t need the thermal cover. It was just too warm. Saw Bozena. She told me that she missed me on the 4 km mark (saw my flag running away) but sa me on the 33 km. She was on the bridge when I was running underneath. I was happy. Now, the plan. Pass my flag to other pacer who would be going to ‘Running Mall’. Waited 15 minutes or 4 h pacers. Saw their flags going towards me. Oh, that will save me some walking. But suddenly lost them from my site. Damn you. I won’t be waiting for Martin with rest of 4:15 gang. Will bring flag next day. Rest of the marathon day was assigned to task called relaxing…
Czech once again
Landed in Prague and what a difference. You could feel the spring, almost summer. Temperature about 20 and more, sunny, refreshing breeze. Nice weekend in front of us (maybe running in such a condition would be challenging but besides that… no complaints). Taxi into Old City to leave our luggage in the hotel (not best but will do, in the heart of Old Town) and of for walk. This time we were staying in the different part of the town. That was most rewarding. Close to all places we wanted to visit and as well allowed us to discover different places which we never have reached being in Prague last year…
Even arriving to Old Town after 6 PM we still had plenty time to enjoy Prague that evening. Walk towards Main Square and we found couple of interesting museums to visit. Found nice shop with souvenirs (actually different to ones offered in all other places). Have checked how far would be from our hotel to marathon start line (whole 600 m, you can’t get wrong with that). And long walk around Old Town, looking for restaurant with traditional Czech food and Kozel beer. ‘Stare Casy’, not far from our hotel. Food was good, beer better (that night I skipped the beer but had one after marathon). Spicy goulash with knedliki. That was really nice evening. Weather nice, great surroundings, it was just beginning but we already knew that visit will be too short. Came back to our room to take a rest. Realised that our room is nice but cosy, not to mention about fourth floor. I was planning to go for a small run in the morning before Bozena will get up and actually was able to do that. We decided to have nice, big breakfast in one of the restaurants on the way to marathon expo. Couldn’t wait to see some of my running buddies from Runczech. Expo was in the same place as last year, in Exhibition Centre. Size-wise similar to Dublin marathon expo but definitely more additional attractions. If you don’t know or haven’t seen yet unihock or poll dancing (sport not erotica thing) or rock climbing expo was place to go. As usual plenty boots with running gear (couldn’t resist buying Adidas shoes – Prague Marathon version) and nutritions. Opportunity to talk to promoters of other marathons. Question almost always same: ‘Would you consider allowing international runner to pace your marathon?’ From these discussions I know that for example: Athens marathon is not using pacers and Amsterdam marathon has own pacing team so it is hard to get that job. But, I have left my details to those who said that they would consider new member of the pacing team. Now, I will wait for any info from them. No high hopes but never know. It was almost 1 PM and all pacers should be introduce to runners now. Almost whole pacing team went on the stage to give small pep-talk and tell runners who will be pacing what time. As I was called ‘European pacemaker’ I got little bit more ‘air time’. I was ask to tell everybody about my running adventure and pacing and give any advise to to participants. That was kind of strange feeling but I thought my ‘small speech’ wasn’t too bad. Yep, I thought so but in the evening I have watched the video taken by Bozena and it was terrible. Need to work on that. But we had a ball on that stage. Laughing, shouting, trying to stop our ‘leader’ who was very, very talkative over the mic. Trying to remind him that he told us that we all should say literally 3 words. We did that, Michal not. Cause of him it took much longer that it should be. Our official marathon training session was in danger of being delayed. We had to go back to ‘Running Mall’ (Runczech official location) cause trying was starting there. I literally made it two minutes before time. We lost Martin on the way or he just got ‘Lost in Action’. We run without him then. Every year they are organising that training session for runners who would like to participate. Last year was much more runners cause the group from Beijing marathon joined us. This year their session was day before and according to Michal it was busy. Last year Prague marathon had one partner – Beijing, but it looks like marathon is growing and now they have new partner. And this is great one – Berlin marathon. That is now showing how Prague event is evolving. All going in the right direction. Still small-ish event. Over 12000 runners from which almost 9000 are running marathon rest marathon relay. They are saying that they could easily increase that number in total to 20 K but that would involve changing the route and move the event from surroundings of Old Town. Organisation great, plenty of marathons could use Prague as an example. Ok, just got of the topic, back, back… Official training. Usually it is just couple of km done in the park with some stretching exercises and some running ones. Same time this year. Little bit more running – 8 km (in addition to my 11 km in the morning) but laughing again. Met doctor Tomas who is running barefoot for ‘Doctors without borders’. Please support them if you can. Doing so much for kids and adults in countries where medical help is not available for all. By the way, Tomas got really great time, just above 3:50. You need to consider tram tracks and cobblestones which are the part of the marathon route.
Usually I’m not participate in official trainings and avoiding all that PR stunts surrounding marathons. But Prague is different. I just love being there, running. So, after training we have been invited by Bozena’s colleague for a lunch. We have visited highest restaurant in Czech capital which is in TV broadcasting tower. Would call it posh. Lunch and then some time to spent in Old City again. Relaxing during walk. Setting mind to run with others and trying to ‘tell’ my body to relax with pitstop thing next day. latter in the evening I had to prepare running gear. Everything needed to be ‘Made by Adidas’, as usual. Not favourite brand to run in but has to be done.
About marathon you can read in next post. This one will be just about tourists in Prague. After marathon we decided that we can rest little bit and walk around, buy some gifts and have dinner. Saw Macintosh museum – crap. Ohhh, we went to the concert. Must say that classic music was actually nice. Next day I went for recovery run. Brought back pacing flag to ‘Running Mall’. Explored new running routes. After run we had nice breakfast in hotel restaurant and spent last couple of hours on enjoying Old Town. We visited museum of sex. We went to gallery to see work of Mucha. Had a salad for lunch and with sadness we had to leave Prague. But we will come back next year and again… pacing.
3:26:55 – for now is good…
First marathon in 2016. Still not ready or at least that how I feel. But I had to try. Try myself. And besides that there was AGM after the run. So, I was on the road again, driving towards Lilliput to see my running friends and to run with them. Lilliput is not even a hour drive so early morning and into the car. Morning was actually grand, not too cold and it wasn’t raining…
Arrived there just before early starters begun their race. Had to wait for them to pass the gates of Lilliput Adventure Centre and just after that I could park the car, register and start my preparation for the run. Form not the best but my biggest concern was (still is) IBS. If I will be able to run without pitstops? This time was ok. Better than on the training sessions. No more talk about that. I always liked Lilliput route. It is flat, which should make it fast. But there is as well some parts of the loop where you are running not on the road just on the trail. In fact, one loop has less than 10 km and trail makes over 5 km from that. It could be tricky part. Last year, when it was freezing that part was hard to run, very slip. This time it was warmer but couple days before it was colder and wetter so trail potentially could be quite bad to run. But again it was ok. I was over thinking all. I should just focus on what was important- steady run without breaks. Time wasn’t important, but was I would be happy to get 3:45. So, steady pace of 5:18 per km. 6 months ago would say that running at that pace would be a jog but now, at the beginning of the recovery process that is a running pace for me…
Start just after 9AM. In my mind one idea – stay at your pace, do not run faster. I was tempted to run after the faster runners but knew that could cost me much (walking in later stage). Stay behind, run your own marathon. 5:18 seems to be slow or… Anyway, I have started little bit faster. 4:57, pace for marathon time of 3:30. Silly, isn’t it? It was. But did another silly thing. Went faster. Was feeling great and happy after small loop and half of the big one that suddenly decided that should go faster. Why, oh why? Why not sticking to the plan? That is my problem – why planning if I will ignore it later. This time wasn’t too bad. Until wind kicked in on the 3rd lap I was managing around 3:25 time but after little bit wind in the face I have slowed down. I could feel it, could try to keep the pace but didn’t want to loose energy before last lap just to get 3:25. Same amount of energy, just slow little bit down. Most important was to finish without stopping and I did that. Time 3:26:55 was actually much better than I have expected…
Little recovery time after run and MCI had AGM. Decisions, new board, growing club. Changes… great club.
Plenty pictures but not me on them…
‘Daniels’ running formula’
After breaking my body and as well my spirit I had to focus on getting back to shape. Fitness classes helped without a doubts but I need to do more to get back on track. This year I was running ‘like stupid’ trying to get into everything I could. Giving everything I had and not thinking about any recovery. 2016 will be quality time not just quantity. This year I want to get results, 100 marathons mark can wait…
So, first thing to do is to rebuild my marathon endurance. Lost that along the way. I need to be sure that I will be able to run marathon without pitstops and with proper pace. And to do that I have came back to boring tables in ‘Daniels’ running formula’ book. That book is bad but formula has helped so many runners. It just works. So, why not try. Idea is to have 2 proper races during a year. To build form twice for particular, planned race. 26 weeks training plan. Now I planning to get my pick form ready for June.
But for now just training and it kinda feel strange… I haven’t run any race since Ballina (which I have DNF) at the beginning of November. I wanted to check my fitness and endurance levels in Clonakilty but this marathon was unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) postponed cause if the weather. So, now I’m just focusing at training runs. Trying to get my mileage higher and run longer. As I was saying in the previous post I have now trying ‘Daniels’ running formula’. Will see how that will work. I can feel that legs are getting now stronger but still missing my speed. Another thing is food again and still. Trying to consume less and maybe little bit healthier but I’m finding that really hard. I know that if nutrition would be sorted I could get back my speed and endurance much quicker. For now it is slow process but hopefully I will be ready for June and will be in pick of the form then.
When looking at year 2015 back I was able to reach all my goals. My ‘THE PLAN’ has been fulfilled. I was even surprised with some of results I have reached. To be fair looking back at those ultra runs I still can’t believe what I have achieved. With results got in 100 K and 100 miles I got into Spartathlon race. Not as automatic access (my mistake, missed that by 4 minutes when running 100 miles). But still hoping that I will be allowed to run that race. Tough race but you need to do that. So, last year I was aiming to finish 50K in Donadea, 50 miles in Roundwood, 100 K in Portumna, 12 hours run in Belfast and last but not least 100 miles in Connemara. Was second in Roundwood, Portumna and Connemara. Won in Belfast. What I could want more. First year in ultra running. Besides ultra runs I was running almost every weekend till end of October. Have clocked quite amount of miles. I’m not sure about number of marathons I have already run but I will be around 63-64. Considering that I have closed 2014 with 20 I think is big number. Each of these run to the maximum of my abilities. No resting, no jogging, just running…
And now going into 2016 I have new goals, new PLAN. This year main one is sub 3 marathon. Hopefully I will be able to do that. Next one will be to finish Spartathlon in 36 hours. So, that’s two goals. If reached I will come back to clocking marathons again. Less goals this year but I think these are much tougher. Will see how that will work out. Now waiting for mid January when the Sparthatlon registration will be open and will take it from there.
Race that divided the nation…
Clonakilty is always really nice race to run. Doesn’t matter if you are running 10 K, half-marathon or full marathon the atmosphere is always great. You always getting that special vibe here. You can feel like between members of family. Great buzz and much needed support for town itself. Usually there are two runs during the year organized by Clon crew (sometimes more). Ia and Bob always make us feel very welcome. I think that easily you can call that marathon the friendliest marathon in Ireland. And it doesn’t matter if that is ultra marathon in Summer or chilly marathon in December. This year was no different…
Most of the MCI friends were in West Cork already on Thursday evening to run next day in the director’s run. New route and plenty of fun… Even that I had Friday off I couldn’t make it to run that day. You need 3.5 hours at least to get to Clonakilty from Dublin. So, no way to drive after work on Thursday. Or maybe way but then I would end up in Clonakilty at 11PM like last year. This year I got into the car midday on Friday with plan to slowly drive down towards West Cork. Enjoyed the drive? Not really, was very windy. Car going all over the place, fuel consumption over the top, but still relaxed. Was driving to Clon to run marathon there. I was happy but still not convinced that I will bee able to run whole run. Still in recovery mode, starting my preparation for new season…
Arrived into town just after 4 PM. Left all my stuff in hotel and went to ‘marathon headquarters’ pick up my bib and talk to friends. I knew that there were some friends who run the director’s run on Friday morning. After not seeing them for a long time was nice to exchange little bit of gossips and ideas. Talk about next season. Runners who run in the morning were telling that new route is quite hard to run and that wind wasn’t helping at all. When I have arrived it wasn’t as windy as in the morning and it wasn’t raining neither. Everything was looking fine. In the evening I was talking to Bob – marathon main man – and he told me that 6 PM check of route was good and marathon will happen. It was nice thing to hear. Have spent evening with Daria, Cezary and their family. Nice time before next day run. Went to hotel and try to get to bed quicker. I wanted to be ‘fresh’ in the morning. During night wind picked up little bit, you could hear it under the roof of the hotel, in the pipes… Not to deep sleep but was ok. Woke up as usual at 6 AM and was welcomed by heavy rain. But little bit of rain and wind never killed anybody. So, preparations continued as usual. Toilet, shower, dressing up, quick breakfast, last check in the hotel room and I was out. Before leaving I went on the Facebook to see if there is any info about the marathon. Nothing there. Went down to reception to leave the key and there I was informed that race has been called off…
At midnight everything was still ok but just after 5 AM storm Desmond hit and besides wind we got very heavy rain. Last check of the mail marathon route was done before 7 AM. And when that route was announced as ‘no go’ Bob with rest of Clon crew and Gards drove to inspect backup route. But water level was raising and this route started to get flooded. And that how the marathon has to be called off. Desmond was to blame. I know that decision of cancelling race was really hard to take for Organizers but it has to be done. I know as well that whole Clone crew did all in their powers to make that race happened. But this time weather won. All who know Ia and Bob knew that they didn’t want to take that decision. And we understood them. But there was group of runners who were very upset. There was plenty of complains about handling the weather issue. Many of these runners who were travelling the day of the race and they were saying that weather was already bad day before, especially evening. Complains that there was no communication in the morning of the run. And all participants gathered in the hotel haven’t heard any news…
All I know is that the whole Clon crew were doing all they can to make that marathon run happened. Checked 2 routes, talked to Gards. Really all they could was done. But always there will be someone who won’t be happy. Safety of runners, your safety or running the marathon whatever the price? People, please think a little bit. Crew would allow you to run if that would be safe. But it wasn’t. They waited till end, hoping for weather to turn. Hasn’t happened and the marathon was cancelled. Happened. And that has fuelled social media. Those disappointed went to Facebook to made their voice heard. Blaming Ia and Bob for everything. No communication, organization and eventually even weather. I cannot just understand that. Weather happened and then you need to deal with it…
Couple days later all participants have received info about marathon. We have been given option to run marathon on the new day 6th of February 2016, get refund or postponed race till December next year. Wasn’t that proper response? Tell me?