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
When you want but you can’t
Two years ago I have run Tralee. Back then I was happily surprised by my run. Wind, hills weren’t any problem… But that was two years ago. Now, two previous marathons in this year were barely under 3:45. Then there was back / chest injury was back. And I think that maybe I’m still too weak to get back in the heavy training. I think that don’t have base at the moment. Probably any marathon will be struggle for next couple of weeks…
Anyway… Friday was 17th, so Paddy’s Day and we could drive down on the civilized hour not straight after work. Just over three hours drive. Not too bad. But weather was really bad. Wind, rain whole way. After picking bib I was still not convinced that I should run next day. Was so bad that we decided that restaurant we will go to be just three floors below. Anything not involving going out into bad weather. Forgot to mentioned that we weren’t booked in Rose Hotel even but the weather was crazy and we didn’t want to stay outside Tralee so we cancelled B&B and decided for the hotel. Just walking distance from start and finish of marathon…
When we were in the hotel we met Eamon, our friend from London who we met back in 2015 in Clon. Back then Bozena and Eamon walk marathon, actually Bozena forced injured Eamon to finish. Now he was in better shape. After sort conversation we have agreed that I can try to pace Eamon for 4 h next day… ‘But would I run?’ Whole night was windy and rainy still. Weather forecast mentioned that rain should stop at 7 AM and stay like that till at least 3 PM. But… next day in the morning it was still bad. You could hear wind hauling outside and see sideways rain. Despite the weather decided that I will at least go to starting line and try…
Wet, cold… didn’t want to run. But then Eamon appeared. So, the deal was on. 4 hours. Two loops. First canal for two miles against the wind. Then mile 3 mark and first hill. We were all the time with 4 h pacers. No problem for me. I was talking to Eamon all the time. About everything, our runs, health, PBs, form. Eamon was mentioning that 15 seconds quicker than 4 h pace will break him on some stage. But he was doing ok. Mile 9 was again hill but before that there was open road with side wind again. Just drains the energy out of you. 9 mile mark on the top of the hill. Actually same hill as the one on the mile 3 but accessed from other direction was slightly higher. Then down. Canal. Around Rose Hotel and loop done. Passing clock and I could see that we were 4 minutes ahead of schedule. Eamon was concerned. It was little but to fast for him. Me and pacers have slowed down. Canal on this loop was tougher. Wind just picked up. I could see that Eamon is getting weaker. Pacers were far in front of us. On some stage we lost them. Wind was stronger and somehow hill on the 9th mile got really high. I waited for Eamon on the top. We still had some time to spare and now was downhill. And after that just less than 4 miles on the flat. Canal, wind in the back. Then I turned around. Eamon wasn’t there. Lost him on the downhill section. It was just 4 km to go. Have noticed Eamon at the other side of the canal. He was walking. He was correct when he said that he will pay the price for that 15 seconds quicker pace on the first loop. Whole time Eamon was telling me that if he will just stop I should just continue. But until I knew he was done I was trying to wait for him and push him. I have just continued slowly. Finished in 3:56. Waited couple of minutes for Eamon. No trace. After 15 minutes decided to go back to hotel. On the way back saw Eamon. He was walking. He was still before 4:15 pacers but not far ahead but finished before 4:15.
Weather was better. No rain, still windy. Took shower in hotel gym and we went back. Stop for restaurant and next 3 hours spent in the car.
Pictures:
Viking roar
Supposed to be in Szczecin that day. I have already told Adele that Viking marathon is not a go cause marathon in home town… you know. So, that would be Szczecin, but with date approaching all started to be blurry. Â Tickets price way too high and bad form I couldn’t risk to disappoint runners who would count on me. And there was other thing. When I have eventually contacted Szczecin marathon there was just 5 h spot left for pacers. So, with just couple of weeks to go I have contacted Adele again to ask her if there is still any spot for me. She was really surprised but said yes. Last year it was 4:30 so I was hoping for 4 h maybe. But… landed 3:45. Straight away I was trying to remember the route. Are there any tricky parts, any drags. Remembered couple of these and was really hoping that I was just over exaggerating or my memory is bad. But not, during run I was reminded that there are some challenging parts. Ups and downs and ups again. And of course seaside. Very beautiful but you can count on the wind. And how would you try it will be most of the time in your face even if that part is here and back… But I was so happy. Last year together with Dave we helped some of the ‘poor souls’ to get to finish in 4:30. Plenty of pushing done on the last 2 miles. Damn you park. You know that you are so close, can hear all sound made by people at the finishing line but still path in the park is taking you away from all that… Ok, but back to this year.
Whoever tried to get a room or B&B in Waterford during Summer knows that it’s almost impossible or possible but very expensive. So, this year I have decided that it would be nice opportunity to try airb&b. And have found room for one night for nice price and really close to starting line. No need for morning drive. View from room straight to bay. Nice. After arriving and saying ‘halo’ to my hosts I went for quick walk into town. To just see again all these narrow streets and quays. Viking ghosts all over the place. Can feel that. Boat, museum, marathon. All that gives you nice feeling. And next day would try to run with runners marathon distance in 3:45. Gear was prepared when I was going to sleep. So stressed that I wasn’t able to fall asleep for next 3 hours. So, instead of good night sleep it was very short nap. In the morning my usual routine and just less than 5 minutes walk to marathon HQ. Adele and rest of the gang already prepared all t-shirts and balloons. Went through my stretching exercises and I wasn’t ready. There was no second pacer for 3:45. Deepak was missing. Damn it. For now I was the pacer who possibly could drop in the middle of the race. So, where the hell was he. 5 minutes before we were suppose to take usual pictures at the starting line he appeared. Last year when we took the picture I was laying down on the ground in front of whole pacing group. Cause last year was was good decided that will do same this year. When we have done with ‘shooting’ some pacers came to me asking if that was me last year. Yep, there is just one silly one who would do that. And after couple of ‘helo’s’ to people I know I went into the crowd. Found Dipak and we were ready. On the beginning we had quite a big group. I was leading the pack and Dipak was little bit behind. Kinda keep this way almost for whole race. From the beginning I saw with my mind all the hills, bigger and smaller, sharp inclines and drags. After the start and into next hour I was feeling quite comfortable. But still in the back of my mind was idea that all marathons are same. Great at beginning but then you feel the ‘heat’. I knew that even if I will fail that Dipak will follow with the group. But maybe that was keeping me more relaxed than I should be. But still hills were kicking everybody’s asses and head wind was very annoying. First couple of turns in the town, quays and out from the town. Than after 4 miles back to town and then up. So far so good. Split between half, full marathoners and 10 K. Called here again mini marathon. After finishing 42.2 km we can say that we did 4 marathons today 😉 Stretch, turn stretch again. After that park. Group was going strong. Most of the runners kept with Dipak little bit behind but all in the sight. Out of the park, long-long street (with roundabout) and turn around for half marathoners. And from that moment run is starting for good. You know who is trying to get to finish line in 3:45. This long road… ups and downs. And still that steep incline which should get you through 13.1 mile mark. I heard that groups was very pleased when they heard beep when they were going over timing chip mat… or was it the information that we won’t be getting over that hill on the way back. Nice then. Up to roundabout, left to Tramore. Decline but at this stage route run just besides sea so it is windy… We were going down but on the way up was already Dolores going for her PB. Good on ya. Loop in Tramore and then back to roundabout. This time seaside but incline. Really tough. Group was getting smaller but still with us. This time after roundabout very long straight. Ups and downs which could get on your nerves at this stage of the race. Tired runners and we hit traffic. Huge group, some ‘wearing’ washing machine on the back. Unfortunately not all were willing to allow us to pass them. Just the quirks. That long stretch is taking you to Kilbarry Park. At this stage, after all inclines and declines, I was followed by just one runner. Fecking park. You almost there. Can hear finishers names over the speaker. If you running this marathon you are thinking that it will be over in couple of minutes and your garmin is broken. And you happy but truth is that there are still over 2 miles to go and park is not flat. I have caught couple of slowing runners. Encourage them. For the first time I saw John McManus struggling in the marathon but was able to push him little bit. He was able to get there in the end. He wasn’t the only one who I got over the line. Waited for whole group with Dipak. Let them pass me and made sure that there all runners who had chance for 3:45 are in front of me. Got myself through the line. Happy that I was able to help so many runners and it is really nice to hear that without me ‘kicking ass’ he couldn’t get to finishing line. Thanks for that John.
After the job done need to go down to car. Still over 20 minutes walk. Wasn’t very pleasant walk but didn’t care. Marathon was great.
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.
Am I going left or right? – part 2
Next morning… No breakfast in hotel. Reception open from 8 Am. Same with breakfast. That was too late for me. So, cool coffee and banana had to do. But that was enough for whole marathon. Had one more pretzel before the run. Food covered then. Now to run. All pacers were meeting at 8 o’clock. Meeting point CEP booth in expo. I knew that my ‘Compress Sport’ gear won’t be a big hit there. I was correct. As soon as I have started to get in my gear CEP employee came by saying that I cannot run in that gear cause that is their direct competitor. So, calves sleeves gone and running bottoms as well. But we were provided with whole pacing gear. CEP provided us with compress socks, compress bottoms and technical shirt. Unfortunately no head band. And what to do if you are running always with one, and one you have is Compress Sport? Not great but they have allowed to wear mine as long as no one could see the logo. Gear sorted, flag on my back. As a pacer we were given access to VIP area where we could get coffee or tee and something to eat as well before run. And after, separate changing rooms with showers and proper lunch. And that was very nice.
After receiving pacing pack I wanted to use toilet, as you would do before race. But there was no chance to get to any toilet. Everything occupied and queues at least for 15 mintes. Again blue VIP band has rescued us. In building where we could get refreshment before the race were toilets and these were relatively easy to get in. So, ready for race. Three of us for time 3:45 – me , Christian and Volker. Before run we were asked by couple of runners what is our pacing tactics. Are we going to run together or one slightly faster other slower. Yep, that was the question. I think during the race somehow we have decided that we will split up slightly. And at the end Christian crossed the line first, about 45 second before me and Volker as last one still in 3:45 time range. Must say that I was excited to run that marathon. But it wasn’t all positive. Still in the back of the head I have thoughts that recently my Form is not great and here I need to lead the way for plenty marathon runners. But with steady pace and help of atmosphere of bigger race everything disappeared after just couple of km. International partipicants. Met a nice runner from Poland who was aiming for 3:35 – 3:40. had a nice chat with him before we all started our journey. Just after the start I have just noticed that Volker just disappeared in front. Was really hard to get proper pace at the beginning. Plenty runners not to much space to overtake. Sometimes had to run on grass to be able to get myself to place where I should be. 1 km into the race and I have noticed Katherine from DBRC running. Tap in the back, how are you and I was gone trying to catch time lost during traffic jam on the beginning. Quite fast we were out of Olympic Park on the streets of Munich. Straight away we could see runners who were very focused on getting their result (in that case it suppose to be 3:45), but there was plenty as well who just enjoyed running marathon in company of others. We felt strong, at least that was the answer I got when asked the question. Our group was from all over the world. Definitely have Germans (doh), Italians, runners from Poland, Scotland, Canada, US, France. Probably top of the iceberg but these are the ones I know off. We have started together with 10 km runners and split just after first 5 km. They basically turned back to start line. For them that was half of the distance, for us just a beginning. After that split we could see our ‘groupies’ in full swing. After running next couple of kilometres we have entered something between park and forest. And for the next over 10 km we were running in that surroundings. Must say that for the first time I have seen so many runners using bushes as a toilet. It is happening during marathons but this time it was something else. I don’t know if that was caused by running through the park or cause it was little bit chilly (was running before via parks and when was actually colder but haven’t experienced that) but every 50 meters there was someone on the side ‘checking’ if the trees are ok. Kinda strange if you know could see that wasn’t just a men. Ladies as well. Ok, leave that aside. When we were running via park towards city centre there was not many supporters. Why? Probably caused by us taking the whole width of the tarmac. No place for anyone else to be on the road and enjoy that morning in the park. Left park, streets of the city at last. You would think that will be lauder than previously. But not. Little more people but still very quiet. Not many engaged in helping runners. I thought that was odd but Christian told me that Munich marathon is quiet and if I want lauder crowd I need to run Berlin. If you consider that it was already 30th marathon in the city citizens should show a little bit more support. But maybe it wasn’t just about people not shouting and supporting us… Runners were actually silent as well. Usually there is huge buzz in the crowd. Here participants were quiet as well. Focus on their own run, on their own breath and pace. Very little chats. Focus to achieve the goal? Or is it the cultural thing? Probably won’t know till next time in Germany. Volker already told me that Munster is the marathon to run if I’m looking for buzz. Why? Probably cause it is students town. Plenty young people there. Maybe in the future, not now definitely.
Ok, our group is little bit smaller now. We are in the midway point of the race. Runners focused on the run, I’m trying to sightseeing little bit when keeping the pace. Talked to lady runner from Canada, who was running for charity. Quick 4 day trip to Munich to run and back home. Most important thing was to support the charity. Met as well lady from US and have asked the question how she end up running Munich marathon when there is a big one now in US (Chicago was that same weekend). Simple answer, she is living in Munich and working as medical stuff. She was looking to beat her PB, which was 3:44. And I believe she made it. Haven’t seen her after that chat. She went ahead and I have never caught her again. Considering my finishing time I think she got her new PB that day. Great for her. I have terrible memory when it comes to names and unfortunately don’t remember her name, Lady from Canada and that Polish lad. Would be great if I could just contact them. But… yep, my fault. I have great memory but short when comes to names. Stories, faces – not problem, but names… these are gone in next 10 minutes.
Old town now. Getting little bit lauder. More people, more tourists, more support… or they are just angry cause the main street of the old town has been partially blocked cause of the marathon. No, no… that’s just a joke. We have actually felt support there. And running through old part of Munich was brilliant. Great feeling, passing all these old buildings, running through the history of the city. Running like that just reminded me of running old town in Prague. Similar expirience. And as well was running with flag on my back. When we have passed cathedral there was about 12 km of the run left. Walking from that part of the city back to OlimpiaPark ay before I knew that it is about 5 km, so we probably would be taking indirect route towards Olympic Stadium. With every meter closer to OlimpiaPark complex we could see more and more people shouting for us. You could actually feel the proper support now. Some runners were pushing very hard and those who were at the brink of exhaustion got back their mojo,second or even third wind. We have passed mark with number 41 on it. Just 1.2 km to go. Speaker was trying to motivate runners to give everything on these last meters. Christian pushed little bit harder, so his group probably finished just over 3:43. My group has spread up slightly. Some before me, some behind. But all of them definitely heard my when we were running our last 600-700 meters. Motivation – yes. Pushing – yes. You can do it attitude – yes. Go on all. Still have 500 metres to go and 5 minutes spare. Very laud (music) and colourful (lights) tunel which got us to track in the stadium. We all know that there is just last couple of metres to finish. I have slowed down, have still plenty of time. I’m not important, they are. They can hear me (if not, means that person is deaf) they can see me as well (doing there almost jumping jacks, waving my hands). Go, go… You can do it. Still have couple of seconds to finish below 3:45… Many of them did that, many got their PB. I was happy with their run and I think that they were happy with me. Got plenty of thanks, greetings and smiles. That is what helping and pacing is. You run for that smile and thanks at the end…
And now back to title of the post… All going right to the middle of the stadium. Getting medals, water, pretzels (nice addition), cool coffee and… watch that out – beer. Last one is actually normal thing after marathon in Germany. All going right, me and Volker as well but… pacers should go left to VIP area. And there problem started. We were directed 7 times to different place and spent 20 minutes trying to get to lockers and showers. When we have eventually found the place we have noticed that 4 hours pacers were already there taking the shower. And we were very cold and tired of going up and down the stairs in the stadium. Small hick up, nothing else. Locker room – old Locker of Bayern Munich team. Plenty of posters of former players there. Long, warm shower. So nice that we could just get there and do that. No waiting for your turn. And still food was waiting for us upstairs. Good food. Nice deserts, beers, tea, coffee… all inclusive. My VIP treatment hasn’t finished there. Martin (4 hour pacer – Viking) offered to drop me off to airport. Was so glad. Still plenty time waiting for the plane but spare me of traveling with two trains with big bags on my back. Thanks Martin.
Munich marathon. Nice expirience. Parts similar to Prague, part in park unique. Maybe smaller, local marathons have parts where you running through forest. Quiet on the beginning, true. But with every step closed to finishing line you could feel more support. What else can I say? Everyone was very helpful in Munich. Starting with couple in the airport sorting for me trip to hotel, Bianka – super pacers organiser and finishing with pacers advising you on different German marathons and giving me lift to airport.
Not many pictures from marathon and I’m not willing to pay so much to Marathon Photos service (price is really too high for the pack). Was there alone unfortunately. And I know Bozena would love Munich (she was there Ince during Christmas fest).
Am I happy again?
Drive to Galway… In my head – 4 hours pacer and the big question – can I do it?. The whole 3 hours were like that. Talking to my Wife, listening to music but head was occupied with something else. I was really afraid. Got to Galway late at night, so we only got time for ‘visit’ to local shop to get cash for B&B. Prepared myself for run. Next day I had to be there 8 AM to pick up my number. Very limited free parking spaces. Plenty pay and display ones. Parked there, went to pick up number, collected my balloon. First time in a long time I was in the right place and time for MCI photo. Hectic morning. We weren’t even running yet and I was ‘running’ here and back like headless chicken. Ok… calm down. Get in your running gear and prepare yourself for run. Toilet, balloon, starting line, chat with Gary… ready…
Start… Not very confident about pacing, about running altogether. But I was there and had to do it. Weather wasn’t great. Grey, no sun, breeze from ocean, temperature about 10 – 11 degrees. Nice weather to run, not great for sightseeing (or pacing). Oh, well, 4 hours run in front of me. Nice crowd gathered next to me and Norman. We knew that most of them will eventually drop out but we were counting for brining some of the runners with us to the finish line. First marathon, besides 4:30 in Waterford. With a chance of bringing people with me in 4 hours. Proven wrong again. Me and Norman brought just one runner with us in 4 hours. Some runners were quicker than our pace and finished ahead of us. But from initial group we had none, yet again. Norman had one runner who started stronger but became weaker and weaker with every mile. But he supported him and both finished under 4 hours. For the most of the race I had two, maybe three runners following me. One of them – Marek – was running strong up to 31st km (just little bit more than 2 loops to go). He dropped then and finished in 4:03, PB for him. I have ended up without any groupies but noticed one of early starters – Catherine. First lady home in Connemara 100 this year. She started 30 minutes ahead of us, so her time would be 4:30 if she finished with me. She did great and finished probably around 4:27. Maybe little bit less. I was enjoying that run. No stress, checking my watch constantly for pace and heart rate. Both were in norm. I was feeling comfortable. Weather was getting slightly worse. Little bit colder and breeze picked up as well slightly towards end of the run. Probably I would be feeling even better if I wasn’t talking the whole time. That is something I’m not doing regularly. Usually running alone in silence listening to my steps and breath. 2000 participants on different distances – 10 km, half marathon, full marathon. Big groups of runners running together. Sometimes was hard to overtake people in that crowd. Support was brilliant. You can clearly see that town was prepared to cheer up for runners. Marathon organised well. As usual when Ray is the race director. Must say that head was in the right place when I was running that marathon. Still legs needed to follow but it was good. For the first time in the past 4 – 5 weeks I was actually enjoying race. No DNF ideas. And just before finishing line, when I have already pushed Catherine towards her sub 4:30 I stopped and rooted for rest of finishing runners. Shouting words of encouragement, clapping. Spent there maybe 30 seconds and cruised towards finish line in the ‘plane style’. Again, for the first time in ages.
Some of my Friends asked about the race. If I was enjoying it and how I feeling afterwards. They were concerned about me. But they could see straight away that I was in right place. Joking at the end of the race. That means something. Great race to run. Will be back there next year to enjoy again. What was left to do that day? Hmmm… get into the car and drive to Monaghan for next marathon. But first lunch in Tai restaurant. First b2b in long time. It was just to check how legs will behave running marathons in two consecutive days. Plan for next day was 3:45 – 4 hours. Just to get through hilly woodlands of Monaghan Town.
I think head is ok. Lets wait for legs. See that marathon in pictures…
Start… Not very confident about pacing, about running altogether. But I was there and had to do it. Weather wasn’t great. Grey, no sun, breeze from ocean, temperature about 10 – 11 degrees. Nice weather to run, not great for sightseeing (or pacing). Oh, well, 4 hours run in front of me. Nice crowd gathered next to me and Norman. We knew that most of them will eventually drop out but we were counting for brining some of the runners with us to the finish line. First marathon, besides 4:30 in Waterford. With a chance of bringing people with me in 4 hours. Proven wrong again. Me and Norman brought just one runner with us in 4 hours. Some runners were quicker than our pace and finished ahead of us. But from initial group we had none, yet again. Norman had one runner who started stronger but became weaker and weaker with every mile. But he supported him and both finished under 4 hours. For the most of the race I had two, maybe three runners following me. One of them – Marek – was running strong up to 31st km (just little bit more than 2 loops to go). He dropped then and finished in 4:03, PB for him. I have ended up without any groupies but noticed one of early starters – Catherine. First lady home in Connemara 100 this year. She started 30 minutes ahead of us, so her time would be 4:30 if she finished with me. She did great and finished probably around 4:27. Maybe little bit less. I was enjoying that run. No stress, checking my watch constantly for pace and heart rate. Both were in norm. I was feeling comfortable. Weather was getting slightly worse. Little bit colder and breeze picked up as well slightly towards end of the run. Probably I would be feeling even better if I wasn’t talking the whole time. That is something I’m not doing regularly. Usually running alone in silence listening to my steps and breath. 2000 participants on different distances – 10 km, half marathon, full marathon. Big groups of runners running together. Sometimes was hard to overtake people in that crowd. Support was brilliant. You can clearly see that town was prepared to cheer up for runners. Marathon organised well. As usual when Ray is the race director. Must say that head was in the right place when I was running that marathon. Still legs needed to follow but it was good. For the first time in the past 4 – 5 weeks I was actually enjoying race. No DNF ideas. And just before finishing line, when I have already pushed Catherine towards her sub 4:30 I stopped and rooted for rest of finishing runners. Shouting words of encouragement, clapping. Spent there maybe 30 seconds and cruised towards finish line in the ‘plane style’. Again, for the first time in ages.
Some of my Friends asked about the race. If I was enjoying it and how I feeling afterwards. They were concerned about me. But they could see straight away that I was in right place. Joking at the end of the race. That means something. Great race to run. Will be back there next year to enjoy again. What was left to do that day? Hmmm… get into the car and drive to Monaghan for next marathon. But first lunch in Tai restaurant. First b2b in long time. It was just to check how legs will behave running marathons in two consecutive days. Plan for next day was 3:45 – 4 hours. Just to get through hilly woodlands of Monaghan Town.
I think head is ok. Lets wait for legs. See that marathon in pictures…
Die, die, die My Darling
‘Die, die, die my darling
Don’t utter a single word
Die, die, die my darling
Just shut your pretty eyes
I’ll be seeing you again
Yeah, I’ll be seeing you, in hell’
Three hills…
Start loop, conquer three hills, repeat… That in short is Achill marathon. In short but there is so much more to that run…
Achill Island itself is beautiful. That can’t be ruined even by Irish Summer (especially one we had this year). Of course with bad weather it is hard to enjoy views when you there but… you just enjoy being there… So, that what we did over that weekend. Weather wasn’t too bad. Kinda windy, little bit rainy (time to time) but that was expected. Running, walking, being amazed by views. This is Achill… But for all coming down there. Remember to have cash on you… Achill has just one ATM, which is located at the beginning of the island. Yep, that could be a small hiccup. Especially when you need to use cash to pay for B&B. But what will happen if only ATM is ‘OUT OF ORDER’? And that has happened that weekend. I you lucky and need just 100 euro or less you are going to garage. Trying to purchase products for 10 euro which will entitle you to cash back option up to 100 euro. But if you need more you will need to by for 10 euro amount couple of times… Kinda funny… but not when you need cash.
Yep. Back to main event of the weekend. That was first time I was running that marathon. Again something new. And straight away I was put into role of a pacer for 4 hours. As you know already I like pacing, a lot. It is nice to help others and share running experiences. And I think personally that 4 hours is ideal time for that. Pace is not too fast, can talk and discuss. But it is not too slow as well, no way you will be walking at any stage. My idea of Achill marathon – hills. Was expecting two on each loop. But somebody forgot to mention about one more which was kinda preparation for two biggish ones. Of course I have checked as well the GPX for that run but missed that one hill as well. WELL… what you can do? Just run it. Make sure that runners can see you tied to the end of the balloon string (do not loose balloon next time Cezary). But cause there was about 50 marathon runners I knew that maybe my ‘flock’ won’t be too big but was surprised when started that besides me was about 10 marathoners. OK, but go back to the beginning of the day. Early start for me. 6 AM, to be ready for light breakfast in half a hour. We, pacers, were asked by Donna – race director – to be early at the starting line. We were there before 8 AM to see ultra runners starting their adventure on that challenging route. Between the ultras you could see some of the Sparthans – Don, Anto and Thomas. For them that was just a training run, but knowing Don he was aiming from the beginning in the win. Did that, of course. There was another runner who will be running from Athens to Spartha in couple of days. Brian Ankers, he was marathon pacer for 3:45. Anyways, nice companions. Very experienced. Being at the starting line you had straight away feeling that it is very intimate venue. You were getting that family feeling. When ultras were gone marathon runners started preparation process. For me most of the people were new. Not usual MCI or EOIM crowd. But that was nice. New stories, new friends. When we have eventually started there was nice amount of runners. Some sprinted forward having on their minds just winning, some stuck with Brian, me or Cezary. Loop was flattish till about mile 5.5. Before that we have been passing water station with some energy bits (mile 2). After grabbing some food there and continue to run I was surrendered just by 3 runners. And that was just beginning. And on the first hill there was just one companion for me. We had nice chat. For him that was first marathon (hard one to start with), but he run couple halfs in Achill so he knew the terrain. His goal was to finish in 4:30. And keeping my pace he was in 4 hours mark. We have passed first hill (one I missed in the preparations). Wasn’t too bad but after this one I was expecting just one more. And was really surprised that hill on the mile 7 wasn’t the last one. And that hill was demanding… serpentines downhill. Not really great for knees but you could rest little bit… and then in the not so far distance you could see next hill… Damn it. At this stage I knew that it would be nice to have couple of spare minutes in my pocket. Second lap will be slower for most of the runners and I would like to run with runners. At the end of third hill here and back with water station. Small hump and the rest of the loop, about 2.5 miles (or maybe more) was downhill. End up loop with 1:30 minutes spare. Had time to grab water, talk to my Wife. Second loop. Stopped at the next water station (that one on the mile 2 besides boxing club). Grab piece of Snickers, water and went back on the course. This time I was alone, my runner spent more time on that stop and never been able to get back to proper pace. Damn it, alone again. Kept the pace. After three hills on which I have passed Jerry on his speed car I have noticed that Leslie was trying to catch me. Would be nice to finish with a runner. Slow downhill (still plenty of time to spare) looking behind me to check if Leslie is there. Just before end of the race he came quite close. I have slowed down, clap my hands, shout at him just to get Leslie into 4 hours. And he has finished in 4 exactly… So, wasn’t alone at the end… Good…
Great event. Will come back to pace next year if will be asked. Will now remember that each loop has three not two loops… 6 all together… or maybe 9 for next year? That is the question.
Out of the blue
Just before midnight marathon last Friday I got text from organisers of Waterford marathon that I could pace in the event. Even that it was pacing for 4:30 I was glad that I was asked. I was happy. Next opportunity for me to help other runners and same time work on my slow pace. Everything just to prepare myself for 12 hours run and Connemara. Pace was for me but I was there for others actually. I wasn’t really important. Had a task to do – help runners to achieve their time…
So, there we were in Waterford. Before I was accepted as a pacer I got a free number from a friend. If not as pacer I would be running as ‘Robert’. Now had spare number to give away. Message on Facebook and in 3 minutes there was volunteer for it. Evening before I got my racing pack and must say that I was impressed by it. Two technical shirts and some other stuff. Not bad. All I was missing was my pacing gear, which I should pick up just before the race. Very fancy pink singlet with time and my name on it. Got as well balloon with time written on it but bursted before I was able to touch it. So, replacement gear needed. I was little bit scared with the pace and was trying not to think about it before the run. On the starting line pacers took obligatory photo. Of course we had to jump. I met my fellow 4:30 pacer – David Sheridan. Knew straight away that our group will be the best one and I wasn’t mistaken. Runners were very determined to acheive their goal…
Start. First couple of twist and turns in the town center trying to work out the pace. Trying to get my legs working on the slower candance. Wasn’t easy on the beginning but could managed that… Problem was the head. Questions like: ‘Would I be able to run with such a pace for whole distance?’, ‘Would I last for 4.5 hours?’, ‘Am I running to fast now?’ were bumping in my head. 4.5 hours marathon with a steady pace is a run with your head. I wouldn’t want to disappoint ‘our’ runners. Must say that talking during race was really helping my mentally. Physically no problem at all, but checking the watch constantly was head wrecking… At the beginning all distances, 10 K, half marathoners and marathoners were running together. Good crowd. Plenty chances to talk runners. Met lady from US. She was running 10 K as a preparation for marathon in the Fall. She was supprised that there was not a big cheer for us. I think she was expecting great crowd of supporters. Cause I will run in biggest marathon in the World in New York I will be able to compare the supporters expirience. When shortest distance has splitted our group was already well established. Me and David knew that we have stronger runners in our group and people who will need little bit encouragement to get to finish line in time. Running such a pace allowed us to talk to runners to enjoy beutifull views and weather we had. For me it was strange expirience to see fimiliar faces running in front of me. Don’t get me wrong, I was very happy that I was helping others but still kinda… different. Some of our ‘groupies’ went ahead, some stayed behind for a bit but we knew that we are still running together. With about 8, maybe 9 miles to go our group become one again. All of us had same goal – 4:30. We could see that most of runners were really tired but still were going. And I think for the first time in my life I saw the famous ‘WALL’. It wasn’t my wall it was John’s, runner who was running his first marathon. I think it hit him hard. From that moment me and David had to get John to think about something else, everything just not marathon. He was struglling but whole group was trying to help him. Haven’t heard so many words of encuragement in my life. There was one runner, girl from South Africa living in Ireland. Angela helped us by telling her story, how she got to Ireland, why she stayed and so on. It has worked, took mind of the struggle for John. Last part of the run, park. Some ups and downs, something which had drained the last remaning drop of energy from some of the runners. There was not just words needed, we had to use ‘THE FORCE’ to push them. Last 300 meters on the WTI track. I think runners got their wings back. They were really racing… all to get to finishing line in time. Even John… he did good. Before the track I have stopper. Saw one more runner who was trying to catch us. Have checked the watch, we still had time. Still minute to spare. Clapping, shouting… everything just to help with next step… and then another one. Last 150 meters, last 50, couple of steps and he has finished that run. He was happy, I was happy. Just didn’t know his name.
After run I felt proud. Our group did it. We got everybody on time… They said thanks, that was really nice. Hope to see them again on their marathon journey…
Pictures…