Athens Classic Marathon 2008

From the time I entered the Marathon right up until the day before, I was in two minds as to my ability to complete the distance. We were training for the triathlon leading up to the 21st of September and I didn't want to detract too much from that, so I didn't run more than 5k before the Schiniathlon competition.

Between then and the Marathon, I did a series of 5k and 8k runs 4 times a week. I also did probably 4 or 5 10k runs and one 20k run. That was it. I learnt about what I like to wear, to eat and to drink for running. I learnt my preferred pace too - SLOW! But at my pace I worked out that the marathon was doable within the 6 hour time limit.

So, the morning of the race arrived and Alaric dropped me at the historic starting place for the 26th Athens Classic Marathon. It was 15 degrees C and everyone was leaving it as long as possible before depositing their clothes with the baggage truck. Whilst trying to keep warm, I wandered around trying to find my Greek friends who were also racing, but they proved elusive.

So finally it was time to line up at the start. I was surrounded. There was the countdown and then we were off. I was running! I had to giggle at what seemed like hundreds of men all stopped in the first kilometre to have a pee in the bushes.

My race was great. I set a steady pace, I didn't drink too much, or too little. I had brought nothing with me at all. I didn't want any distractions. My friends and Alaric greeted me at various points along the way, which was lovely. I was so surprised when I saw the gathering at Neos Voutzas, I was almost speechless!

So, I was continuing to have a good run. I met a running buddy (like Mike said I would and I said I wouldn't) but then I lost him when I stopped for a pee around Agia Marina. Then I found another running buddy, a Greek, called Yiannis - only running at my pace because of his dodgy knee. As we passed Kallitechnoupoli, we saw two little doggies lapping 'GU' up off the street. So cute...

Then came the relentless uphill of Pikermi and then Pallini and Yiannis tells me this is the worst bit. We just need to get to Stavros. Its all downhill from there. Not long after this conversation, I got a sharp pain in the top of my left leg. It faded, so I carried on running, but then the pain came back. I reached a water station and walked with my drink to see if the pain would subside as I could no longer run. As I walked, though, it only got more uncomfortable. At the next water station, I just went right up to an official and said, 'I'm finished!' They radioed through and I got on the bus which follows the runners. I was with all the Greek Red Cross guys, larking about. I was feeling emotional.

I got to the end and found my stuff. Got changed and surprisingly easily found Alaric watching the runners coming into the stadium. I tapped him on the shoulder and told him my news. On the way home we went into Syntagma Square for food.

Photos to follow soon...