Hi,
I would just like to share my experiences from the Athens marathon on Nov 6.
This was my first marathon and I think won't be my last, I never thought I
would be running marathons last year but I think I got the bug!.
The race's got the reputation that it's difficult. In earlier emails I've
said that there is a climb of approx 200m during the race and between the 20
and 31km things get tough. It was nothing like this however. The incline is
gradual, at least I didn't find it very difficult, there were only 2-3 small
sections where there is a bridge overhead, that means the surface was
excavated further for the bridge, so there is a small downhill followed by a
quite steep and prolonged uphill. This is where few people started walking
but nothing too bad. The most difficult uphill was on the 31km. After that
it's all downhill. I think my "present" from the last uphill was a cramp on
the 32 km near the knees on the inside of the thigh on both legs, but when I
reached the 32km I had to doubt I will carry on no matter what. The cramp
left me in peace for 3-4km but came back to accompany me to the end.
All mileage signs is in km. I think up to the 32km there is a sign every 2km
and after that every km, at least this is what I remember. Water & sponges
every 5km and isotonic drinks in the latter stages were provided. My 3 power
gels helped me a lot and thanks for the tip to use the safety pin to attach
them to my shorts. I also had 2 litres of water, started drinking 1.5h prior
to the race, any comments on this cause had to go to the toilet 3 or 4 times
including a break during the race.
The weather was good, meaning it wasn't too hot, apparently it was quite hot
for Nov, and a few clouds helped for some cooler intervals!! The end is at
the1896 panathinaiko stadium!!! but beware cause you have to go past the
stadium down to the traffic lights and a small uphill before you enter the
stadium! very cruel. The feeling entering the stadium was amazing, I will
never forget it and will never be the same no matter how many marathons I
run. My time was 3:47, 1:51 for half.
My advice to new marathon runners is take it easy in the first half and see
how you feel in the second, there is always time to run faster. I did quite
well, I was within my target and quite pleased, I could do better though.
Maybe another time will try a 3:35.
Anyone else run the same marathon?
Regards,
Panos.