Howdy, Stranger!
Categories
Options
My #asics262 Journey to Paris: Sub-5 Gareth
The materials in this website are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor, qualified personal trainer, therapist, dietitian or nutritionist Runners's World, Part of the Hearst UK well-being network © Copyright 2017
Comments
.....
We Metro’ed it back to the hotel before heading out for our evening meal at a lovely place which served some great food. Spaghetti in a tomato sauce for me and a few glasses of water. Not a late night but boy was I tired after all the travelling.
Saturday (5th April 2014)
Saturday offered us a busy morning with a free afternoon. A quick two mile run first led by Steve and Sam took us around a large cemetery (no idea what it was called) next to the hotel. It was an easy pace but Roger being Roger went out at his pace and was soon bounding ahead like a dear escaping a hunting lion. The man is a machine!
The morning run was around 9:30 and it was already starting to get a bit warm. We commented on how it was not ideal weather for a marathon - too hot. It was good to stretch the legs.
It was then back to the hotel where Tom, Dan and Chris wanted us on the balcony in our new kit for the morning photo shoots and video captures. A quick shower and into kit. Several pictures later and sporting some classy Welsh Dragon sweat bands on my wrists (plus a leek and daffodil) and we were free to go. I took some photos on my phone and in spare moments spent the morning tweeting and Facebooking what I had captured.
The rest of the day was spend at the Eiffel tower lazing on the grass in a park eating a baguette and relaxing.
We were then out again for our tea. Having enjoyed the previous nights meal I went for the same again before making plans for the morning and heading back to the hotel. A quick leg rub down from Louise and I was soon running to the land of Nod ready to be up at 6:30.
Sunday (6th April 2014)
6:30 I was up and straight into two bowls of porridge and a banana followed by some juice. It all went okay and I didn’t feel that full. I’d slept pretty well and it took a while to escape a groggy feeling that had been brought on by some sneezing and sniffling since arriving in Paris. I got ready and left the room feeling like I was ready to take on the World. I knew I could do it. I was on a high.
Our taxi left the hotel at 7 and we sped across Paris to the Asics VIP lorry where we dumped our bags and mingled about for a while taking some photos, admiring the finish line etc.
Isabel and I were starting from the same pen (4:30) even though she would go off at a faster pace than me. So us two and her sister made our way to our start area. We chatted the nerves away and just before starting Isabel said that this is the last time we would speak to each other as ‘non-marathon runners’. Brilliant.
I was taken in by the atmosphere but wasn’t that nervous. I had faith that my run/walk would work and that I would take my gels and drink the water to see me though. Looking around I saw the 5 and 5:30 hour pacers. I thought about joining them for the race but decided to go with the strategy that was in place.
Eventually we started. 8:45 the elite athletes started their run. 9:45 the 4:30 pen were let out. A full hour after the elites. It was a long wait and resulted in two runs to the toilet for a wee. I said goodbye to Isobel and we went at our respective paces. I soon lost sight of her. Time to knuckle down and get on with my run.
So the strategy was to run 8 mins and walk for 2. I was happy with that but in hindsight am not sure it worked for me. I stuck with it. I stopped twice for the loo during the run. Following others leads I simply pulled over and let it all out by the side of the road. Nobody seemed bothered - not even the women, who were also to be seen stopping for relief
I was asked after the run what sights I had seen - I can clearly remember the Eiffel Tower and two long tunnels with disco lights and music. I remember several bands and one woman screaming out Adele’s Rolling in the Deep (very badly). I know the river was on my left - but that is it. I was focussed on putting one foot ahead of the other.
At 13 miles (or was it 15) I heard a scream. Sam and Andrea came speeding towards me shouting encouragement and running with me for a while. I don’t remember anything I said - but I do remember Andrea offering me water. I may have been a bit rude as I was in a zone and didn’t want to speak to anyone.
What else do I remember? The water/orange/banana stops - complete nightmare. It seems that everyone wanted their water at the beginning of the stops. What people didn’t realise was that the tables were at least 100 metres long so whilst everyone squashed and bumped each other at the start there was another 90 metres of table to get stuff. I worked this out quite early on but still found myself dashing to the water tables.
I remember grabbing a bottle of Powerade from their table and a french guy shouting at me. Seems we were not supposed to take the bottles - just the plastic cups with a mouthful. Whoops.
I remember waving to some photographers and some cameras. I remember bottles being hurled like missiles across the crowd from various runners.
I was doing well. I had been keeping an eye on my watch and was happy. Miles 13, 15, 17 and 19 all passed without much hassle and then it happened. Mile 20. I cannot describe it. Yes I’d head about ‘The Wall’ but I was going so well. I had to pull over - so I did. What did I do? I didn’t know - I remember a sense of panic setting in - the time…. I was stopped… I was on target for 4:45 - how could I let this slip….. I tried forcing myself to cry - to let out the frustration, the pain, the anger of stopping but it wouldn’t come. I felt sick. I wasn’t sick. In the minute I was stopped thoughts flew through my head. Good thoughts - positive ones. I stood upright and carried on building up again from a walk into a run.
21, 22 miles passed uneventful and then it came at mile 23 - the sickness. I felt it in the pit of my stomach. I dashed to the side of the road where I heaved around 5 times. Nothing came up. I was weak. I was sick of gels - I wanted some squash. Yes - blackcurrent squash. There was none. What do I do? I keeled over and wretched again. I looked for medical help - there was none. (I’m now glad - if there had been I have since admitted that I would have gone with them).
I had to carry on. I got up. Took on a jelly baby - chewed it felt sick and threw it out. I needed water but there was none until mile 25. I looked on the floor for a bottle - but decided against it. I run, I walked, ran, walked, walked some more. There was the Mile 26 banner - yes I had made it. The finish was around the corner. I knew Louise and the team would be there. I started running - as if in a film making a dash for freedom. Around the corner - they saw me. I head a cheer. The race announcer called my name. More cheering.
I crossed the line. I had made it. I struggled to keep in the emotion. I didn’t know what to do but my senses soon came back as the pain in my calves kicked in. I had done it.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/475637708
I hobbled to a barrier about 100 metres from the VIP area. I started talking to myself. Not sure what I said. I heard my name being called - it was Louise. It was then that 16 weeks of training, 3 weeks of injury and 26.2 miles of pain all came to the surface and I broke down. Louise tells me that I kept repeating “It hurts. It hurts so bad”.
Tears flowed and Dan the videographer soon had a camera in my face - filming the mess that had become. I’m sure it will appear on the website soon. I went and collected my medal and tshirt before heading back to the VIP area. The first person I saw was Isobel - we hug
She had smashed her time. Then I saw Sam Murphy - my coach. One of the three women that had helped me through. I hugged her to tight (hope she’s okay). I cried. I’m not sure what happened then. Everythign is a blur of memories and photos.
With the race finished and the VIP area packing up it was time to get changed and head back to the hotel. My legs were very sore so Katie offered to stretch them for me. Who am I to turn that down. She soon had me on my back (ooer) and digging her thumbs into my calves. Awww it hurt - but it was good. I managed to be interviewed and eventually made it back to the Metro.
I hobbled off the Metro with Louise and found a McDonalds. A Big Mac never tasted so good. I felt sick after eating it and didn’t finish the fries but the burger was lovely as was the drink.
We eventually made it back to the hotel - my legs getting better as we walked. I then fell asleep on the bed for about 90 minutes. Louise woke me at 6:45 ready for our 7pm evening meal. A three course affair with some beers - boy did it taste good. I think we eventually got into bed around 12:30 after saying goodnight to everyone.
Monday (7th April 2014)
I dreaded this morning. I didn’t know if I would be able to walk. As it happens I could and I made it down for breakfast. It was a relaxed affair and in simple terms - I stuffed my face. Eggs, bacon, sausage, bread, cheese, coffee, toast etc etc. I was starving.
The Eurostar back was quiet. I think most people slept and then it was goodbye. I felt emotional but kept it all in. Everyone went their separate ways and Louise and I made our way over to Paddington for the next stage of our journey home. I was returning home as a marathon runner.
That evening I found my official time - 5:22:22 - a bit gutted. I felt low. I’d failed in my attempt to hit the Sub-5 target. I wondered whether the voters that put me into the competition would feel let down. I struggled on Monday evening and for most of Tuesday. It is now Wednesday and I’m feeling a little bit better. The post marathon slump is passing and I’m thinking of where to go next - where shall I go next? I’m not sure but I know that I have a new marathon PB that needs beating. I also have a new set of friends who will help me and encourage me.
So that brings me to the end of this story. From that first phone call from Andrea 18 or so weeks ago, through the bootcamp, the voting stages, the injury and the training days - never did I expect to be part of such an amazing competition. I am grateful for the time and effort people have put into getting me to Paris.
To my fellow team mates - I salute you. You are an amazing bunch of people. Inspirational in many ways. They have helped me through highs and lows and have been there with messages of encouragement. Thank you. I hope we stay in touch.
To Sam - you are an amazing coach. She put up with a lot of questions and begging from me during my darkest three weeks. She told me what I needed to hear and I think sussed me out very early on in the training.
To Physio Sarah - you have hands that can make a grown man cry. Like Sam you put me in my place when my own mind threatened to make me run. If I had not listened to you both I would not have made it.
Victor - your words about expectations helped me through the days following Sunday. Thank you.
Steve - I’m not a fast runner but listening to how you have coached Roger and Malcolm is brilliant. I’ll never be good enough for your categories but maybe one day I will get faster.
The Runner’s World Team - what an amazing bunch of people. Yes they had a job to do but each one of them were amazing. Their personalities shone out during the weekend. They made us welcome. They welcomed our wives and guests into the team. They are a special bunch and created an experience that I will probably never experience again.
Asics - there are many sports companies around but they have been brilliant to work with - providing so much kit and looking after us. Thank you. Never have I had so much.
The last people to thank are my family. Louise has supported me all the way through this campaign. She has put up with moments of desperation during injury and kicked my butt when I’ve felt like packing it all in - and not just with the running.
My son Gwion has also had to put up with a Daddy that is always popping out for a run instead of playing with him. I know he is proud but I hope one day when I show him the pictures and talk to him about this experience - he will understand why I did it. Hopefully I will inspire him to run and eventually we will run a marathon together.
Thank you everyone.
<img src='https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/members/images/799117/Gallery/everyone.jpg' alt='/members/images/799117/Gallery/everyone.jpg' onLoad='resizeImage(this);' width='350
Gareth, thank you for a wonderful report. I just want to give you a hug! A hard journey, but you got there.
Rachelcgen: Thank you.
I've just read it back and smiled. Wish I'd proof read it now - it's awful - but it is written from the heart lol.
Great report Gareth! Don't know why but I felt emotional reading your report, in a good way! Well done, thank you so much so sharing your experience!
That was not an awful report Gareth - that was a brilliant report, thank you for posting it. A massive well done on your achievement too - you did great.
aw - as a lurker who's followed all of your threads, I just wanted to come on and say well done. You've been so honest through all of your ups and downs.
At the end of the day you have still completed a marathon - that is all that a non marathoner sees.
Think of this exprience as a building block - the endurance training you have done here (in the face of injury) will come in handy for whatever you decide to do next - I look forward to hearing about your onward journey!
Gladrags : Yes you are correct. The post marathon slump is now passing and I'm smiling more at finishing rather than getting annoyed at not hitting the target.
Congratulations on Sunday's result Gareth & thank you for your report, which I read with a slight tear in my eye! A marathon is such an amazing thing to have achieved, and it is inspiring to read of the highs and lows that have contributed to the whole experience.
You have done amazingly well given the injury and the impact that it had on your training, so definitely be happy for being a finisher and you now have a PB to aim to beat for next time!
PS - why has everything gone italic-y?
Another lurker here Gareth... (with a similar target for this weekend's VLM).
I've really enjoyed hearing about your journey and your ups and downs.
Great race report and quite obviously written from the heart.
Chwarae 'teg, you have secured a brilliant achievement.
Congratulations and come back stronger for Round 2 !!
Gareth,
I've just read your Blog and found it amazing. What an experience you have had. Well done on finishing and its been a pleasure to follow your journey. You are an inspiration to me and I'm even considering running a marathon myself now! Good luck in your next project
Great marathon report Welshgje, sounds like you really had to dig deep for that finish.
Well done and good luck with your next marathon
Thanks everyone. Your comments are appreciated.
I have no idea why it has gone italic.
Hi Gareth!!!
I really liked your report. It's so nice to go back to all the nice moments we shared this weekend.
For me, it was really special to start the race with you, it made things very easy because it was not an easy moment at all! I think you have done a great job in not easy circumstances, kept the good spirits and your witty humor
You have overcome an injury, which is the most difficult thing that can happen while training for a marathon, and you have never given up.
It has been a pleasure to have you on the team and you have always contributed with good spirits. I think that running your first marathon is about conquering the distance and finishing upright and in one piece, and this is what you have done so well.
I was so happy to see you crossing the finish line and so was the whole team. We were all at the fence, all our heads looking to the left waiting to see you or your yellow tshirt and when Tom said "here he comes", it was so exciting!!!! And errr….you were busy crossing the finish line
but I was with your lovely wife and I can tell you how proud, sparkling and happy she was when she saw you becoming a marathoner 
I just missed the Wales flag popping out from your back as you promised, maybe in the next one?
I think the fancy italics might be a side effect of popping your marathon cherry
Welshgje well ran, 5:22 for your first is nothing to be sniffed at
the fact that you still managed to finish when things went wrong is something you should be proud of, in a couple of weeks when the frustration of not getting sub 5 has worn off you will still have your finishers medal, and the great tale of your training 
Best of luck with your next venture.
I too have had a tear in my eye reading your marathon report Gareth. I've followed your journey and taken on board much of the advice given to you having had a knee injury. I'm getting ready to leave for London early in the morning. If I manage to complete in 5.22 I would be very happy.
I'm trying 4/1. Will let you know my thoughts next week.
Bye for now. Anyone running a marathon this weekend.......a friend just posted this to me...........start with your legs and finish with your heart.
Great race report Gareth, written from the heart. It sounds like a great weekend in Paris, - running your first ever Marathon in Paris has got to be special.
Have you been out for a gentle post Marathon leg loosener yet ? If you are looking for the next challenge - have you seen the competition for the Chester Marathon on this site. It even crosses over the border in to Wales to appeal to your patriotic streak!
Just read your race report Gareth. It's inspirational stuff, and i hope that you're really proud. You should be! Running a marathon is an amazing achievement, especially your first one... hope you share your next one with us too!
Isabelabos: Thank you for your kind words.
booktrunk: Thank you. I agree and have since risen from my fed up-ness about the time. My Autumn marathon will be a lot faster if I can get my arse in gear.
Ruth: Thank you. Gutted we will not be in touch again. I’ll send you a quick email this week.
LMActive: Seems my report touched a few people. Several members of staff in school commented on it as well - I didn’t know they read it
Andy: Been a long time since we sat in that motorway services eating a healthy meal
19 or so weeks ago. The weekend was very special, as was the marathon. I’m chuffed that I popped my marathon cherry in Paris. I wonder where my next one will be? Will you be entering the Asics competition again next year?
NTGNR: Thank you Sir. I will indeed share my next one.
Tuesday - not been for any sort of run since the marathon. Is this right? Is this wrong? I don't feel like running.
I'm not quite sure how I'm meant to feel. Can any experienced marathon runners tell me?
Should I feel like running soon? I feel the need to get out there, but I don't feel the passion for it at the moment.
Any advice appreciated.
Gareth, three friends of mine also ran Paris. One went back out a couple of days ago, one yesterday and the other hasn't run again yet. I think that you just go back out when you feel like it (although I'm not basing that opinion on any real knowledge, just gut)
Hi Gareth, I think your body just wants a rest, you did hammer it after all. Just nature's way of saying rest.
I have put my London report on the Jeff Galloway London 2014 thread if you are interested. It is a bit long and detailed. I do ramble.
C
hi Gareth, leave it a good week before returning to running allow your body to rest. then during the second week treat it like a taper.
And yes it is normal to feel like you do at the moment, you have been building up for this huge event for months, made loads of sacrifices then put your body through hell. so yes there is somewhat of a come down.
Set your next goal and start working towards that; maybe some 10k races which will assist will your pace but also less demanding.
Hi All - been away in the caravan for a few days so apologies for no posts. Don't want the regulars thinking I've run away now the competition is closed. I suppose eventually I will close this thread from my side and just contribute on other posts but not yet.
MacFinbob: I still have not run. I'm starting the feel the need so the mind seems to be in good shape. I might go out for a 5k this evening - maybe even shorter.
Chris Hob: I'll take a look later this evening when I finally sit down with my laptop.
Pete: Thanks pal. It's been three weeks now and I'm finally ready.