Seth has done his marathon - well done Seth! Here are his thoughts on the day.
I made the full distance, I'm overjoyed to have finished the whole course in my hometown event!
Build up to the day in the morning was reasonably standard (I imagine) for a regular marathon runner. I got up at 5am and ate my breakfast before heading over to the bus, transferring us from the city centre to the Alexandra stadium. When I arrived at the stadium I waited for an hour or so before the start. I did get nervous as time passed by but I was raring to get running.
The course was a lot hillier than I expected but the support out on the course was immense. The crowd cheering my name gave me that extra spurt and motivated me to keep going, especially through Canon Hill Park and in the last mile. I must admit the last 5 miles were a real struggle!
My aspiration was to compete the distance in around 4 hours and 30 minutes. However, I just missed out on my target time and managed to complete the marathon in under 4 hours and 35 minutes. Nonetheless I am so chuffed and proud for achieving this milestone.
I am eager to start running again and I hope to be back to Parkrun at least in a few weeks time. I have set my sights on new tests, may be another marathon could be part of my plans? But for now I'll take a much needed break - my legs still feel achy but I'll be back to full fitness soon.
Here's some pictures of me out on the course and at the end of the race celebrating with my medal.
I made the full distance, I'm overjoyed to have finished the whole course in my hometown event!
Build up to the day in the morning was reasonably standard (I imagine) for a regular marathon runner. I got up at 5am and ate my breakfast before heading over to the bus, transferring us from the city centre to the Alexandra stadium. When I arrived at the stadium I waited for an hour or so before the start. I did get nervous as time passed by but I was raring to get running.
The course was a lot hillier than I expected but the support out on the course was immense. The crowd cheering my name gave me that extra spurt and motivated me to keep going, especially through Canon Hill Park and in the last mile. I must admit the last 5 miles were a real struggle!
My aspiration was to compete the distance in around 4 hours and 30 minutes. However, I just missed out on my target time and managed to complete the marathon in under 4 hours and 35 minutes. Nonetheless I am so chuffed and proud for achieving this milestone.
I am eager to start running again and I hope to be back to Parkrun at least in a few weeks time. I have set my sights on new tests, may be another marathon could be part of my plans? But for now I'll take a much needed break - my legs still feel achy but I'll be back to full fitness soon.
Here's some pictures of me out on the course and at the end of the race celebrating with my medal.
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Thank you to everybody for your constant support (friends, family and of course the spectators) and thanks for reading too!
Again, please send any final donations to my fundraising page here.
Seth
