(6 Oct 2024) Jersey Marathon

It’s been a challenging run year

A year of no run motivation whatsoever. Since completing 20 marathons in 2023 (not crazy just very passionate) my left leg suffered an injury which is yet to recover fully.

But i came to realise that my injury was just a constant, it did not worsened despite 3 marathons ran over the last 2 months with one back to back weekend in late September. In fact it gave me more energy than i ever felt over the past 10 months. Wow. The elevated high, the energy drawn from the crowds, the atmosphere, the travel (rush) and the nerves.

Marathon Pous Tous Paris 2024

I think MPT Paris 2024 changes everything. My mindset. My confidence. This was a special marathon for amateurs running the Paris Olympic parcour. It is a race bib one cannot buy. One log in miles and hope to be drawn in (random allotment) and this was done over 1-2 years. I got drawn in just end of 2023. It was such a special event i could not afford to miss it. Without any serious preparation i just went. And i finished my first marathon of the year in 4.23 hr. I recalled i was elated. Far from my PB but it gave me one very important message. That i can #keepgoing😃.

Our hobby

Gertjan and i collect marathon & countries. Well a veteran’s hobby 😀. After Paris in August we went on to do Chisinau marathon and now the Jersey marathon.

I was so encouraged by my run experience in Jersey i need to reflect on it. Writing about it just gives me the opportunity to (again) soak it all in.

Now about the race itself…

Pre Race

We got into Jersey on Friday early evening and took a stroll down the center. It was nice to have one whole Saturday to relax and eased it in. There are many familiar shops and Jersey market certainly was the highlight for us. Grabbed a bite at Rabbit Hole Cafe for brunch. This is definitely recommended if you want a good cuppa coffee and a quick meal. Quality food at affordable prices.

The first task of the day was to pick up our race bib and after that we spent the entire day just lazing and making sure we stuff ourselves every 3-4 hours. This time custard filled donuts🙂‍↕️.

The race

Coming to Jersey a week after Chisinau marathon, i fear the pain sustained from Chisinau could exaggerate further. This nagging mid foot stitch and numbing toes. But no! Nothing nags apart from a tormented untrained legs that could not go any faster than 6.30 pace after km25. The first 10km was good. I could sustain a good 8 km with Simon, the 4 hour pacer without any major problem. There were some small climbs in the first 6km of the race and it was good that Simon reminded us to go by effort and not by pace. Logical surely but how easily one forgets especially in the beginning of a race when you feel so fresh with pumped-up adrenaline. I had enjoyed staying with the pack for a good 8km. I broke away from the pack as i found it hard to sustain a pace of 5.45 on these untrained legs. Quite frustrating really but i was still overwhelmed with the joy of a pain free start that nothing else matters as 10km into the run, i knew i can finish the race. Finished 4.31 hr

Such a well organised event. Despite the smaller crowd (approximately 2500 runners including relay) their event was not less grand. You get the vibe of a major race event but in a cozy environment where everyone greets you😀. And runner taking the time greeting supporters who lined the street not with a thumbs up or one word but one full sentence “thank you all for the support” repeatedly. Well, this was just this one runner i constantly bum into.

Water station. One word. Wow. It was perfect. I did not have a photo of it , but 11 water posts and from the 3rd water post it is Lucozade at every post! What more , bite sized chocolates, wine gums, and bananas.

Post race

A lot changed. My mindset especially. I signed up again with the physiotherapist, this time closer to where i work. We discussed and i said , my only aim is to be able to train more consistently and do a better time in Athens. I am not going to stress over what i cannot, but simply focus on what i can. #letsgo