Here it was, April the 13th – Newport marathon. Four months of dedication, early mornings, hours spent training, staring at the treadmill screen. All for this morning. The marathon in under 2 hours and forty minutes, a goal I once could never have dreamed of. Was it on?
I woke up nervous, quiet and pensive. Struggled to get my breakfast down, while going over my race strategy in my head over and over again. My heart was beating much faster than usual already. Butterflies fluttering in my stomach, as I sat in the car driving to Newport, I was terrified of what I was about to take on. The pain I knew was coming both mentally and physically. No words would leave my mouth for almost the entire journey. But as we closened I tried to relax, focus and breathe. The work had been done, the only person putting pressure on me was me. I knew I had to believe in myself, be confident that I can do what I set out too.
I arrived, had my usual warm up, and headed to the start line. Waiting for the gun to go, I looked at everyone around me. They looked faster, more in shape, more experienced or did they? That’s what my head was telling me. Time passed and soon we were about to start. I took a deep breath and repeated in my head that I can do hard things, and suddenly we were off.
The race started, the time had finally come, it was time to perform. Instantly I clicked into gear moving effortlessly and feeling good. The first ten miles cruised by and I settled into a lovely rhythm with a good group. My mindset was strong and I was feeling confident. Albeit slightly wary that I had set out too fast. At 16km I hit a point where I started running past others racing. People who just an hour ago I had thought looked better than me. This just reinforced my belief that I am strong and capable.
Halfway came around, 1.16 minutes I was in dreamland. Way below where I needed to be and I had given myself time to spare. However I knew it was about to get tough. As I reached 25km I started to feel it, my legs were getting sore, my heart rate increasing and my mind starting to wobble for the first time. I tried to focus on 1km at a time not thinking about the 17.2 still to come. Good form, controlled breathing and some more carbs I told myself. I relaxed as much as I could and told myself I was nearing the final push. Now at this point the race had a two lap section where there were crowds. These spurred me on with the support and cheering. Front runner coming through I heard. My mind stopped – front runner who’s that? It was me, I was a front runner. This filled me with confidence. I can’t stop now. 10km to go.
As I reached the last 10km I knew I had it no matter what. My legs were screaming and my pace was dropping but I had banked so much time I just knew under four minute kilometres is all I need. They kept ticking by 3.55, 3.57, 3.58. Every time I saw this I knew I was getting closer.
I hit 40km in 2.30 and I knew I had it in me. 2.2km to go 10 minutes to do it. My mind was overwhelmed with emotion, pride and joy. But I still had the focus on turning over my legs and not letting up until I hit that finish line. At this point the pain had subsided. I managed to increase my pace and cadence slightly and as I came down the home stretch , I knew it had all been worth it. I saw my girlfriend and my mam as I ran towards the line and the emotion finally hit breaking point.
I crossed the line; 2:38:39. My dream had co
me true, all the dedication and hard work had been worthwhile. From going into lockdown an overweight lost young boy. To a 2 hour and 38 minute marathoner. I could and still cannot believe it. As I shuffled through the finish area to find my family, tears filled my eyes. Sheer joy and disbelief poured out of me. The sense of relief and accomplishment was unbelievable. Relief that I did what I said I would do, pride that I can do what very few can.
So after having a month or so to look back it has become clear to me, that something can look impossible at one point. Maybe it is. But you will never know until you try, until you take that first step. Swim outside your comfort zone for the first time. And when that first sense of improvement or taste of success hits – it becomes an addiction.
I cannot wait for the next challenge. My first 100 mile race, I’m truly ready to find out more about myself.
