Krakow
Sunday, 26th April 2009
http://www.fotomaraton.pl/event.php?Lang=PL&Event=MKR09&ToFind=121
Collected my number on the Friday (the chip was impressively stitched into the number and they
didn't want it back). The registration wasn't the same place as last year, (but
just
On race day, left our Hostel in plenty of time, but for once, my directional sense went awall
and arrived with only about 20/25 mins to spare with the usual inadequate portaloos!
However managed to get everything done, (including applying liberal amounts of
suntan cream), and went to stand around the 3:00 placard. This was the first placard. There seemed to be about
30 or so elite runners in front and no 2:30
- 2:59 pen. (A Kenyan won it in 2:11:26)
I felt confident of beating last years time of 3:12:56 and maybe even getting under
the 3:00 mark as I feel I've trained
harder than last year and felt I was in good shape.
The route takes you for a 2 mile loop round the park
first and back past the start of the mini-marathon where I high-fived Michaela. The 3 hour pacer seemed
behind me, but I soon realised they must have gone past and I hadn't seen them.
The first drink station was a bit of a fiasco. We
weren't yet spread out and the volunteers were only giving drinks out on the
left and I cursed as I missed my chance. It started at 9:35am, but it was going
to get hot. Did 10K in 43 mins and I
thought I was running better than that and needed to speed up. Can't remember
the exact next 10k split, but it was slower and it was getting warmer. My half
split was 1:35. I knew then I was up
the creek without a paddle. I was never going to run 1:25 for the next half. Runners were constantly passing me.
The 3:15
pacers went past as if to emphasise my predicament. It crossed my mind to catch
a tram back, but I had no money!
I kept going. It was getting warmer and warmer. Got to
Wawel Royal Castle running along the
river when I heard my first, "Go on Wesham; 8k to go";
just then Michaela appeared and ran
in with me - really kept me going, especially when we got back to the park and
soul destroyingly, you had to run past the finish, and had to do another loop.
I can't remember ever feeling as bad in a race. I had nothing left and was
shuffling along. I finished in 3:34:27.
At the finish we both queued up for a massage. They
were in desperate need for a Brian
Porter to organise it. I nearly came to blows with a queue jumper. Michaela sacked it and went for a free
beer. I persevered and 50 minutes after the finish, I got my massage. There was
a panic half way through my massage when a runner had to be stretchered out and
not heard if he was OK, but presume no news is good news.
Do it again: Yes, definitely. It’s
a beautiful city, great bars, great people and Michelin Star Restaurants on
virtually every corner for on average £10.
Scenery: 7
PB potential: 7 (but hope for rain and
cooler weather next year)
Atmosphere: 7
Organisation: 8
Value: 10 I think the Bank Charge to send the entry fee was
more than the entry. Plus digs also dirt
cheap..............but bit of a shock on the way home from Ryanair, (not race related!). Printed off my double-sided
boarding card at work. The bottom half was torn off at Liverpool on the outward flight and we had to pay another £16 each
at
Beginner Friendliness: 8
Written by: Martin Bates
Submitted: 29th April 2009
Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor