Paris Marathon

From James Walsh

 

Bon soir mes amis - et felicitations, Roger!

Am back in Letchworth - rather stiff after two hours sitting on the Eurostar.

Conditions in Paris were just about perfect - a little chilly, no rain and not much wind.

Official times are not up on the website yet, but my watch shows I got round in 3hrs 31mins 26. For my first marathon, I was pretty happy with this.

I hit halfway in 1.49 after a cautious start but felt OK and pushed on from 18 miles. In fact a friend who was receiving the Gaz de France automated text updates on my progress tells me I was 10,878th at halfway and in the 6,900s at the finish, so I seem to have passed quite a few people!

My Garmin showed 42.79km covered (as opposed to the 42.195 official distance), so my weaving around and dubious cornering technique seems to have added an extra 600m. If I do another one, I'll have to stick to the short route - and perhaps give myself a chance of breaking 3.30.

I didn't see Roger or Colin, but I hope they are enjoying some post-race relaxation in Paris.

Many thanks to everyone at NHRR who gave me advice and encouragement on training and tactics - it was well worth it.