Wow factor: Has a nice seaside start and finish and a nice church that you pass. But I have never seen a city with so many ugly buildings. Und there are many of those on the way. (6/10)
Organisation factor: A lot of fuelling stations (which I don’t really need running with my hydration pack), but where the heck were the distance markers? It was like running blind. And the start was pretty chaotic: being in the minority as a marathoner and having all these fun half marathoners around you. There must be a better way of doing it. A lot of marshals and police though and they were very friendly. (4/10)
Pain factor: It went surprisingly well up to k32 (or mile 20, for my British friends). The course was flat. But then the cramps kicked in and I had to slow down. Both of my big toes felt quite sore though relatively early on, which was after the run confirmed by two big blood blisters, like twins on the outside of each big toe. Never had anything like this; darn you stupid new on-trainers with your fancy “running on clouds” promise. (5/10)
Family & Friends factor: No friends or family who joined my. Sob. But I made new friends. Ha! A lovely polish couple here at the hostel, with him being an avid marathon and ultra runner. And Daniel from Winterthur, Switzlerland: He stood there as a spectator when the cramps hit me and then ran 5 ks next to me, keeping me company and taking my mind of the pain. Really nice chap and the unexpected sympathy run made a big difference. (9/10)
Celeb factor: Paula Radcliffe ran the 10k distance today and won it. Not that I bumped into her, but just knowing… (10/10)
Surprise factor: The finisher medal. It looks like a piece of modern art where you are not quite sure if you love it or hate it: Is it cool and original or is it trying to hard? Well, I rather have have a quirky medal than a boring one (8/10)
Overall: The marathon that I regret doing has still to come. This one was a little bit of a mixed bag, but still a great experience. (7/10)
That last pic IS a bit scary indeed – and it is NOT because of the fancy medal – LOL…
Well done overall!
One pet hate of mine seemed to have been present here as well and you did not mention it…. I really do not like having to run “rounds”, ie follow the exact same circle more than once only to hit the distance….
LOL – thank you. I agree, the two lap course is a bit annoying and it is definitely worth mentioning (on the minus side), but I simply forgot 🙂
Roy well done! Love the arty medal, I think it’s cool! Perfect expression of wow on your face to break the mold of the big standard selfish smile.
Gotta see all your cool medals when I’m in London next!
Thank you Aaron! I actually like it too. When you come and see all the other medals you will see how much this one stands out 🙂 when are you coming?? Have you made arrangrments yet?
Roy, I have no concrete plans, I’m I have to work out what age Nelson can fly etc. Hopefully soon! 🙂
Die Minuspunkte sind natürlich schade, aber das Bild war’s wert. 🙂 Tatsächlich etwas scary …
Well, Christoph, minus points sounds a little bit negative. Lets say, it did not get plus points everywhere. 😉 And the scary face… Not quite sure if it comes across, but with my mouth I tried to mirror the funny hole in the medal. Did anyone get this?