Palermo International Marathon
I found my Italian wasn’t up to the standards it was when I studied it five years ago at school, and consequently drank a lot of Coca Cola as it was the only drink I could translate at first. However, I eventually worked out the word for water (aqua -pretty obvious really) and managed to drink a fair bit which was important as the three days I had in Palermo prior to the marathon were 20 degrees plus. I was able to rest and enjoy the weather which I knew I wouldn’t enjoy so much come the day of the race.
To my pleasant surprise race day brought some very English weather. Conditions turned out to be similar to those that I had experienced in New Zealand. Interestingly the two places I would have expected to give me the hottest running conditions have actually given me perfect running conditions.
The 26.2 mile course was a scenic two lap route of 50% mountains and 50% city centre. It looped round and back on itself a few times which meant on the other side of the road I could see the Kenyans, not even breaking a sweat, flying past several kilometres ahead. I longed to be in their position. I promised myself, and loved ones, that I wouldn’t push myself as hard as I had done in New Zealand. I planned to run a 2 hour first half and then hold that pace, and managed exactly that. At 37km and 5km from the end I felt fine so allowed myself the luxury of a fast finish and came through the line in 3hrs 51mins.
I’m off to Seattle next and from there straight to Singapore without the usual return to Heathrow. I’m expecting Seattle to be wet and windy but going on my weather predictions so far I could be running in blistering heat!
Thanks for all your support and posts on the Forum, it’s very much appreciated.
I found my Italian wasn’t up to the standards it was when I studied it five years ago at school, and consequently drank a lot of Coca Cola as it was the only drink I could translate at first. However, I eventually worked out the word for water (aqua -pretty obvious really) and managed to drink a fair bit which was important as the three days I had in Palermo prior to the marathon were 20 degrees plus. I was able to rest and enjoy the weather which I knew I wouldn’t enjoy so much come the day of the race.
To my pleasant surprise race day brought some very English weather. Conditions turned out to be similar to those that I had experienced in New Zealand. Interestingly the two places I would have expected to give me the hottest running conditions have actually given me perfect running conditions.
The 26.2 mile course was a scenic two lap route of 50% mountains and 50% city centre. It looped round and back on itself a few times which meant on the other side of the road I could see the Kenyans, not even breaking a sweat, flying past several kilometres ahead. I longed to be in their position. I promised myself, and loved ones, that I wouldn’t push myself as hard as I had done in New Zealand. I planned to run a 2 hour first half and then hold that pace, and managed exactly that. At 37km and 5km from the end I felt fine so allowed myself the luxury of a fast finish and came through the line in 3hrs 51mins.
I’m off to Seattle next and from there straight to Singapore without the usual return to Heathrow. I’m expecting Seattle to be wet and windy but going on my weather predictions so far I could be running in blistering heat!
Thanks for all your support and posts on the Forum, it’s very much appreciated.
4 Comments:
Hey Bro!
I thought i probably ought to give some encouragement and stuff. You seem to be doing just fine to be honest, though Eygpt didn't look too pretty, nor did your Argentinian bath for that matter. Anyway, at the risk of sounding unavoidably cheesy, i'm possibly a little bit proud of you so keep up the good work.
And Tim, still think no-one cares about the 26.2 mile?
God bless
Mark
Hi Tim, Got sent a link to the article on BBC.co.uk from a mate, you are making us QES vets very proud, keep it up i have every confidence in you.
Daniel Craig
Hi Tim,
Just back from hols. Whilst we've been sunning ourselves on the beaches of Trinidad and Tobago you've clearly been making solid progress. New Zealand and Italy times are very respectable. My best marathon time was just over 4 hours, which was several years ago.
In the words of the Spencer Davis Group hit from 1966, "Keep on running".(I remember it well, although a couple of decades before you were born!)
All the best for Seattle!
Stephen & Jacki
Hey Tim, looks like your doing well, hope your still enjoying it.
Good luck in Seattle today,
Dean
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