My April Marathon

The Canberra 2 Day Walk or Canberra International Walking Weekend had been on my agenda since the beginning of the year.  I was going to do the Marathon on the first day and the 30km on the second day.  Unfortunately with a combination of summer heat, shift work and slackness, I hadn’t done as much kms in training as what I should have done – today was to prove that.

The weather this morning was perfect for walking a marathon. The forecast was for a maximum of  21 degrees. It was overcast and drizzle was still falling in some parts of the region. It was good to catch up with some of the Walkers Club people. At a rough estimate there were about 40-50 people entered for the Marathon.  After an initial brief that seemed to go for ten minutes, we were eventually off about 7.40am.

The first leg took us around the Eastern basin of Lake Burley Griffin and the Jerrambomberra Wetlands.  I was talking away to good friend, Pat Fisher for about the first hour and the time went buzzed by!  All was good.

We then headed from there back through the Parliamentary Triangle towards the Botanic Gardens.  This was my only complaint about the drink stations all day.  There were 9 drink stations during the day and 9km between the 2nd and 3rd drink station!  Was just a bit of a grind during that leg!

I then headed through the Botanic Gardens and was doing well. Slight bits of chatter with different people and all was good! We then continued across Northbourne Avenue , around Dickson and up to Stirling Avenue and the 30km mark. (5h 10m)

Then the Hill from Hell descended upon me and the wheels started to fall off!  The hotspots on the feet seemed to say “Here we are”and the left groin started to play up!  Was also feeling the effects of the strong cordial at every stop!  The Hill seemed to go forever. This is when I changed my strategy from trying to beat 7h to survival and getting another marathon/ultra under my belt!

We were skirting the hills the nth side of Ainsle and the southern side of Mt Majura.  It seemed to go for ever.  I went into plodding motion, one foot after another, put the ipod on for a while and just made sure I didn’t stop. Also had thoughts of my 1 Marathon DNF at Zeehan years ago, the good things from Biggest Loser in the past week, Lee Troop making it in the Beijing Marathon and even Lance Armstrong rated a mention inside my head at one stage.

I finally got to the main turn the northern side of the War Memorial.  Thought it was going to be a marvelous downhill finish!  How wrong I was!  Every foot step seemed to be worse as the down hill started to use different muscles!

Eventually got to the War Memorial and ANZAC Parade.  That was really special to walk along sacred ground. It was also appreciated by a couple of other walkers as well.  Got to the bottom of ANZAC Parade and turned down towards Blundells Cottage and the water of the Lake.

I could see the finish in sight, but it was a struggle. Was starting to feel as though I wasn’t walking straight.  It was about then that two other walkers caught up with me and we helped each other to the Finish Line!   We crossed Kings Avenue bridge, crossed the traffic lights and stumbled across the finishing line.  Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Sat down for a while with some other Walking Club members, scoffed down a can of coke and walked to the car very slowly.

I have decided not to attempt the 30km tomorrow.  I am happy with a marathon under my belt today.  Now for a few days of dog walking, before starting training again!

In a nutshell – more kms in training, tape up the potential hotspots before starting  and a proper training plan that I stick to!

All is good!  It’s now a few hours since the event and the body isn’t too bad!  But will stick to my plan and not do the 30km tomorrow.  Will go and help at the event and take some more photos in my role as Publicity Officer!

Phil