One member of GRC, Peter Jennings, took part in the marathon at Milton Keynes on Bank Holiday Monday. The marathon, marathon-relay (teams of 4) and half marathon all started at the same time on the last day of a weekend of running, cycling and entertainment events.
The course primary consisted of a road section and then two laps alongside rivers, lakes and on roads. Unfortunate, despite the warnings, a number of runners still tripped in potholes on the first road section.
Peter set off strong-but-steady on his first road marathon, having only previously done trail marathons. With great support from the marshals and spectators, the first 18 miles ticked by but on the second visit to the river section the dreaded wall appeared in the guise of cramps and reoccurring back spasms. The next 3 miles were tough, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other and keeping going, mainly walking and running when possible. By mile 22, Peters back had recovered enough to allow more running than walking. Finally finishing in 4:21 and although disappointed in the time, Peter still achieved a PB, got a medal and had a tree planted. Plenty of room for improvement though.
Recovering in the main arena by watching Coldplay perform… but it was actually a tribute band called “Ultimate Coldplay”; they were fantastic.
Overall a wonderful but quite shattering day… off to the Physio tomorrow…
Report by Peter Jennings