Venga!
Four months training and not a pint of cider in sight! I was ready for the Barcelona Marathon. I fielded the question 'Won't it be hot?' many times before departure, "12 C" I said, that's the average for that time of year! Bob and I arrived on the Tuesday and spent the next day exploring the city on foot. We walked up Montjuic to the Olympic Stadium and then down to the port and around the city. The next day my calf felt sore and more walking that day made it worse. I was no longer worried about the temperature! (which was 16C in the shade at 08:30 every morning). A few ibuprofens and a paddle in the cold sea made all the difference and I was surprised to find that running brought no pain at all. Our family and friends joined us on the Friday night and the runners rested while the others explored the city (i.e. the shops). On the Sunday morning there wasn't a cloud in the sky and we jumped a taxi to the start. The Plaza Espana made for an inspiring start to the Barcelona Marathon. The early morning sun had already started to increase the temperature for the start of the race at 8:30. The atmosphere amongst the runners was uplifting as we made our way through the narrow starting gantry. 10K runners were mixed with the marathoners and the start was fairly brisk.
Tony Barbat is mobbed by fans after the race! i.e. his mum (Brenda) left and wife Julie. |
I managed to control my pace and felt comfortable through the 5k (20:34) and 10k (40:23). The buildings were providing shade and the local support was noisy and my family and friends were particularly vociferous. I felt in control through the next 10k as we climbed the three inclines that form the first half of the marathon. Passing the Sagrada Familia was marvellous and my time through the first half was 01:27:00 spot on for my target of sub 3 hours. I was feeling strong as the remaining half was flat. The course now moved out onto the open streets and the crowds had thinned out, the sun was beating down now and I felt myself fading quite quickly, runners were passing me with ease and I was hoping to find my level and settle in for some tough miles. The heat got to me and I felt completely drained, my feet felt swollen and at 28k, I started to walk. Encouragement from fellow runners shouting 'Venga Anthony' was helping as I jogged and walked through the next 7k. Only the rest and the refreshment (4 bananas, 4 oranges and lots of water and Powerade) gave me the strength to start running properly again at 35k. This was also were the shade of the buildings and a more crowded section began. I was disappointed with 3:19 which was a personal best (by 1 min.) but nowhere near what I had hoped for. A valuable lesson in running in hot conditions and in the end I was mightily relieved just to finish. A very well organised race and a picturesque view of the beautiful city of Barcelona. The support from my family and friends was fantastic, seeing 9 supporters nearly all dressed in white and making a lot of noise was very encouraging. Thanks to all involved, next year will be further North!