Made it...
This was tough. Hot, humid and long.
I already had a high regard for the Ironman triathletes that compete in the annual World Championships here, but now I consider them pretty incredible, whether they are the elite or the back of pack. This marathon started at 5:30am to avoid the worst of the heat but the triathletes do it after a 3.8km swim and 180km bike ride.
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| Our target |
This is the finish line. We're really looking forward to seeing this later in the day. Americans really know how to set the scene. The day started with the passing of the colours and the American national anthem. Quite a moving moment.
The flag you can see on the right side of the finish line was actually flown on the front line in Afghanistan
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| Getting ready to head off |
Calm before the 'storm'. Getting ready to go. Elizabeth is doing the 10km, Rochelle the half marathon (21.1km) and I'm doing the full marathon (42.195km)
The event was well organised. There were 20 drink stations, on average
just over a mile apart stocked with Endura, water, ice and coke. As is often the case the
volunteers were great. You really have to admire the volunteers, the race would be so much tougher without them. And they're always smiling!
Once the day dawned, there was a nice cloud cover for a while. This kept the sun off you but was not to last. By the time you got out onto the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway it was hot, no shade and long, long stretches. Still, there were people dressed up in grass skirts, pink skirts and one guy dressed as a volcano! Go figure. I was dressed trying to imitate a runner.
I was feeling pretty good on the way out, chatting to a few people, passing the miles and trying to run my own race. This was never going to be a fast one. First marathon and the humidity and heat meant that I really had no idea what I was in for.
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| Half way point: Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority (NELHA) |
The half way point is always a welcome sight, however, there is a realisation that things are about to get much tougher. The second half was tough. The heat and humidity was high. There was no shade to hide in. About 30km into the race I was really starting to struggle. At the 32km mark (20mile) there was a guy there calling out that this was where the Marathon really started. It started some time ago for me.
It was now tough getting gels and sports drink to go down. Coke and ice were going to have to get me home.
The final 10km from Kailua-Kona to the finish line was one of the toughest things I have done - and I've done a few. I was down to running and walking now. Sometimes walking and running. Each shady patch was a walk stage. I knew I could make it, the only variable was time.
Half of Ali’i Drive was closed for the runners but it was amazing that most runners still ran on the side of the road, even around the curves. Probably a combination of fatigue and habit.
Elizabeth and Rochelle were finished now with great efforts from both of them. Celebrations to be had by all.
Here is Elizabeth finishing the 10km. A fantastic effort. Something
she never thought that she would do. Bring on a half marathon now :)
Rochelle and her well deserved medal. Half marathon in the bag.
This is the moment I was waiting for, the finish line. Elizabeth and Rochelle were on the sideline, patiently waiting for me to get there and then cheering me on. I got a cheer from the announcer welcoming 'Greg from Australia'. It was great to be there
After the finish the first thing that happened was the photos. An unexpected moment, but appreciated, especially as this was my first marathon.
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| Everyone had their own 'podium' finish. Superb |
To back pedal a bit, the day before the marathon we went to a couple of the workshops that were organised. These were good. One was on nutrition and managing yourself out on the course. It was given by a couple of pro triathletes (whose names I have forgotten - sorry). A key theme was managing your heat. As you can see from the photos below, I did... just. I really started to heat up about 5 mins after I finished. I just wanted a cold Coke, but at that point of time they ran out.
A bucket of ice water over me (Elizabeth loved doing that) and a rest on the banana chairs at the MASH tent and I was ok in about 5 mins.
Would I do it again? In a flash...
A quick train ride took us across the harbour to the start line. This course would take us over the Sydney Harbour bridge, past the Opera House and out to Centennial Park before heading back to the City and across to Darling Harbour, the Rocks and then the finish.
In the Kona Marathon I really struggled from the 30km mark. I was interested to see how I would go here in the cooler temperature. I actually felt good to the 38km mark. There were a number of people on the side of the road under medical attention or just exhausted around this mark. A long way to go to almost make it. 38-40 was pretty ugly, but by 41km as you passed under the Harbour Bridge at The Rocks you can see the Opera House and therefore the finish line on the next headland. Most of this distance was also lined with spectators. Elizabeth was there for the photo shot. She did the Bridge Run, which although it was great, was very crowded.
4:12 my best time by about 25 minutes. I think that I should be able to beat 4 hours, however the next marathon I do may be after a long swim and ride... we'll see.
