Chester Marathon (6th October 2024)

A day in the life of a first time marathon runner.
While quite a long video I hope this helps capture the highs and lows of what running a marathon is. A true test of physical and mental endurance.

[@Sallyannsworld]

That was brilliant. I ran it this year - it was tough but I really enjoyed it. You really captured the finish stretch perfectly, so much support and great energy there for that final push.

[@familyadventures303]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it, well done on getting through too. The crowds were fantastic, being able to draw strength from them for a little energy kick really helped and also I hope spectators of the event also got some enjoyment from cheering us on.

[@MichaelTinker-dt1rp]

i did this marathon many years ago in its early years

[@JimGrange.]

Well done on your first marathon! I ran Chester for the third time this year, and it's a much tougher course than Manchester (which I have raced twice). I'd vote for "go for it" in Manchester April 2025! Good luck, and thanks for the video!

[@familyadventures303]

It was an experience for sure. It was my first after doing a few 10ks and Half marathons. Training felt right, carbs and hydration spot on. The only thing that really was bothered me were my quads which started aching at say 25kms which I’ve never had an issue with on long runs before. From I’d say mile 16 to 23 i was struggling and going downhill was harder than uphill. Then once I reached 5k to go I got a second wind, where I knew while my quads were still hurting, the end was near and I just needed to push through.
The crowds were amazing, they really gave me a boost of adrenaline which helped me push on. which is why I kept using them.
I’ve said I never want to do another one, the training was long and over a very long time and the race was hard… but I managed to get a respectable time of 3:45 which is 15 minutes faster than my A goal. and lost around 4-5 minutes in overall for loo breaks. I’m thinking one more crack at the whip, maybe Manchester next year and going for a sub 3:30. Cardio is spot on and that would bother me and every other part of me feels fine on the days after. Just the doms in the quads.
Absolutely made up though with my time though. 3 years ago I’d couldn’t even imagine running 3k to work and 6 months ago didn’t think I’d actually complete a marathon. But I really wanted that triple medal and I wanted to really earn it by doing the very best I could on the day.
For reference my goals were
A - Sub 4 hours
B - my reasonable expected finishing time 4 hours 30
C - just to finish.

[@nxthL]

hope you enjoyed your first marathon mate. This was the exact same for me, but only turned up because my friend got injured and went in with no training!
really enjoyed it though, im the one with a lawley top on@ 08:44
congrats on your race!

[@familyadventures303]

It was an experience for sure and while I do admit at the time during the hard parts it felt brutal and horrible and yet I’ve come away feeling happy I made it through and that I did finish strong.
I did a bit of reflecting and thought yeah it’s incredibly hard, But battling on and getting through it and making it to the end was so rewarding.
I’ve now managed to sign up for the Manchester marathon in April next year so that gives me plenty of time to prepare.
Well done on getting through the marathon too and thanks for watching. I’m not sure if I’ll keep doing videos like this but I do enjoy trying to get a real feel for the race rather than a 5 minute video of showing the area and then a quick recap For me it does not capture the true feeling of taking part in a race.
The truth is lots of times during a race we all think some good, bad and negative thoughts while battling through the pain cave and what really makes it special is pushing through those barriers and getting to the end. Even if we don’t reach our A, B or C goal, it’s important to try and take the positives from the event.
I may look into doing a few training videos and nutrition because I tend to do things slightly different to what most people recommend but it got me a sub 4 hour marathon so I must be doing something right.
Any road I’ve waffled long enough, thanks again for watching.