2 weeks after doing the Great North Run, I did the Loch Ness Marathon. It might be twice the length of a half-marathon, but I discovered that it feels about 10 times further to run! This was my first full marathon and I can easily say that it was the hardest physical thing I have ever done.
We started at 10am in the chilly remote Highlands of Fort Augustus. But chilly during race is good. The conditions I fear the most are hot and sunny, or hurricane strength wind. Being piped off by the local bag pipe crew was a nice touch as well. The start was complete with the usual local radio DJ shouting out a load of stuff that basically nobody listens to.
Anyway, the first 9 miles were nice-ish countryside. But between mile 9 and mile 20, we ran alongside the beautiful Loch Ness. There was no sign of the legendary Nessie. But after 13 miles (half way through), I could have done with a lift from Nessie or anyone else. I had run 18 miles in training, but doing 26 miles is a whole different ball game! Cramp started to kick in after mile 20.
The final mile was in the lovely town of Inverness, where I was staying. My spirits picked up when I saw my brother and his girlfriend cheering me on by the wobbly bridge (see the pics above). I managed to run the final mile (running might be a bit over the top to describe my hobbling), but the relief I felt when I finished was indescribable. Having a McDonalds handed to me at the finish did the job as well.
I finished in 5 hours 42 mins. Considering it was my first one, I was just pleased to finish. But I must have walked at least 10 of the 26 miles, so I don’t consider myself a marathon runner yet. The next marathon target is to run all the way around, and that should mean I do it in under 5 hours. I’ll be having a decent break before I take that challenge on!
