BRIEF RACE REPORT
Ouch.
DETAILED RACE REPORT
The weather was perfect for a marathon - a cool, cloudy day with a light breeze.
0 - 5 km (split: 28min 25s)
The race is well organised and I'm able to get up to speed quickly. I start off slowly, using the first few kilometers as a warm up and as a precaution not to go out too quickly. The first feed-station is at 4km and is a real mess with everyone grabbing drinks from the tables. Up to this point I have been running with Graeme, but lose him in the crowds at the feed-station.
6 - 10 km (split: 27min 11s; total: 55min 36s)
Still early in the race and everything is feeling fine. The first 10km of the marathon is pleasantly slow.
11 - 15 km (split: 27min 22s; total: 1hr 22min 58s)
Just after the feed-station I pause for a 'pit-stop' in the bushes. Still feeling fine-ish.
16 - 20 km (split: 26min 23s; total: 1hr 49min 21s)
Running south along the Amstel river with big posh houses - a young boy moonies us as we run past one of the houses. Legs starting to feel slightly tired - best just to ignore it at this stage. Spot Graeme in front of me and catch up with him. Feeling strong so decide to keep pushing on.
21 - 25 km (split: 26min 02s; total: 2hr 15min 23s)
Running north along the Amstel back to the city. Completed the first half of the race in 1hr 55min 16s. Not too fast, but I'm starting to pick up the pace now.
26 - 30 km (split: 26min 05s; total: 2hr 41min 28s)
Back in Amsterdam, running through an industrial looking area. Feeling strong but tired.
31 - 35 km (split: 25min 08s; total: 3hr 6min 36s)
Heading into uncharted territory at this point - my longest training runs were only 32km. Must have done something right in my traingin because I'm still able to pick up the pace. While picking up the pace, I seem to have picked up a Danish guy too! This is him.
36 - 40 km (split: 25min 17s; total: 3hr 31min 33s)
Things are starting to get tough and I'm having problems maintaining the pace. The Danish guy starts to pull away from me at 37km. He keeps turning round to find me, trying to get me to catch him up again. But at a feed-station at 39km I slow to pick up some water and a sponge and lose sight of him.
41 - 42.2 km (total: 3hr 43min 05s)
The pain in my legs is getting bad and the last few kilometers are a real drag. There are a lot of supporters along the course and in the stadium where we finish, but I don't care, I'm just focussing on finishing now.
(Completed the second half of the race in 1hr 47mins 49s.)
Walking back to the tram
Oh the pain...
The official result
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I need your help to motivate me to complete the Amsterdam marathon. Every penny donated will sustain me as I wring every last bit of energy from my beefy frame.
Just think of all the suffering and pain I will have to endure until I reach the finish line. It's going to be so grim. So consider this carefully before you decide how much to donate.
I'll be thinking of you as my beef wobbles along the cobbled streets of Amsterdam...
Raised so far: £407.00
Donate now
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Rather you than me! Good luck Donation by Valerie Stewart on 04/10/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Good Luck Gary ! Donation by Anne Kerr on 04/10/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Hope you reach the finishing line Donation by Margaret Rolland on 04/10/06 |
£5.00 |
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Donation by Secret Sponsor on 02/10/06 |
£2.00 + £0.56 Gift Aid |
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move it the pain lardy bum x Donation by lisa donati on 02/10/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Doug on 02/10/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Amsterdam? I know your game, ya dirty bar steward!!! Donation by Ali G on 15/09/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Yay to less fluffy bun slacking and more beef cake grind. I hope your legs don't fall off. Donation by Tess on 12/09/06 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Inspiring stuff Gary!! Donation by Amanda Ruffles on 10/09/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Sponsor a "currypizza"-cake more like! Donation by julie kerr on 09/09/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Good luck Gary Donation by Frank Park on 07/09/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £407.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £0.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £407.00 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £97.87 |
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