Okay, I did not break any land speed records. But I did it! First marathon, DONE! Stuck to the plan I had and ran well within myself. Then at about the 19-20k's I was still feeling fine when I just suddenly felt my calf shout out. Same spot I injured the week before the tunnel run. And then I ended walking the last 2 k's home on a 34k run. Went slower, but it was the hilly section of the race, where the calf will be tested. Saw the 4:15 bus pass, waved them goodbye and thought I'm not even going to bother, from here on finishing is the aim. I think that decision saved the day. Just tried not to worry too much about it, keep it steady and keep going. Got to the turn on SSW bridge feeling good, but for the legs. Went through the hill up to 30k's passing a lot of people to my surprise, had a good stop there, banana piece and coke lekker rustig. But the rise into the gravel road was a killer for a sore calf - and by that time some compensation points started throwing notices as well. Just walked that bit and went on as soon as it flattened out a bit. Next water stop got a quick rub on the calf and strangely after that, I just could not get going again. maybe it was the standing still whilst they were rubbing, maybe it was the unknown territory for my legs. Got home and my legs were very sore, they did not want to cooperate. But - I never felt that completely drained feeling I was expecting, the body felt good, just the legs that were shot. Last k - I simply could not stop grinning inside! Strangely enough I commented to my wife yesterday that I was tired, but my legs were actually feeling better and less sore than after the Tunnel Run. I just might try this again... Now - how long do you guys lay off after a marathon? I did a recovery ride yesterday and was thinking of not doing any running at least till Wednesday or Thursday - and then only very short and light - and flat! Calf is better, some perdesalf, compression, rolling and anti-inflammotories sorted it out. Fortunately not serious, just knotting up at the top of the calf, joining the knee.
