
The Belfast Marathon, which I was training for, was unfortunately cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. But they offered a virtual alternative which you could run any time in May or June. I hadn’t really trained for it but went for it this morning with a target of anything under 4:30:00 in mind. I ran 10 loops of the village and, although I struggled near the end, finished in a time of 4:16:09.
My family provided great support throughout the run. Adam cycled three of the loops with me and Rebecca kept me fuelled with drinks and sweets. Fionnuala filmed the finish where they applauded me through the finish line, made out of toilet roll. Rebecca then presented me with a plastic trophy, medal and goodie bag. The organisers also provide a medal and t shirt when you e mail them evidence of your run.
This was my tenth and final marathon. I’m getting no younger and have been having a few problems with my right knee. I also can’t commit to the time required to seriously train for such events. It’s a massive undertaking and I have too much else going on to justify signing up for another event. I’m content with my last one which I got to finish in front of my loved ones. It was a fitting end to my marathon running career.
I’m hobbling about the house at present like the old man I am but inside I’m very pleased. These are tough times and it was nice today to forget for a morning what is going on in the outside world. The only news at the minute seems to be bad news. I hope you are safe wherever you are and my marathon running exploits have done a little to brighten up your day. When we have our family around us, we have much to be grateful for.
Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
impressive!
LikeLike
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
Smart move, Stephen. I wish I had listened to my runner’s knee 20 years ago.
LikeLike
Wisdom comes with age 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never run a marathon. I can barely chase the grandkids and there is nothing wrong with my knees. Good for you. I enjoyed your story Stephen!
LikeLike
Thank you very much 🙂
LikeLike
Very impressive achievement
LikeLike
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been running three marathon in Stockholm and that was rather hard
LikeLike
I’d love to run around Stockholm 😊
LikeLike
All good things come to an end. It was nice that your family was able to participate in this milestone. Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thank you Carol 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your tenth, Stephen! ☺
LikeLike
Thank you Shae 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great work Stephen! You are not too old to run another marathon! At least not yet anyway. Enjoy your recovery!
LikeLike
Thank you. Not quite your pace 🏃🏻♂️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are getting there! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolute legend, Stephen. Well done. Ten is a lovely round number (says the girl who has run one half, ever, lol.)
LikeLike
Thank you very much. Yes, 10 and out 😂
LikeLike
Congratulations on your achievement. What is more inspiring is your commitment to finish the race despite the challenges brought by the Corona virus
LikeLike
Thank you Grace 🙂
LikeLike
Awesome! Congrats! 🏆
LikeLike
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Very Impressive! 10 years is no small feat! I am sure you are savoring your moment:-) Your note on “finish line made with toilet roll”, just caught my attention 🙂 2 months ago in the US, a roll of toilet paper was lot more expensive than a gallon of gasoline 🙂 You touching the finish line is no small order!!!!
LikeLike
Thank you. Yes, toilet roll was scarce in Ireland as well back then 😂
LikeLike
Great job. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person