Edinburgh Marathon 12/6/05
The weather - so important for a marathon - was nearly perfect. Strong sunshine or winds could have turned what is fairly unpleasant into a real horror. The rain, which had been heavy in the early morning eased off then stopped and there was no wind to speak of. I had visions of trying to fight against the wind for the 10 miles along the front.
Its difficult to avoid the tension and nerves but soon enough you are at the start line. I stood beside Janet and Ben, close to the front, and don't even remember the canon being fired. We were off, out the park and up through the old town to the Grassmarket then down to Princes St, before going down the High Street and back through the Park. I ran alongside Ben for a couple of miles until I realised if I kept up that pace I would burn out too quickly. I could see him ahead until about mile 8. I felt fine and wondered how long that would last. Its funny how the easy pace at 10 miles seems impossible to match at 20.
At Silverknowes the route doubled back on itself for the first of 3 such loops. A chance to wave hello to fellow Porties and shout encouragement. Janet reported Ben looking determined and myself looking strong. (Ben's determination was eventually to win him an incredible pb of 2.45!) This was possibly the last time I felt strong. After a decent first half in about 1.23 I felt okay but the long haul along the front began to take its toll and by mile 17 I was feeling grim. A gel and some unexpected family support picked me up a bit, but I slowed to do my first 7 minute mile about 19. I was still a couple of minutes ahead of my sub 3 hour schedule so felt positive.
Having run the roads of the route so many times previously
made it easier to switch off and zone out a bit; trying to allow the pain, but not to focus on it. Otherwise you would just go home. At last mile 20 came past and you can count down the last 6 - a mere 10k and it'll all be over bar the blisters. That's the hard bit, trying to keep up the pace while running like a car-crash zombie. The last loop at the end of Portobello prom gave us a look at our fellow runners and how they had fared. I shouted on Janet as she came up from the prom but she was looking stony faced and tired. She later expressed great unhappiness about having to head towards Joppa away from the finish, before turning for home.
The support from PRCers around the course and those marshalling at Portobello spurred us on greatly. About mile 24 one of the many thousands of encouraging spectators said, “Just think of the cold beer afterwards.” How did she know?
Eventually, after too many cobbled hills we ran back into Holyrood Park where a large crowd and pipe band made the last half mile whiz by. Hugely relieved to be finished without any major problems I collected a very handsome medal and quality goody bag and wandered about senseless, looking for people to boast to. Now I have gone under 3 hours I can retire from the marathon business.
Report Peter Buchanan
Photos Karen Munro, Andrew Henderson, Peter Buchanan, Alison Kemp, Neil Buchanan, MyRace.co.uk, ASI PhotoIt would be good to hear from all the PRC runners who ran the marathon - feel free to send in a couple of lines on high points, low points, good things, bad things, lessons learnt etc. Whether you thought it was value for (quite a lot of) money, or whether, like Ben, you got a massage afterwards that was a little too intimate. Send an email and any photos to the address on the top left and I'll put them up here. Thanks. pb
Yes I enjoyed most of it...
Worst bit : Standing in the toilet queue at 9am when the gun
went off with at least another 10 people in the queue in front of me.
Happiest bit : Spotting the 23 mile marker after not seeing the 22
mile marker. What a quick mile that was.
Best bit: Finishing!! with a bonus of a PB
Scariest bit: Sandra and I taking a little time out by walking at
24½ miles up the hill. Suddenly Graham Henry appeared on his bike
and yelled at us Sergeant Major Style. "You are wearing
Portobello vests and Portobello runners don't walk. GET MOVING" We took
off terrified amid sympathetic looks from fellow runners. It got us up
that hill though, so "Thanks Graham!"And a big thank you to all the marshals but especially Portobello team who were very vocal.
Karen Munro
This was my first marathon and I really struggled. I was going well until 6 miles (42 mins) then pulled a muscle in my calf. I started off again slowly. By half way the calf hadn't got any worse, but everything else had started to hurt as well. By Portobello neither leg would work and I was feeling sick. My pace was now a crawl, I kept having to walk and I was dreading the climb up to the finish. However my legs coped better with this than they had with the flat, I managed to run all of the last 2.5 miles, and even managed what felt like a sprint (I'm sure it didn't look like one) at the end. My watch says 3-19-33. My first marathon but not my last. I've learnt plenty from it and will hopefully be doing another one next spring.
Keith Mayfield
Started half way down the 3 to 3.30 hour group with a time of 3.15 to 3.20 in mind. The idea was to try and keep to 7.5 mins/mile, as usual I got caught up with the crowd's enthusiasm and found myself at the 4 mile point in under 28 mins, tried to slow down but going was so easy and again the cheers from the crowd made me pick up speed.
Running with 2 lads from Metro club Aberdeen through Victoria Park, they tell me they are averaging 6.45 mins/mile, what am I doing running with these guys?
Found myself at the 10 mile mark in 71 mins, help!!! Nice downhill at Marine drive towards Cramond, ( saw Ben, Peter and George [ Salmond ] at this point way in distance, no way I was ever going to get close to them!!!! ), got to halfway at 1.33 ( tidy half marathon time for an old geezer like me ). Tried to back off and save something for last 10 km, slowed until Ocean Terminal, that crowd again! huge support there, got me going fast again and arrived Porti prom, 20 miles at 2.25. Eased right off and enjoyed last 10km knowing all I needed was 50 mins to get to 3.15, did last 10km in 47 mins and finished in a time of approx 3.12.10, for me a miracle, a pb by 20 mins and now aiming for sub 3.10????I would like to add the support from all my fellow club members, both relay runners and marshals was fantastic. Also many "come on Porti" cheers from spectators all the way around the course was such a lift.
Best part? coming through Duke Gates into the park to the roar of the huge crowd, and having lots of energy to sprint the last 400 yards
Worst part? the cobbles, hate them!!!!!!!!
Tom Watson
I was going well till halfway at 86 mins, then felt calves tighten
up so stopped for a moment and loosened laces. That helped for a while but at 15 miles I just had nothing left to give. I couldn't up the pace at all, and as
I tried I thought I would bring on cramp. If I hadn't been running for charity I
would have given up at 15 miles, but I'm so glad I didn't, and that I managed
the rest at what I felt was a very very slow plod, but ended up being only a
reasonably slow plod!So there are positives to take and use at the next one. In the end I was
happy with the time because I thought it was going to be so much worse and I'm happy that I was able to fight off thoughts of jacking it in from mile 15!It was just one of those inexplicable days where you get to the line and
know within a mile or so that the legs just don't have the energy in them.
So disappointment, slower than London, better day, less crowds, should have
resulted in a much better time.
Andrew Jeske
Woooooooohoooooo! Another marathon finished! Number 4! Fantastic! After a couple of days recovery, I can now say I thoroughly enjoyed the marathon!
Even in the cool and sometimes wet conditions the atmosphere was probably the best in the last 3 years I’ve being doing Edinburgh.
The support was great all the way through, helped by the fact I had my name plastered all over my shirt!
The worst bit was reaching halfway in a good time, but only a couple of miles later feeling as though I’d run out of energy. Only the support and thoughts of charity money kept me from stopping.
The best bit was the support all the way round. Particularly good along the Portobello section with Porty faces all the way along…….and a few beyond too. Graham’s encouragement kept me going and may have even speeded me up when I didn’t think I could go any faster. Thanks Graham!
In some respects it was my best marathon. I felt really slow from 15 miles in and still managed 3:16. I felt like stopping at 15 miles but proved to myself I could continue for such a long distance. Two good things I'll be able to take to the next marathon! That's assuming my legs feel like my own before the next one!
Another Andrew Jeske (after recovery)
With my longest run being over 14 miles I feared the worst at 20 miles and with running thru portobello there was no chance of walking plus the support really gave you a lift. Worst bits; having to fix my shoe at 19 & 20 miles and getting passed by a fairy (male) at meadowbank. Best bits; the crowd support and passing half a dozen runners including you know who in the last 600 metres and finding out I ran 3:21:53 not 3:23. Hope to do it next year with a bit more training.
John F Pickard
A much better day than last year. I was determined to stick to 7.30 minute miles but could not do it. Too many 7.00 and even 6.55 miles so I knew I was doomed by half way. Andrew overtook me and I had no right ever to be in front of him! There was no onset of cramp at 16 miles so the next few miles were almost enjoyable until weariness struck on Portobello Prom. My daughter came out of church to wave me on ( she does the praying on behalf of the whole family). The occasional brief walk - fortunately Graham did not see me - and a pb at the end of the day, 14 minutes faster than last year, but still slower than Shelagh in 1999. My quads were killing me and so did the massage. The young lady in the tent was no doubt well intentioned but proceeded to rip all the hairs from my leg with the point of her elbow. Maybe if I take the beard off next year....
Paul Eunson
I ran the marathon in 3.43
and I feel pretty pleased with my run. I ran 2 minutes quicker at Lochaber last year, but I ran on a bad knee and it took 2 months physio before I was running properly again. All my times have been slower since. It seemed pretty risky to run another marathon but now I'm glad I did. My splits were more even than ever before and I felt stronger in the latter stages. I still want to go under 3.30 but it might take another few marathons to get there. Also - I'm glad I beat Elvis. All the way round I could hear people shouting “Elvis Lives” - although I couldn't see him. Just after Portobello prom I emerged from a trance to realise I was hot on Elvis's heels and was going to pass him. Resisted the temptation to tell him to stay off the burgers, the pills and the booze.
Thanks very much to the Portobello support. Willie scared me by shouting “YOU CAN DO IT” at me. Graham Henry flattered me by telling me I was looking better than Peter. Anyone for the “7 Hills” next Sunday?
ps My GPS thingy tells me I ran 26.77 miles on Sunday. If it loses its signal it usually shortens the distance rather than lengthens it as it takes a straight line measurement between two points. Anyone else feel they ran an extra half mile?
Mary Hunter
It all started off well, paced along with John F until half-way, made our 1.42 target and then didn't see him again! I felt quite strong and the
mile markers seemed to come quickly (always a good sign). I was glad of the relay change-over points as there was lots of cheering and support. I thought the stretch along Lower Granton Road was quite lonely as there were gaps infront and behind me with only the odd security guard and his Alsatian looking on. I was dreading the prom, which can even seem long some Wednesday nights, but surprisingly I found it ok especially with the support from locals and from fellow PRC members. However, everything started hurting as I turned to head towards Joppa and worse- couldn't see Paul among the runners coming towards me. I knew by then he was way ahead! Drat. Lots of encouragement from PRC marshalls as I turned and headed towards mile 23. I confess I did a bit of walking/jogging for the last 3 miles but luckily was running each time I was spotted by Graham who also gave lots of encouragement. Iain D appeared on his bike at 24 and gave some gentle encouragement before I ran under a couple of garden hoses in Mountcastle Crescent to try and cool down. Definitely lost a few vital minutes in the last 3 miles but gave it my all to run in through the park gates as I saw Janet, all changed and looking good on her way home, who cheered me on, as did Peter who was lurking behind some portaloos with a camera. Crossed the line in 3.36 (just ahead of the first relay finisher) so all in all quite pleased to lay the Paris ghost to rest. 2 marathons in 9 weeks - won't try that again.
Shelagh McLeish
Best bit - not having to stop to have a blister tended to and the fabulous support from friends and strangers alike.
Worst bit - dont really think there was one.
Biggest regret - being so vain that I stopped for a photo but had to wait until my friend's mum eventually got her disposable camera to work! This, oh and queuing up for a pee at about the 4 mile mark. Both of which prevented me from getting that sub 4!!!
Biggest surprise - getting a 20 minute pb from last year
Biggest disappointment - my friend, whose lips were blue and fingers white being refused a cup of black tea at the charity tent because she was running for St Columbus Hospice which she was told "was not one of the official charities"!!!
Biggest laugh - deciding to have a competition with my running partner to see who could spot the most men going for a pee behind the bushes!
Sandi Bomphray
This was my first marathon so I should be pretty pleased with my time of dead on 3h26. My watch said 3h25 something but apparently despite my ‘sprint’ for the line it was 3h26 after all. Miraculously I felt pretty good most of the way, though perhaps struggled a bit from 23 miles but never walked!
Best bit - Anticipation and reality of support from PRC’s own Mrs. Motivator Karen (no distance too far) Young and all the other PRC runners.
Worst bit - No 22 mile marker and absence of Weegie female drummer groups and motivational music around the course - except for 2 lone pipers.
Yes I will do another marathon if only to beat my PB. It won’t be this year as my new husband has put his foot down! Can’t wait until next year’s Edinburgh to North Berwick and then perhaps I will be back to Edinburgh… Cheers
Julia (brought up in Porty, now Helensburgh) Henderson (defector)
ps Peter - have the bottle of wine from the Black Rock (if you haven’t already?).
Have now, pb yum yum
Edinburgh Marathon 4:33:50No excuses but…….if anyone gets shingles in the four weeks leading up to a marathon, or any race, maybe they shouldn’t run! Having had shingles five times in the last 12 months there is always a race I want to do just as I am recovering. The last time it was Lasswade 10 (I thought I was going to die). Maybe I should have learned a lesson but after five months training and the marathon being in Edinburgh I thought it was worth a try.
I tried to run eight- minute miles and was going fine up to 17 miles. The next three took 40 minutes and that was with the help and encouragement of Graham Henry. By the time I got to Porty Baths I was going so slow that people who were walking passed me, I had to stop. I decided I would walk the rest, as I wasn’t giving up. It was terrible walking through Portobello wearing a ‘Portobello Running Club Vest’ (available for £5). I got to Mountcastle Crescent and there was Graham again, he kicked my a*** and got me going again and I trotted all the way to the end.
My Doctor is always more than happy to dish out tablets to me but after having the virus five times I hoped for more than that. I went to see Mike McInnes at ISO Active and after looking at when I train/eat & rest he pointed out that I was over training and under fuelling. Now I take honey last thing at night and first thing in the morning and I pay more attention to what I eat after training. I also drink ISO Torque before and after running. I drank this the day before the marathon, before I started and during the race. It did make a huge difference, my head was clear all the way round. Even at the end I felt fine, just a pity my legs packed in.
I’m sure I can come back better and stronger with the help of honey, ISO Torque and of course, Graham Henry.
Alan Aitchison
I woke up to the sound of rain pattering on the window. I said to myself, “Yes, a cool day for the Marathon.”
My friend Nathalie who was doing the relay team, came to the house at 8am with a good luck card which I could hardly read as the nerves were setting in. As we made our way to the start line I saw Ricky (City of Edinburgh coach) who cuddled me and reassured me I would do well. As we were about to start I saw Peter and Ben looking excited and anxious and we wished each other well. 9am we were off. Trying to stay relaxed and hold back for the first time ever, I went through the 1st mile in 6.50 - perfect, I thought. I saw Ricky out the corner of my eye with the thumbs up. At mile 4 we came back through the start line and the crowd were amazing, shouting, “Come on Janet.” Needless to say my name was clearly to be seen on the front of my vest. As the Speaker shouted “Janet Laing from Portobello,” I waved with excitement.
Moving swiftly on to Silverknowes we had to run round cones; so you could see people in front and behind. The first person I saw was Ben who was “focussed and on a mission” and his mission was accomplished in 2.45 (excellent achievement). Next was Peter - we waved with approval at each other.
At mile 17 I got a stitch. Ricky was at the side telling me how well I was doing and gave me some water. In fact what a guy - if I didn't see him, I could hear him; I didn't know where he was going to spring from next. I ran towards Ocean Terminal and the crowd were amazing. Everyone shouting “Janet, Janet.” I was overwhelmed because these people didn't even know me. I had to wave and thanked them with a big smile on my face and my stitch was truly away. I felt famous for a few seconds.
I ran along towards Baltic Street and there was my Mum as promised, proudly taking a photo, and she gave me half an orange as planned, which I grabbed and demolished - it was delicious. 100 yards along was my Dad with the other half which was grabbed and demolished too. Running along the prom I started to feel tired but I knew I had to keep going. My friend Nathalie came up behind me on her bike and said “You're looking good, keep going,” and gave me water. At the end of the prom were Willie, Gillian, Gordon and Karen shouting and encouraging us which kept me going. However we had to run to Joppa round cones again which I felt was never ending. This time I couldn't be bothered waving at folk. I saw Peter who was looking strong; we looked at each other as if to say come on.
Swiftly by-passing mile 24~25 as it was an incline all the way and I didn't enjoy it, I saw Veronica, my working buddy who gave me water and said “You're doing a good time.” I grabbed the water and ran. I saw Mum and Dad on the corner proudly taking another photo and Ricky on the other side who shouted, “Come on - an excellent PB.” That made me move faster to the finishing line, where I made sure I was smiling and my hands were up in the air - not the picture we all saw last year.
A few of us met at Au Bar One at 4pm. Needless to say a few left rather early but myself, Nathalie, Helen and Jim B managed to last till 11.30 - what a great day and night.
The Edinburgh Marathon is the best one I have run yet, and what made it were friends, family and people who didn't even know me: will be doing it again next year.
Janet Laing.
The Edinburgh marathon was for me one of those races of which you only have happy memories - as close as these things come to an 'enjoyable experience'! (There is always that massive surging sense of reward, fulfilment, achievement, but I am not always convinced that 'enjoyment' as such is usually the right description!) I had not even originally intended to be in this race (I had meant to enter Paris, somehow ended up in both....) But I was glad I did Edinburgh. A very memorable day. Highlights: running the first few miles shoulder to shoulder with Peter; seeing Peter, Janet and George at the Silverknowes 'dog-leg' (sorry, Janet, I was going into 'trance' mode at that point, but was willing you on in my mind, behind the grimace!); feeling the sun (but not too hot) on Cramond prom; (hearing, then) seeing my partner, Alison, drink in hand, at 15 miles; seeing (or hearing!) everybody from the club who came out to support/ marshall (especially Willie, who seemed to be omnipresent); hearing the support of many others, a few of whom I recognised, most of whom I didn't; the last few yards through the park to the finish; oh, and that massage at the end....... A big thank you to everybody who offered support- it was very much appreciated, even if I didn't always feel able to acknowledge it at the time! Most of all, this was a race which made me appreciate Edinburgh, a fantastic venue (even if it is a little 'undulating'!) for a great race.
Ben Kemp.
Ben Kemp 2.45.31
Peter Buchanan 2.57.01
George Salmond 3.03.43
Janet Laing 3.04.31
Tom Watson 3.12.24
Andrew Jeske 3.14.41
Keith Mayfield 3.19.29
John Pickard 3.21.53
Paul Eunson 3.23.33
Julia Henderson (ex PRC) 3.26.00
Shelagh McLeish 3.36.08
Sally Scott 3.37.55
Mary Hunter 3.43.38
Robert Henderson 3.45.06
Kerry Costello 3.47.57
Sandi Bomphray 4.03.56
Sarah Christmas 4.06.23
Christina Hussell 4.07.55
Karen Munro 4.16.58
Sandra Murray 4.16.58
Ellie Milne 4.24.12
Alan Aitchison 4.33.50
John Forker 4.46.04
Paul Edwards 4.48.30Results in Full here
Many thanks to Thomas Reichhold at ASI Photo Europe, the official photographers of the Edinburgh Marathon, who has given permission to use some of the great images they made on the day. A selection can be seen below. If you want to see more or are interested in buying a photo please visit www.asiphoto.com and type in the race number to see a larger version of the photos.
photos courtesy of ASI Photo
