Loch Ness Marathon 1/10/06
Here I go again!! I was gutted with my 4:02:13 but this time I’m not going to make any excuses (well maybe just a few).
Gillian and I drove up on Saturday on a lovely sunny day. We arrived about 2.30pm then headed to the Expo to collect my number and to meet Sally who had travelled by train. We also met the rest of the Porty lady runners and we were all in good spirits. After a bit of a photo session we went our separate ways with Gillian, Sally and I going to an Italian Restaurant although Sally thought it might be too posh for me!!. We did our carbo loading then I headed back for a good pre-marathon sleep.
On Sunday morning we had to meet at the finish and were bussed to the start. The weather was still fine and I was looking forward to getting started and I was feeling fine.
The course was all in the countryside apart from the last two miles and was a much nicer course than Edinburgh. The first five miles went by in a flash as I managed to run at the same pace as Sally, even though she was looking for sub 3:30 and me sub 3:50. The rain started about six miles but I was still feeling good, confident and relaxed. As we got our first sight of Loch Ness Sally thought she saw the Monster but I told her I was just pleased to see her!!. At ten miles I was still going well and was ahead of target even though by this time my feet were soaking as the rain was now torrential. There was a long way to go and I wasn’t sure I could keep the same pace so just after 11 miles I slowed. Sally pulled away.
I went through the half way point at 1 hour 43 and was feeling good. Former Porty runner Neil Rutherford passed me at this stage, looking fresh. As I got to 16 miles the course was still very undulating and wet but I was still on my target time. After about another 1/3 mile disaster struck as all of a sudden I felt sick and unfortunately had to stop. I can’t remember eating diced carrots but out they came with my posh pizza. I was asked if I was alright but chose not to answer. I got started again and forced a gel down which was a major effort. I had heard there was to be a massive climb at 18 miles but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected. I had totally lost my pace and was now struggling but went through 20 miles at 2:47 so thought 3:40 was still on but now the rain was bugging me and I felt crap. I had to stop again at 24 miles as now I had cramp and it doesn’t matter how many people say ‘you’re doing great’ and ‘you’re nearly there’ – it just doesn’t help.
I walked about half a mile then someone passed me and shouted ‘come on Porty’ so I gave myself a shake and got myself going though I could have probably walked quicker. I got to the finishing line in 4:02:13, 32 minutes for the last 2.2 miles!! My face was tripping me and as Gillian waved and shouted I couldn’t make eye contact as I was so disappointed.
Our pre-arranged meeting spot was now the ‘greetin’ spot. Sally had run a fantastic 3:26 pb but was also feeling rough. My calfs were killing me like never before.
After a few hours rest I had my usual post-marathon appetite so we went out for Dinner and a few drinks. I realised it was not meant to be my day when the waiter managed to spill a full pint and a Smirnoff Ice all over me.
I had set myself a target to run around 3:30 by the time I am 40, now I know you will all be thinking I’m alright as I’ve got years to go yet, but the truth is I only have until July. So am I giving up? You must be joking. If I get a place at London I will try again then there is always Edinburgh. I will not give in. I felt this time my training went really well and I haven’t had shingles since May so should I face the fact I’m stuck with a 3:50 pb – NOT A CHANCE.
Alan Aitchison
Full Results here
Photos Gillian Hewitt, Chris Melville
If anybody else wants to give their account of the marathon then email me at the address to the left or write it out by hand
and give it to me on a Wednesday night. pbHere is Sally's report...
Finally – a dream come true!
I was a bit apprehensive about this one. As most of you know, I have been training in London from 5th of June for 10 weeks. My marathon training was non-existent whilst in London and I had to cram it all into the month prior to the race. I travelled up by train and by coincidence was sitting across the aisle from most of the other Porty crew. This year I opted for a quiet single room and had a great nights sleep before the race (no offence to Karen and Rab!).
We travelled the 26.2 miles to the start by bus and there was the usual rush for the portaloos before the start. With music on, I set off at a steady pace, slightly under 8 minute miles in order to reach my target of sub 3hr30. Alan kept paces with me for 12 miles and then tailed off slightly. At half way I was well ahead of target at 1.42.30 and worried about whether I could hold onto this pace. I was around about this time 4 months ago at halfway in Edinburgh, but finished in 3.52…..
The rain started around 7 miles and persisted for the rest of the race. After a ‘toilet’ stop at 17 which set me back a couple of minutes, I upped the pace again. My MP3 player packed in after 20 miles unfortunately – this was when I needed it the most. I had Rab last year to push me on for the final miles, but this year I had to go it alone.
I ran the race for charity this year – Leonard Cheshire – they have various residential homes throughout the country where they provide support to disabled people. Last year my step dad Phillip caught a rare virus which has left him with permanent brain damage and needing 24 hour care. He is a permanent resident at one of the Leonard Cheshire homes now. Every time I felt slightly tired or uncomfortable, I just thought of the residents at Phillip’s home. Phillip is learning to walk again, most of the others are not so fortunate and will always need a wheelchair or help to get around.
I really think this inspired me to keep going even when it felt tough. I crossed the finish line with the biggest smile on my face in 3hrs 26. I could not believe it, finally after a year of trying, I have managed my sub 3.30 marathon. I also managed to run the whole race at a consistent sub 8m/m pace. My advice for marathon training is not to do anything until 4 weeks before the race (maybe not).
If anyone would like to support me, I would be very grateful for any donations. The money I raise is going directly to the home where Phillip is a resident www.justgiving.com/sallylscott
Thank youReport Sally Scott
Photos Gillian Hewitt, Chris Melville
