ON
TOP of my list of things to do before turning 40 was to run a
marathon.
I recently managed to get myself motivated, organised and equipped
to undertake such a gruelling event, choosing the USAF Marathon,
which is run annually at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Dayton,
Ohio), where I am stationed as a Foreign Liaison Officer.
The 2002 marathon featured more than 1700 runners aiming to complete
the total 26.2 miles (42.2km), and another 1500 runners grouped
in teams of four.
I started training back in late February to be ready to race in
September. My training runs started very modestly (3 miles or
4.8km) and I maintained a diary of distances, times and other
observations.
Race day was chilly and overcast. Following the pre-race advice,
I made sure that I drank plenty of water and ate yet another Power
Bar – very unappetising, but good fuel for the body.
Once the race was under way, I tried to remain focused on maintaining
a steady pace. I was travelling at a 9.30min/mile pace throughout
the first half of the race and I was making sure that I enjoyed
the experience.
The last half of the race featured a couple of hills, which tested
commitment and motivation. However, when the finish line was sighted
there was more than enough incentive to keep going to the end.
The last 200m of the course was flanked on each side with a variety
of aircraft from the USAF Museum and a large crowd of supporters
enthusiastically cheering the competitors.
As I crossed the finishing line, I had a great feeling of elation
and accomplishment – it wasn’t too hard to smile for
the camera.
For the record, I finished in 4hrs, 6mins, 24.9secs and placed
485 out of 1743 runners. The winner – for the first time
in history a US Air Force member – completed the course in
2hrs, 42mins, 15secs.
