Helsinki Marathon

Back on the tram to the Olympic Stadium to join the 3000 other runners to set off on the annual marathon round the islands west of the city.

I got stuck behind the 3:45 pacers but after a few kilometres managed to squeeze past and spent until the half-marathon mark slowly gaining on the 3:30 pacers. By this stage the field was spaced apart except for the train of folk trailing behind the pacers; ahead of them was clear ground. I chose to overtake and continued to very gradually stretch away for the next fifteen or so kilometres….
However, as usual in my marathons, my legs began to stop working around 37km and my pace slowed to the extent that when the 3:30 pacers train quickly caught me, I had no response. I waved at them as they ploughed past. I managed to cross the Finnish line in the Stadium in 3:30:50.

Mrs AB was in the afternoon’s half-marathon, she met me at the finish of my race, I wished her well and watched her start, caught the tram home for a shower then back in time to watch her finish.

Sautéed Reindeer, Salmon with dill. And some local ales for afters.

I’ve been training for this race for 14weeks including 60 runs and other jiggerypokery. It was a great relief to finally cross the start line after thinking about it day and night, but most of all to get over the finish line. Quite emotional this time round. A good escape from ‘normality’.

Picture was taken as I dragged myself towards the stadium entrance to finish on the running track.