Such is Life

Pheidippides, the runner of the first marathon, in ancient Greece
died immediately after delivering his message of victoria to the
people of Athens.

Such is an outcome that I can appreciate after running the 31st
Samsun Melbourne Marathon. The course began at the MCG and took its
way down St. Kilda Road and then through Albert Park. Continuing
along the foreshore, we passed St. Kilda, Elwood, Brighton and turned
at Hampton (after several hilly climbs).

After years of cycling, such a distance (42km) seemed small. But with
hot conditions (28°) and a headwind on the return from Hampton, it
was a challenge for the later fifteen kilometers. I had blisters in
my feet and my body by km 15, and my body was totally drained of
energy by km 35.

After nearly five hours, I arrived at the MCG, where the finish line
lay on the grass of the great stadium. I felt like a triumpherent
Caesar parading into Rome. My first action was to remove my shoes,
and try and relive some of the pain that had accumulated in the last
few hours.

It as not as fast a run as I would have liked. However, this being my
first marathon, it was something truly special and an achievement of
great note. As I write this, 24hrs latter, I still can not walk
straight and my legs are still far from recovered.

Hopefully I will recover by next sunday, as I am racing the 210km
Around the Bay in a Day.