» Marathon Mary
Marathon Mary survived the Half Marathon -just
It is a testament to the spirit of Brighton and Hove that thousands of people ran the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon in appalling weather conditions on a freezing, wet and windy day.
Some wore bin bags to keep out the rain, but it was impossible and all ended up soaked, some shaking with the cold, but defiant. I was beaten by two men dressed as cows, a man in firefighter’s uniform with full breathing apparatus, two men carrying a surf board and a man with no shoes or socks. But I was proud simply to finish (and survive) and to support our world class HIV and Aids care centre.
The course had been changed at a late stage because of the closure of the Undercliff Walk. This seemed to make it easier as there was no run over the cliffs to Rottingdean – and therefore no hills. Instead we ran twice down the slip road from Marine Parade to Madeira Drive near Volks Railway, left to Duke’s Mound and then back towards the pier, creating lots of opportunities to spot friends in the race.
“I languished in athletic running kit half a mile behind the man dressed
as a penguin”
The worst moment for me was running west towards Hove Lagoon, past the beach huts, with rain lashing painfully against my face and feeling like a very long way from the finish line.
Now I can’t help but look forward to the marathon because, however hard the distance, nothing could be as difficult as running in those kinds of conditions. I also learned a number of things that will stand me in good stead on the big day:
1. I need to organise my playlists on my iPod way in advance. I’m sure I added at least ten minutes to my running time by faffing around with it as I ran.
2. If it’s pouring with rain outside, it really doesn’t matter if my running kit has come out of the washing machine that morning and is not quite dry. I will end up soaked to the skin anyway.
3. I need to get a good night’s sleep the night before the night before the run. It is impossible to sleep when there is a race looming in the morning.
4. Dressing up in a funny costume will make people smile and, more importantly, could give me an excuse to be trailing near the back, rather than languishing in athletic-looking running kit half a mile behind the man dressed as a penguin.
5. After a big run, going out and getting drunk, while very tempting, is not the best way to recover and could result in serious dehydration. Much better to follow the professional advice and refuel properly – if you’re not sure what that is, there are some great tips at www.brightonmarathon.co.uk. I’ll be using them next time. And dressing as a tortoise. At least the shell will keep me dry.
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Sole Sisters on p 17.
March 15th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Hi Mary,
I’m the guy who wasn’t wearing shoes and socks! Just wanted to say hi and well done! Anyone that got round in those conditions did really well! I’m also running the Brighton marathon (plus London a week later to raise money for VICTA) so say hi if you see me next time!
Just thought I’d say though, as far as I’m aware, iPods/mp3 players aren’t allowed for the marathon. I don’t know how strictly it will be enforced but worst case scenario is you get disqualified! Just to warn you! Good luck