BMW Berlin Marathon 2015

BMW Berlin Marathon 2015,
The Main Event

With the excitement of the big day, my sleep was poor.  If I had the garmin switched on, I reckon with all the twisting and turning, I could easily have clocked up a few kilometres. (I'll switch to metric now as we were on mainland Europe :) ).  An early rise for the porridge and as we has two U-Bahn's to catch we left the hotel just after 7am.  It was very easy to find our way to the start as the carriage were well populated with runners.

The baggage area was well laid out - and it would have to be to cater for the 42,000 who were arriving from all directions. Photographers, eager to take your picture, were everywhere in the baggage area.  After dropping the bags, we were given very nice plastic  coverings so that we would not feel cold while we waited for the start.  After meeting Conor, we headed for the starting gates. While I knew I would not be in the first wave with Brendan, I thought that the second wave with times ranging from 3:45 to 4:15 would be perfect. But, I had somehow managed to get myself into last wave with time greater than 4:15 (and this was clearly marked on my number).  I feared that any chance of a decent time would be gone if I did not break the rules a bit.

After wishing Conor well, Brendan and I set off for Gate G (second Wave) and Gate E (first wave).  there were plenty number checks and my heart sank as I saw many a 'H' number being sent back to the final wave section.  To cu a long story short, I waited for a big group to arrive at one of these checkpoints and as the people ware checking, I glided through the middle with grace and elegance - this was going to be a good day.  Then, after a 100 metre walk through the wooded area, I got to the starting block - and more checkpoints. Yes, they were sending 'H' runners back to the last wave.  The same tactics had to be applied - and luckily they worked a second time. 

Looking back I could see the Brandenburg gate in the distance and nearly a kilometre down the road I could see the Start line gantry.  I made my way forward to the start of the 'G' group and was just behind the balloons for the 4 hour pacer. The area was filling up fast.  On a normal day, this road would be catering for 8 lanes of traffic.  It was like being in the cast of Minions as I was surrounded by thousands of people, standing and sitting in all their yellowness, all waiting for the start.  With the release of the bright yellow balloons, the elites were on their way, closely followed by the first wave of runners.  The second wave would start 15 minutes later.  As the barriers were opened we made our way slowly towards the start. The 'island' in the middle of the road, which was populated by people sitting while they waited, suddenly became clear.  All that remained on it was thousands of yellow plastic coverings, old t-shirts and jackets.  I saw my opportunity to overtake a few thousand people.  So I did.  Walking with care and ease, I made my way almost to the start line before we stopped.

9:15 arrived and we were off.  The wide road allowed the runners to get into their stride almost straight away and this would last for the first few kilometres.  I felt good and was passing out many other runners but I wasn't sure what pace I was doing.  I felt comfortable though.  The support for the early morning public was incredible, as we were cheered on and welcomed by a wall of noise.  Bells and whistles, clickers and clappers, horns and hooters greeted us at every turn of the road. What a great feeling to be running through this.  I did not take in much of the buildings as I was drawn to the supporters on the sidelines. There appeared to be thousand of Danish supporters or Dutch or Mexican who were just brilliant.  I was surrounded by people of so many different nationalities, many wearing tech tops promoting marathons around the world. There were plenty of people sporting Ironman finisher tops. This marathon must have felt quite straightforward for them.

The day was warming up and I was grateful for the shade offered by the buildings as we moved through the streets. My sense of direction in this city was completely gone and I couldnt say whether I was running north, south, east or west.  All I knew was that, I was following a large bunch of people in front of me.  The water stations were plentiful - every 3 or 4 kilometres - but they were chaotic.  Plastic cups were being handed out by the thousands of volunteers.  These were then duly dropped and crushed by the following hoards of runners.  I decided to stop every time, take a mouthful of water and pour the rest on my head.  We were given a sponge at the expo and proved to be the best ever, as I was able to wipe my face when needed. 

Musical groups of different persuasions welcomed us to different parts of the city from Rock, to Jazz to Samba. But it didn't need to be a group as some individuals took it upon them selves to come out with saucepan lids, biscuit tins and even shovels and hammers. All to make some noise. Vuvuzelas and viking horns. Drum kits, played by young and old, were brought out from many a front room. The heavy metal party from the apartment overlooking the route really lifted the crowds at the 25km mark.  I'm surprised the balcony could hold the multiple speakers.  It was just magic.  For me, it was the magic of the samba groups, and there were many, that lifted my spirits. 

The kilometres passed quickly, as I was so distracted by all that was going on around me.  My feet were behaving themselves impeccably. I passed the half way point in 1 hour 43 minutes - well ahead of my time from Tralee.  I had my sweet potato for fuel, prepared the night before. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring the raisins, which I normally add to it.  And even more unfortunately, I added too much salt. I took some after 13km and it was vile.  An extra mouthful of water was required at the next water station.  Luckily, bananas and apples were handed out at the foot stations so I made use of them as well.
Fearing a fall off in my times, as happened in all my previous marathons, when I approached the 30km (20mile) mark, I bit the bullet and had my second helping of sweet potato. A big  gulp and it was down!!!  This time, there was no wall, no fall off in energy levels.  I just felt great.  I was continuing to pass people, and that was great for the morale.  I did come across people who were in some distress as we neared the finish, but, the determination of some people to keep going was to be admired, even if they had lost control of bodily functions!!

In the last few kilometres, the crowds and the noise were deafening and I felt quite emotional at times.  Emotional, because I knew I was going to smash my previous time by a big margin. 
Seeing the Brandenburg gate come into view was just wonderful.  I knew I had only a few more hundred metres to run as I passed under it. I didn't have that sprint finish in me. I was just so happy to cross the line in 3 hours 31 minutes, surrounded by hundreds of people, delighted with the achievement.  I took a few minutes to take it all in before collecting my medal. 
A great day, a truly great race!!

As I made my way back to the bagging area to meet Brendan, I had one small task to complete.  Hand back my race tag - which was attached to my shoe.  That was the most difficult job I had to do all day as my bending mechanism was left somewhere out on the marathon route. I was completely spent - but I never felt so good! 
Brendan also smashed his PB. So after taking some time to relax, rehydrate and refuel, we hobbled our way back to the U-Bahn.

Without doubt, this marathon will always be a great memory.  Perfect running conditions, great organisation. Massive support. And a huge PB on a wonderfully flat route.

I would not have achieved anywhere near the time I did without the help of friends and family.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bridget Moore for all her wonderful advice and help. To my friends in Born to Run, for their fantastic support and encouragement. To Conor Cusack for the great company and craic over the weekend.
And finally, to my brother Brendan, who ensured that it was a stress free weekend.  I owe you so much. Since I restarted running, you have been there for me, advising, encouraging and making sure I was in the best possible shape.  Especially, to take on this marathon.

Thank you all so much.

Bring on 2016 if I am lucky enough to be selected from the lottery. 

I recommend this marathon major - big time.