Portaloo - I was defeated, you won the war!

Buttons for Brathay Bells and Whistles weekend was part of Kaz Hurrell's fundraising towards her third ten marathons in ten days event in support of the Brathay Trust, and as such was a 'must do'.  It comprised marathons on both days in conjunction with a 10K on the Saturday which was ideal as it afforded an opportunity for Mandy to do a bit of running instead of just watching me trudge back and forth.  The route for all races was out and back along Prince of Wales Pier followed by out and back along the prom and repeat for sixteen cycles with an extra spur along the pier and back an the end.  Sun was forecast for day one and cloud cover for day two with reasonably high temperatures for the time of year.

I had not been in brilliant health in the few days prior to the weekend and I spent the journey down to Dover sneezing, feeling nauseous and with a pounding headache, luckily Mandy took driving duties!  I've quite frequently felt similar immediately before marathons and I'm certain that it's often psychosomatic, so I wasn't overly concerned and just wanted to get a decent night's sleep, which I managed, and awoke feeling much better.  My plan was similar to the track marathon a few weeks earlier, that is, to take things comfortably until a point around about 16/17 miles and then strike out for the finish line, and hopefully get round in something close to four hours.

Atmosphere at the start line was lovely, many familiar faces, smiles, hugs and chatter, a real relaxed feel but it was obvious that a lot of effort had gone into the organisation; barriers and tape delineating turn round points, a very well stocked aid station, plenty of marshals and a proper finishing gantry with race clock.  After a briefing from race director Karen we were sent on our way, the faster people shot away lead by the speedy Adam Holland and the rest of us trotted along behind.

Everything was going pretty well, it was great to have the 10K start two hours into the marathon and be able to be with Mandy as she completed her race.  I cruised to the 17 mile mark and then increased my effort level.  It was here that my weekend started to fall apart.  By 20 miles my stomach was cramping quite badly, and by 22 miles I was finally facing my Portaloo!  On leaving the green Tardis my legs felt like all power had gone and I struggled through to the end at around 11 minute miles.  The course was about a mile long, which wasn't a problem, and that meant that without the stomach problems slowing me I would probably have been around 4:10 for marathon distance, which I would have been happy with for day one of a double.

That evening I did not feel at all well, I struggled to eat much comfortably and had a couple of occasions when I felt dizzy and nauseous, necessitating a sit-down and deep breathing.  Next morning I awoke feeling very nervous about the day, uncertain about whether it was worth starting.  In hindsight I should have listened to my concerns and sat it out.  I started very cautiously, however, within the first eight miles I knew my fate was to be with Portaloo once again.  On leaving the facility it was as if all my energy had been drained from me.  By ten miles I wanted to quit.  The next few miles were painful and soon 12 minute miles seemed to be beyond my capability.  I kept telling myself to get through one more mile and assess things, and my fellow runners were brilliantly supportive considering how many were going through their own torture, however, by the time I had completed 18 miles I just couldn't see the point in continuing.  I could have walked through to the end in another two-and-a-half hours but I didn't see that it would really be achieving anything to do that so I withdrew without any real disappointment, more relief than anything.

This was a really well organised and friendly event which, despite everything, I really enjoyed.  I was great to see Mandy back completing a 10K after all the injury problems she's been through, there were friends with smiling faces everywhere I looked and the weather and scenery were great.  I really don't feel regret at failing to complete day two, events conspired against me and that's just the way it goes sometimes; Portaloo - I couldn't escape though I wanted to.

29th March 2014  Bells & Whistles day one 4:32:36  #31
30th March 2014  Bells & Whistles day two  dnf