Landed early on Friday morning in Frankfurt, a quick 15 minute train from the Airport to the city centre rail station. Making my way to my hotel which involved passing into the metro/lower section of the station. To my surprise the area is where homeless, addicts seem to congregate to get there fix or root through bins. It is also smack bang in the Red Light district so my decision to book here due to its proximity to the start and finish areas could have done with a bit more research. Over the weekend I would have to pass through this area a lot and while it was uneasy I was never bothered in any way. Every modern city has these problems its just a surprise to see it 400 yards from one of the ECB head quarters the Euro Tower or maybe that's the irony of it. Safely got to my hotel but my Room was not available so I dropped of my bag and hit the expo. Much the same as other expos but you had to get Number, goodie bag and t-shirt at there different points. Picked up my Gels and was going to get my Pace Band but the queue was a bit too long so I headed back to the hotel. Chilled out for the day and wandered around to explore the sites and found the location of the cities Irish Bars.
Pretzel Run
Decided to do this and meet Gary and Neil at the start ran a small bit with them but their idea of a slow pace was a bit too quick for me so I let them off. Finished the run but the queue for the free Pretzels and Juice was a bit too much and I was getting cold so I went back to the hotel and vegetated for the day. Wandered out that night and found a Italian. Unfortunately been solo the owner could not justify wasting a table but sent me to the wine bar next door. I was able to order from the same kitchen but a reduced menu. Night before a Marathon simple food is always best so it worked out and at least she was honest enough in her reason for not seating me.
This is your Day
Rose at 6 o clock to get in 1 or 2 miles to loosen the bowel. Ended up doing close to 3 very easy miles to get the desired result. Perfect Conditions today for racing overcast, dry no wind and cool, so everything was lined up nicely, all that had to be done was run 26.2 miles in less the three and a quarter hours. Start area is good, you can use the main hall to shelter from the elements before making your way into your allocated corral. Everyone seemed to be shoved right up to the line with loads of room at the back. As I entered late I went to the back to avoid this. If the 2 pacers groups in this corral where instructed to go halfway up for 3 and at the rear for 3:15 the congestion would not be as bad. Took my first gel and picked up a GPS signal. Still took nearly 2 minutes to cross the line after the gun. As anticipated I would loose time over the first 2-3K which allowed me not to weave left and right or surge. When the gaps appeared I went through them. The warning about the GPS been unpredictable around the city proved correct so it was really not very useful at this point, in the end my watch read 43.4KM. After 3K I got up to pace and hit 5K mark bang on what I had predicted. Up to halfway things where going along nicely. Settled into a good rhythm and hit halfway at 1:38:09 bang on where I wanted to be. Plan was now to pick up the pace slightly after this and again at 30K mark. Things starting to get tough but I was getting through it until I hit 28K mark again still on time but I now had lost any interest in continuing on. I just didn't fancy having to hurt more for the remain 8-9 miles. Stopped took stock, if we were in the city I think I would have dropped out but as it was the furthest point from home, I decided to continue on at a slow jog. When I hit 32K I managed to pick up the pace to 8 min/mile pace and thought I would get in under 3:20. Once I hit 39K mark I realised that this would not happen either and the last 3k where a very slow jog to the finish. Excellent finish indoors with lights/music and pom pom girls. I was still really not in the form to partake with them. Crossed the line 3:21:51 and the only positives were I finished and now have a Boston Qualifying time of over 5 minutes for 2017 if I need it.
Teddy's Bear Picnic
Had arranged to meet the others afterwards for some cans which where in my bag at the drop point. On my way I passed the beer tent but on consuming some I immediately got sick. Same thing happened after Boston so I picked up my bag from the drop point and hit back to the hotel for an hour or two’s kip. Really think that the gels are causing this post marathon stomach issue. Meet up with the other afterwards and everyone else had a good race and nailed their targets. Some celebrator beers and food was had. A lot of food, and local beers in the 12 Apostle's. Also interesting to hear the thoughts of the four sub 2:45 runners at the table and some things to chew the fat on for the future.
Overall I was not disappointed with the run, My head just wasn't there on the day. The only time this has ever happened in a race but the lead up to this race was far from ideal and a work issue which I thought I could park for the weekend probably had a lot to do with this. As regards the race itself, considering the conditions that Dublin has got over the last few years, anyone looking for an Autumn Marathon should consider this instead of Dublin if you are chasing a time. Its just as cost effective as it cost me €350 for Flights and accommodation for 3 nights. Dublin would very nearly cost me as much.
