From December 2008 til May 2009 (the 20th) I have been running 810 kilometers. Apparently not enough to beat my personal record from Copenhagen Marathon 2008 (3.10). My ultimate goal this year was to run Copenhagen Marathon in less than three hours. A realistic goal according to my training where my long distance running's - 28 kilometers was completed in 2 hours and 14 kilometers in 54 minutes. I was kind of optimistic:-) This year my running strategy was to follow the speed group running with a average speed of 14,1 km/h. (4.16 minutes/km).
The first 15 km was completed in 53.30 and I was feeling really fresh. At about 17 km the weather changed and the rain and wind took over. This year I ran in shorts and tank top and at about 18-19 km I was actually freezing and I was suffering from heavy cramping in my calves. Because of this I had to speed down and stop several times to "cure" my cramping. It did not help.
I managed to run the first half marathon in 1.28. The last 21.2 kilometers was kind of a "nightmare". Constantly cramping and a bit moody because of the fact that I could not make it in less than 3 hours:-). I kept going and crossed the finish line in 3.21. Absolute the hardest marathon out of the three I have been running. Really bad weather conditions made it pretty difficult I think.
When I crossed the finish line my lips were blue because of the wind and rain. I could hardly move and I was feeling really exhausted compared to Copenhagen Marathon 2008. Overall I do consider the run as a "success" because I kept going.
During the entire Marathon I had great support from my family and my girlfriend (+Nina). Thanks!
To visualize the Marathon process just have a look at the pictures below. The pictures are taken by my girlfriend and her Canon EOS 400D.
Getting ready!
My "speed group"
Crown prince Frederik and his opening speech
Start at 9.30
Start at 9.30
Start at 9.30
Start at 9.30
The finish line
Parents, sister and Viktor (The dog)
Front group with the Danish champion Martin Parkhøi.
Feeling fresh after 15 km.
Feeling fresh after 15 km.
Feeling fresh after 15 km.
Feeling fresh after 15 km. Giving Thumbs up.
Members of the support group
Dronning Louises bro in Copenhagen at about 30 km. I was already "suffering".
Dronning Louises bro in Copenhagen at about 30 km. I was already "suffering".
Dronning Louises bro in Copenhagen at about 30 km.
My Sister and Viktor taking the Metro to the next "cheer spot".
Nina, Mum, Sister and Viktor.
A wet Dad
Sister, Dad and mum.
The last 200 meter. My sister is giving me the last push. Thanks.
"A beaten man"
"A beaten man"
Girlfriend and Nina.
See the result from Copenhagen Marathon 2009 here and more pictures here and here. Check videos here:(I am actually in this video. Read an article about the fact that Marathons are for everybody here. Read another article about how you can compare a marathon with a entire life - click here (in danish).
