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Original poster

Anyone doing (or done previously) Paris marathon?

89 replies

Flippetydip · 12/12/2016 14:19

Looking for a bit of support really. My running partner persuaded me earlier this year to enter Paris with her. It would have been my first and her second marathon. We entered and then a month later she died from a stroke, which was a total shock and obviously hideous for her family.

Am feeling obliged/inspired (not sure which really) to still do Paris but it's going to be a much less "fun weekend" than it was planned to be. I'm thinking of taking DH and both kids (8 and 6) so it's a completely "different" weekend and not such an emotional wrench. However, has anyone done the Paris marathon before? Is it "family friendly" - e.g. are there things to do round the course, is it easy to navigate etc?

Any advice, insights gratefully received.

I'm also slightly nervous about the long winter training (well not so long anymore) which we were planning on doing together. I'm up to 11 miles now but it's quite a slog. I'm lucky to be part of an amazing club so there are usually people around for at least part of the longer runs but it's not quite the same thing.

OP posts:

AgreeableH · 14/04/2017 21:01

The marathon was like 3 half marathons 😂 Yes nothing in the goodie bag - rubbish!

Original poster

Flippetydip · 14/04/2017 18:23

Pan flat toots. It's a great course.

I have to say though, at the risk of sounding highly ungrateful, I was very underwhelmed by the "goodie bag" which in lots of races is full of stuff, free samples, cereal bars etc etc. In Paris - the bag is full of fresh air - not a single thing!

OP posts:

tootssweet · 14/04/2017 09:02

Well done to all of you who ran! I recently ran my first half & I'm not sure I could double it! Paris does sound amazing - was it fairly flat? Could be tempted though 2018's is on the same day as dc's birthday

Bloggybollocks · 14/04/2017 07:49

I know it's very frustrating. Especially as I know 3 people who all got a place, applied in a moment of 'I'm going to do something amazing in 2017'! Type fervour, then all pulled out, because of course, once they realise how much training and dedication is actually required they panic! Oh well, there's always next year....

AgreeableH · 13/04/2017 21:59

I've signed up for one next march, and a half later on this year. Loved Paris but it's too close to the one I've already booked next year- I thought it was fab :)

Shame London is so over subscribed that we all have to go overseas for a chance at a marathon

Bloggybollocks · 13/04/2017 19:48

Can't believe I've just found this thread! We were in Paris for the marathon too, I don't run, unless I'm being chased, but my husband did it. He's never done one before, entered London but didn't get a place so opted for Paris instead.
we went with our children and the whole experience was brilliant, the apartment we stayed in, the race organisation, spectating etc. I think he's definitely going to run it again next year and do a couple more in the meantime too. Is anyone planning their next marathon? Or is it too soon to ask?!

DakotaFanny · 13/04/2017 19:14

I really don't think I could! But I have got the bug a bit (though my achey body is not so sure!!!)

AgreeableH · 13/04/2017 17:56

Do itDakota! I started only a year ago and did a half a few weeks before the whole. Sign up to something and then follow a programme to take the thinking work out of it, I used Hal Higdon novice 1 and worked very well :) x

DakotaFanny · 12/04/2017 19:12

Wow, you guys are amazing! I just started running this year and am doing my first 10K soon. You've totally inspired me! Well done all of you.

Tailwinds · 12/04/2017 19:02

Only just seen this thread! I did the marathon too, I loved it! It was my first marathon and I thought it was great even though I was terrified in the lead up. Thinking about signing up for next year!

AgreeableH · 11/04/2017 19:41

I just watched the video on the website and brought a lump to my throat! 2018 opens tomorrow ......

Sheusedtobesomeonelse · 11/04/2017 10:02

Just looked at my photos of sunday,what an amazing day it was!
I finished in 4h40 and didnt get the wall thingy until about 38-39km.
The huge hoses just saved me as i drenched myself in them. I was so worried about getting too hot i just wanted to be wet!
I felt geat yesterday, still on my high but last night all my aches and pains woke up in one go.. can't believe i did it!!

Just thinking about another one now..

Well done everyone !

AgreeableH · 10/04/2017 18:50

Thank you for your support star ! I was doing so well until just after the wall- the heat was just too much I think! Saw a lot of casualties :(

Starduke · 10/04/2017 14:46

Well done guys.

I was there cheering everyone on (I was positionned just after that ruddy drum band and before the wall at 30km)

Great atmosphere as ever though the bloody band started at 9am and didn't stop til 2.30pm and lovely and sunny - though a bit too hot.

confuzzled42 · 09/04/2017 19:35

Me again - different log in - I strolled in at 5.31 😱😖😳. It went wrong at mile 7! Still, it's done. Well done everyone and thanks again for the support.

AgreeableH · 09/04/2017 17:42

Well - I was closer to 5 than 430 sadly, all went Pete tong at mine 21! March of death or what through the last park! Well done all, what a hot but great day

Original poster

Flippetydip · 09/04/2017 06:29

Me too - although I have been crapping for England all day yesterday and today so am also shovelling Imodium down - too much wheat during the carb loading - stupid mistake! Praying I can finish or retire with dignity without crapping myself!

Good luck everyone and thanks for all the hand holding over the last months.

OP posts:

AgreeableH · 09/04/2017 05:32

Good luck all! Just shoving porridge down my gob....!

MaidOfStars · 08/04/2017 11:36

Good luck for tomorrow, everyone!

Original poster

Flippetydip · 08/04/2017 09:58

I'm here . Picked up my number yesterday. I felt extremely emotional seeing my friend's name on the wall.

I've done a short 1.5 miles or so this morning. And I'm utterly terrified!

OP posts:

AgreeableH · 04/04/2017 16:19

Also building my playlist and bouncing between panic and manic - can you tell :)!

AgreeableH · 04/04/2017 16:14

I feel gross munching all the carbs but can go back to being hungry after the marathon have you seen the weather? It's going to be boiling

Sheusedtobesomeonelse · 04/04/2017 14:14

I hope the distraction will be enough to spur me on - I must say i'm abit worried about running on cobbles though!

I've def. been thinking about the 9 min/1 min alternating and will keep that in mind !

I've been careful with bread but have been eating it - 100gr a day - OMG I have turned into someone who weighs their bread but i really didn't want to do all the training to blow it on diet!

MaidOfStars · 03/04/2017 16:20

And I guarantee Paris will be a whole lot more distracting than the glory of east Manchester.....

MaidOfStars · 03/04/2017 16:19

I didn't really carb load, certainly not on purpose anyway. I have been so used to restricting carbs (I tend towards high protein-high fat) that having a pasta dish where the pasta hadn't been watered down with courgetti felt like a real indulgence. And eating bread? I was wild So I probably went from low carb to normal carb.

And chocolate. Didn't even think twice

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