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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.

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Original poster
Flippetydip · 13/03/2017 20:43

Don't worry - found it.

I did a 20 mile race yesterday. Did the first half too quickly and second half too slowly. Really struggled towards the end. Finished it in 3:32 which could've been worse but it didn't give me confidence for the marathon!

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Original poster
Flippetydip · 13/03/2017 16:42

Sorry agreeable I'm being really dense - but I can't find it on the website to download. Where abouts is it? I see "convocation" but it's telling me it's unavailable.

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AgreeableH · 10/03/2017 06:24

Yes downloaded it from website and took to GP, who signed and stamped it. I have a half marathon race next week so doing the mileage this week then taper from Saturday:) wow can't believe I'm there! I'd have preferred to do a long one this week though

confuzzled42 · 09/03/2017 22:33

It'll be fine I'm sure. Are you doing a final long run next weekend? I'm going to see how this one goes I think.

(Sorry - me again with random log-in from phone!). I still haven't got my Med cert sorted - did you just download it from the website?

AgreeableH · 09/03/2017 19:54

So I am following Hal higdon intermediate 2, the 3x10 is my own modification as I can't fit the long one in this weekend and had to swap a few things about so hoping at least if I hit the weekly mileage even if split differently will help. Here is a link :) www.halhigdon.com/training/51138/Marathon-Novice-2-Training-Program

Original poster
Flippetydip · 09/03/2017 12:02

My recovery drink is banana whizzed up with milk -terribly unscientific but it seems to work - well, no idea, can't tell the difference to be honest!

3 x10 sounds much more bearable than 20. So, your 20 will be four weeks out. I might have a look at your training plan! Although I know it's a bit late to be changing now!

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AgreeableH · 07/03/2017 19:52

Ah how lovely of your dad :)

I did the 20 and am going to do 3x10 this week, then next weekend have a half marathon race, and after that taper... so am going in with only a 17/18.5 and a 20 under me... hope it's enough. Well it will have to be ha! I also tried SIS rego recovery powerer (you make a shake with water) and it was so great for recovering- highly recommend it.

Glad to hear you are back in the game!

Original poster
Flippetydip · 07/03/2017 14:45

I'm in the process of entering a 20 miler for this Sunday and will then try 20/22 the week after. I'm hoping that doing a race will mean it's a bit less boring than doing it on my own - but I'm not going to going fast by any stretch of the imagination. I've kind of consoled myself with the idea of walking a bit. It's fine.

What have you got left in terms of long runs? I'm figuring two more then I taper ;)

And I knew it - having said I never have problems with my feet I got a blister after my run on Saturday!

I'm staying in Air BnB with my Dad so will get stuff in for dinner the night before and then let my Dad sort us out after the race as I will be fit for nothing!

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AgreeableH · 07/03/2017 14:23

How's it going flipperty? Sorry didn't see that you were a long time runner - even better - you know the pain of long runs and still choose to keep going :) just saw that many restaurants/ boulangeries are closed on Sundays so I'm looking at dinner for after too.... basically anything to avoid thinking about the actual race! Did 20 this weekend, was hard and not fun. Had to walk a bit too :( hope my legs lighten up....

Original poster
Flippetydip · 03/03/2017 09:13

Getting better - although still a bit sore. I'm not a new runner, rather randomly - I've been running for years, but always peaked at half marathon length. I've slowed down dramatically this year which is a bit of a crapper.

Ah well, we'll see how it goes!

Flip flops? Hadn't even thought of that. Of all the things that play up at the end of a long run, my guts, legs and back are top of the list, my feet never give me any bother at all! (I really hope that hasn't put the death knoll on it!)

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AgreeableH · 03/03/2017 08:41

I had a similar issue in the same place as you (must be a new runner thing!) and it was down to running on my toes rather than 'rolling the foot' from mid foot to front, that makes no sense when I write it but it was all to do with the shock from each step having a knock on effect on that top back part of the thigh.

Yes I think we have lost the plot :) I'm already thinking what to pack in my post race bag- flip flops at th top of the list!

Original poster
Flippetydip · 02/03/2017 09:39

Actually having panicked majorly it feels marginally better this morning and the pain has moved (which actually seems to be a positive thing to me!). The physio said it wasn't a tear and then gave it a good working over. He recommended seeing how it went (not very useful) but I think I'm going to give it a few days off and perhaps go swimming tonight instead of running.

I will miss one of my long runs but I guess I'll just keep it up and see what happens. Frankly as long as I get round I'm not that bothered. I am never doing another marathon, that's for sure!

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AgreeableH · 01/03/2017 21:03

Oh no :( x see what the physio says - hope it's not too serious, I'm sure a good rest will help - good luck!

Original poster
Flippetydip · 01/03/2017 10:47

I'm injured Sad. No idea what to do. I'm going to see a physio tonight to see what I can do with it. It's the muscle between my butt cheek and my hamstring. I can hardly walk today. 6 weeks out - really, this is about the worst possible timing.

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AgreeableH · 28/02/2017 08:00

This is about my 3rd user name - I don't come on for a while and i forget my alias Blush toearly thanks for the tips! Are you still running now? The loos are what worry me..I'm sure will be fine!

confuzzled42 · 27/02/2017 23:11

toearly thanks for those pointers - not sure I can eat anything going round - my stomach is a terrible runner! I really must get my Med cert sorted. agreeable I'm sure you're right about the medical it's just paranoia. I'm about half an hour behind you - am hoping for 4.30 but more likely to be 5 or 5.15 but I would like to finish it. It will be what it'll be I guess.

Oh and sorry about the odd username - this is the OP but have lost my other log-in - doh

ToEarlyForDecorations · 27/02/2017 20:36

I did the Paris Marathon in 2010.

You will have to collect the race pack the day before in Paris. Allow time for this as it's a busy hall. Have your medical certificate with you to hand in. Some people take a chance on the authorities not checking (they don't.) Basically they forge it !

Fill in the next of kin, emergency phone number, blood group etc on the back of your race number as soon as you can. If you leave it to the morning of the race you will be to nervous to remember things. My hands were shaking so much with nerves I had to ask my husband to tie my shoes laces for me.

I should have deliberately worn the consolation jacket that I got when I got turned down for a place on the London Marathon to keep warm at the start of the Paris Marathon.

Halfway round the course there's segments of orange and raisins. The wine and little pieces of cold sausage are available a couple of miles from the finish line.

It was my first marathon. I wanted to do it in under five hours but had to settle for it being 5hrs 37 minutes. The lady putting the finishers medal over my head and around my neck is a lifetime memory.

Oh, I made a point of taking a croissant with me on the course what with it being Paris.

On crossing the finishing line and meeting up with my husband I had the most unusual but powerful craving for beer ! Not bad for someone who doesn't really like it or drink it !

At the start of the race people will discard the bin bags they were wearing or the sweatshirts and just leave them on the road. Mind you don't trip over on them.

AgreeableH · 27/02/2017 20:13

Ah I think if it would settle your mind go for the full medical, but you've done 2/3 of the distance so I recon you will be a ok :)

In an ideal world closer to 4 hours, my pace is about 930 when I'm doing long runs, but it could all go horribly wrong and in that case just finishing is the main goal. I'm in the 430 (pink?) pen I think.

What about you?

I'm so nervous too but worst case we can run / walk to get through it!!

Original poster
Flippetydip · 27/02/2017 09:13

I have to do 20 this weekend as well - I'm just comforting myself with the thought that everyone has a bad run, I just hope that was mine at the weekend.

I still haven't done my medical cert - I really must get that sorted out - we have a lovely GP at our church who is happy to sign me off!

I have to say, having never done a marathon before I am slightly afraid of dying. I think given what happened to my friend (hence the original reason for this post) it just plays on my mind a lot. I wonder if I should get a proper medical somewhere or whether that is just overkill.

Anyway, in 6 weeks time it will all be done. I am petrified!

What time are you hoping to do the marathon in?

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AgreeableH · 27/02/2017 08:06

We would have been out at the same time! Mine was ok, I only did one run in the week (8) which I think helped, as legs weren't to tired. some weeks fitting in the multiple short ones is a pain! I'm supposed to to 20 at the weekend, eek.

I did start very slow on Friday and just thought of getting the miles out the way rather than pace, and listened to radio rather than the running playlist which helped with the distraction.

Original poster
Flippetydip · 26/02/2017 20:33

Hiya - took the day off on Friday to do 17.5 - it was beyond hideous. I hated it. How on earth I'm going to get another 9 on top I have no idea!

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AgreeableH · 19/02/2017 18:29

Oh PS I've missed some training runs too which I know isn't great but I've stopped beating myself up about it, and I think if I miss one it's the extra motivation needed for the next one! Taking a day off work this week to run 19 ( birthdays weddings hens etc are taking up a lot of my weekends at the moment!)

So hard to fit it in isn't it..... but we are doing it and that's what counts :) x

AgreeableH · 19/02/2017 18:26

Hello! Sorry I stopped watching the thread by accident! I'm using SIS as well, not sure I love them either but getting used to them and I think they do pick you back up and ready to face the next 5/10 miles.

I am following the hal higdon intermediate plan, haven't had too many niggles but did have a sports massage earlier in Feb, at which the therapist(?) also helped me assess my stride and pointed out why certain muscles were being over used - very worth the £50!

I've been getting emails about training programs etc from schnieder but I think that may be as I downloaded the app? Nothing specific via email, I think we just have to get everything off the website.

Have you got your medical certificate yet? I got one out of my GP (and no cost!) but he was a bit grumbly about it as 'it's a legal document' despite my airy chat about it just being a bit of French burocracy!

Original poster
Flippetydip · 16/02/2017 14:43

Oh and by the way - have you received anything from Paris yet? I only had my initial confirmation email about 8 months ago and that's it.

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Original poster
Flippetydip · 16/02/2017 14:42

Agreeable - how's it going?

My Achilles tendon is starting to niggle. I'm on a "down" week this week anyway so only have to do 7.5 at the weekend which is better.

17.5 next weekend though.

Gels - meh, I'm using SIS GO gels but I'm not actually sure whether they do any good or not.....

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