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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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 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 · 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 · 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

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 · 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

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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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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iremembericod · 13/03/2017 20:51

I did it in 2015 and really 'enjoyed' it although there is none of the comedy of London with people dressed up as bananas etc. I found it quite a serious one, but the route makes up for it and there are some good time markers and I ran with the same group all the way and got the time the said I would!

I will say at 20 miles they have an ACTUAL wall, which I found to be a bit demotivating but hey, if you are prepared for that reminder that you are about to flake out, then you might not get the rage about it like I did :-)

I've total FOMO for all you guys suffering with the training. I'm injured at the moment and am slowly turning to jelly.

Enjoy and good luck.

AgreeableH · 14/03/2017 12:48

I just checked my 20 mile time in training and was 320! So we are not far off each other :) are you in the pink (slowest) corral? We will prob end up next to each other ha! Well done for racing it- that's very brave and will give you a tactical edge I'm sure. It's hard to remember to go slow at first. Must remember to pace! Thanks icod getting very close now!

Original poster
Flippetydip · 14/03/2017 13:03

If you can do 3.20 in training we are MILES off each other! That would have taken me about 5 hours if I'd have been on my own Grin.

My oh-so-fabulous GP's surgery won't sign my form in case I collapse and sue them......

I will see if I can persuade one of the friendly GP's a church to sign me off.

I am indeed in the slowest corral and will definitely remain there. After Sunday's effort I figuring I'm going to be closer 5 hours than 4.30!

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Original poster
Flippetydip · 14/03/2017 13:04

icod - I think the "actual wall" might make feel better. Kind of like everyone else is in the same hideous boat.

Hope your injury gets better soon.

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AgreeableH · 14/03/2017 13:30

I had heard that GPs would do this, I bluffed mine a bit talking about how it was just French beurocracy etc... then after he signed it he started flapping that it was a legal document.. and tried to charge me for the letter too cheeky so and so....

apparently loads of people fake them and no one cares worst case....

AgreeableH · 14/03/2017 13:31

Once you have decided your outfit you will have to let me know so we can look out for each other and know we are not alone ☺️X

Original poster
Flippetydip · 14/03/2017 13:42

Yes indeed! Who are you going over with and when are you getting there?

My dear old Dad is coming with me and we're heading out for Friday lunch time so I don't have to face the Expo on the Saturday.

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AgreeableH · 14/03/2017 14:55

I'm going with BF on Saturday (I know - dreading the expo!) as he had no holiday, would've much preferred Friday... doh!

AgreeableH · 22/03/2017 20:43

How's it all going flippety? Getting excited now! Are you tapering well? I did a half race last weekend and went pretty well, but I defo mentally tuned out the last mile or so.... a sign of things to come!

Original poster
Flippetydip · 22/03/2017 21:48

I did my last "long" run on Monday which was 18 miles. I struggled like crazy and am now beginning to question whether I'm actually going to make the 26.2. It's like a hideous mind game. I keep starting to quickly and then end up walking the last bit in agony.

So no, not excited but terrified. And I will be SO glad when it's over! (Bet you wish you'd never asked now don't you?!)

How are you doing?!

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Original poster
Flippetydip · 22/03/2017 21:49

Oh yes, and had a blood test and found I'm low haemoglobin and hyperthyroid - neither of which I'm sure, is helping!

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