Rome Marathon

Hello ladies and gents.

In these blog posts I want to write about things that interest me. My hope is that these things will interest you also.

But that may remain to be seen. So please feel free to provide me with honest feedback.

In today’s blog I am going to reflect on my experiences on my first ever marathon in Rome back in March.

I’m an enthusiastic runner, albeit not always a very successful one.

This was epitomised by my training. All was going to plan until disaster struck 6 weeks from marathon day where I pulled my calf on an easy run in Richmond Park.

Needless to say, this derailed my training programme and I had to take a few weeks off from running.

Reaching the start line on race day was now touch and go.

However, a combination of rest, light stretching and foam rolling helped me to recover just in time.

I made the start line and eased myself into the race, running the first 5km in 30 minutes.

The calf felt good and I gradually progressed into the race, building my pace throughout.

I can tell you from experience that it is much easier to start slow and get gradually quicker, than to start too fast and desperately hold on for the rest of the race.

While I was feeling smug as I approached the half-way point, there were clearly people suffering around me.

Not just from the pain of the run. I was surprised to see quite a few people actually bleeding.

I couldn’t help but notice the sea of polyester at the start line. Vest, t-shirts, shorts aplenty were made from what can sometimes be an abrasive material.

I saw so many people running in the latter stages on the race who were bleeding at the nipples, back, inner things from where their polyester-based sportswear was rubbing.

My good friend Alfie and I wore our Kata Essential Tee. The natural fibres make bamboo material incredibly soft, meaning we were completely comfortable throughout.

Anyway, the race progressed and all of a sudden, I was 5-6km from the finish.

At this point, the race felt like it was never going to end. The kilometres dragged on and on.

But with some perseverance, I ran past the Colosseum and the finish line came into sight.

I crossed the line in a bit of a daze, perhaps not properly realising what I’d achieved.

My first ever marathon was complete. This was an achievement I wasn’t sure would have even been possible a few weeks prior.

Less that 1% of the world’s population will ever complete, so to be a part of that 1% is a special feeling.

Rome was the perfect location for my first ever marathon. A city full of history. I believe it would have been rude not to celebrate with a post-run pizza and a beer.

I then spent the evening drinking €5 cocktails and admiring the Trevi Fountain.

It will come as no surprise to you that this is not the most optimal form of recovery. I spent the next morning limping around the Vatican City, my legs completely beat!

But what an experience and a great way to get out and see a beautiful European city.

I’m not sure I have the marathon running bug yet, but I have put my name in the ballot for London 2024!

For me, this marathon was a project. Something to keep me focused and active during winter.

I’m a believer that life is about projects, however big or small.

So in conclusion to this blog post I’d like to ask, what is your current or next project? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for reading guys. Have a great week!

Caolan