|
|
|
|
Maraton Costa del
Pacifico, Vina del Mar, Chile
7th December 2008 At 4:15 am the first of four alarms sounded in the darkened hotel room. After 25 hours of travelling before our arrival at 2pm the day before, Patrick and I were leaving nothing to chance. 90 minutes later we started the long drive to the start up the coast in buses with other runners as a grey dawn slowly broke over the Chilean coast and countryside. |
|
|
Patrick and I were running the
marathon as the Latin American leg of the Grand Slam which involves a
marathon on every continent and the North Pole. The timing of the race fitted really well with heading to Antarctica – even if it did mean we would be running two marathons in less than a week. The start was marked by an inflatable arch marked “Partida”, some traffic cones and three portaloos on a dusty road by some ramshackle buildings in the middle of nowhere. The race started exactly on time simultaneously from three locations (10k, half marathon, marathon) along the course – a very neat way of only needing one clock at the finish ! About 500 people started the marathon and we placed ourselves near the back to avoid being swept along. My race plan was simple, keep it very steady and gentle with 5-1/2 minute kilometres and a heart rate around 130 bpm. It turned out to be a good guideline and I kept this routine for the whole race. Patrick’s plan was similar although he was happier to run closer to his normal pace. The route undulated more than expected and to preserve the legs I walked a number of the uphill sections. |
 |
 |
Another plan to keep it gentle
was to stop at each water / fruit station for some sustenance – the
oranges were simply fantastic – very juicy and oh, so tasty! And I also
carried a camera to take some snaps along the way, The route became more scenic and interesting as it progressed. Dull countryside gave way to an industrial area before reaching some scenic views with birds singing and pleasant smells. The views came from the hills of course with long slow climbs and falls. It remained grey overhead and the 21 C temperature gave much better running conditions than we expected. I chatted with several runners on the way who were very friendly and appreciated the encouragement. I also met with the third Antarctic runner in the race – Delbert – an American professor raising huge funds for his university’s education funds. In the last third of the route we joined the Pacific Ocean with good views and at one point I heard sealions barking – wonderful ! It became gradually more built up and with houses came increasing levels of support as the finish line neared. I crossed the line in 3hrs 50 mjn, the mission to run the marathon and preserve my legs complete. Patrick arrived soon after in 3 hr 54 min feeling very pleased and relaxed after a good run. |
|
The finish was well laid out with
plenty of water, fruit and drinks to hand. The free massages were very
welcome – a great way to start the recovery process. The Maraton Costa del
Pacifico was a wonderful, well organised and friendly event. One day
after the legs feel great. Bring on Antarctica !! |
|
 |
|
 |
|
