"I'm too sexy for this shirt", marathon, with Saturn Running, 05.10.2024
For lots of reasons, I didn't feel up to a big run today, but I did want to celebrate (northern) James' 300th marathon. So I made myself go, had a good run, and a brilliant time celebrating James' achievement. The run was from Staines, along the River Thames, and it was really beautiful and peaceful in the sunshine with the leaves starting to turn autumnal.
"Jelly Cat Run", marathon, with Saturn Running, 06.10.2024
Back to Staines for another celebration, for Amanda's 100th marathon. There was a lot of cake, a chat-athon with Sarah, more cake, some running, and lots of celebrating.
"Oktoberfest Friday, 29.5 miles with Phoenix Running, 11.10.2024
A misty, sunny, chilly morning, and 29.5 miles completed, for my 350th official marathon/ ultra.
The Palma Marathon, Majorca, 20.10.2024
Return trip to Palma, after Sarah and I had such a good time out there last year, and this time Amanda came along too!
We caught a flight from Gatwick late Friday morning....which actually turned into early Friday afternoon once the plane had been delayed due to fog (which was fine - just meant more time for chatting). On arriving, we caught the A1 bus into Palma, and checked into the Hotel Artmadams ... and got the exact same room as last year! The hotel is sort of a fusion of hotel/art gallery, and it had some new pieces since last year, and a new exhibition.
Saturday we picked up our numbers from the race Expo, bought some matching running tops to wear back home, and then did the guided walking tour that the marathon organisers put on for participants. We had the same guide as last year! A very interesting and informative tour. We fuelled up with poké bowls at Poké Mania, and caught an early night.
Sunday, the marathon started at 8am, and it's a about a 20 minute walk to the start from the hotel. We got there around 7.20, braved the portaloos, which were actually not bad, and then got stuck in the queue for the new wardrobe (aka drop bag) system, missed the mass start, and everyone was starting in dribs and drabs.
Once we finally got going, all was well, and it was an excellent run. It's my third time here, 2012, 2023 and 2024, and I've loved every one.
There are 9km, half marathon and marathon distances as part of the event. The marathon is two loops, first going west along the marina and back, then east along the coast, and back for a wiggly meander around the old town. It's a lovely route, with plenty to see. The aid stations are well stocked with water, isotonic drinks, bananas, and gels, and the volunteers are brilliant. The event also has great crowd support and music on the way around. It was pretty hot, up to 29oC! So a toasty and altogether enjoyable run. Great to see Bushy, Jasvir, Martin and Dawn on the way round, and to catch up with Zophanie at the end.
The rest of the time there, we spent refuelling, sightseeing, and chatting and it was the best fun - thanks Sarah and Amanda for a wonderful weekend!
