Marathon de Paris Day 0 (Race Day)

Splits first (only have a 30 split watch): I started on the front wave for preferred and elites, 4 or 5 rows behind the elites. 337, 327, 330, 333, 333, 330, 336, 331, 333, 337 (3532 10km) It was all into a moderate wind, I wanted to catch a huge bunch ahead so did much of the work in our small group, I couldn't get there. 332, 335, 333, 339, 346 (5340 15km) There were some hills, I caught a female elite and we formed a small bunch. At 13km I had my first series of hamstring cramps. I immediately backed off the pace and started consuming gels. I had 4 in the first 25km. 350, 339, 338, 342, 336, 347 (7554 21.1km still sub 232 pace but looking unlikely) 343, 346, 354, 355, 403 (9537 25km) More hills, less wind, running out of carbohydrate already. 410, 404, 416, 415, 416  (116:40 30km) Now out of carbohydrate. Now out of splits. I ran at similar pace for 2km, with 10km to go I made a run for home but not much quicker, splits on 400. I calculated a final 10.2km in 41 minutes would give me roughly 2h46m. At 6.2 km to go a series of cramps started in both hamstrings. I would stop, pinch the muscle until it relaxed, start slowly and push on faster. If  I got out 1km I was lucky before the next started and the cobbles were no help at all. With 2.2km to go I only had to run 10 minutes to break 2h50. I had 5 cramps including 2 inside the last 300m.

Carol also had cramps starting at 13km and lasting the entire 42km. Probably the cramps were due to too hard too early in both cases, although we did use own brand electrolyte from a Decathlon sports store which tasted bad and was basically useless. I carried two small bottles filled with it for 10km which didn't seem to help at all.

The ankle was no problem. It is very sore now. I have two black toenails but did not notice running. I will be walking only this week. On my return I will see how things are and reassess. I am keen to get the ankle right before I push on again in May.