Antoine

I am 30 years old, I've truly started to run regularly 2-3 years ago. I am primarily searching for pleasure and not necessarily for timing results.

A somewhat busy beginning of September. In reality, these downtime periods in my preparation have allowed me to regain a certain serenity and consistency once back on my training routes. The following weeks went better, so I considered the future with more hope.

The start is given, I decide to start a little more cautiously as I didn't warm up. From the 17th, I increased my pace slightly and found myself, until the 25th km, at a pace close to 5'55"/km. At this precise moment, I tell myself that I've never run this many km.

Around the 28th km, I begin to feel a stiffness in my calf. I decide to ease up a bit. In the meantime, I also feel that managing my fueling allows me to recover, here and there, the necessary energy to maintain a good pace.

Here we are at the 36th km, I pay attention to sensations and find myself running in 5'30/45" during the last 5/6 km. I cross the line in a time of 4h17 and then experience an indescribable feeling of pride and personal accomplishment. 😁

In life, we sometimes feel the urge to challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zone. It is precisely what pushed me, during the summer, to register for this marathon. It's decided: it will be Italy, and more precisely, Florence. The possibility to run quite late in the year, while having the opportunity to visit, along the way, this magnificent city and finally, the seemingly hyper-pro organization comforted me in this choice.

Regarding my relationship with running, it is normal. I am 30 years old, I truly started running more regularly 2-3 years ago. Since then, I've run the Brussels 20 km twice. I am primarily searching for pleasure and not necessarily for timing results. I currently prioritize a team sport 🏑 on the side. 

I started my preparation around July 20. In May, I ran the Brussels 20 km for the second time achieving a time of 1h42. After that, I stopped running for a good month, maybe more. 😬 I indeed dragged a little something with my knee... which I postponed dealing with. I told myself it would fade over time. But when I started the plan (with a short reshaping at first), the pain was still present. An ultrasound eventually revealed the onset of iliotibial band syndrome (note to self: Antoine, listen more to your body!).

I then underwent a few physiotherapy sessions while continuing the plan, but I spared my body somewhat. This explains why I sometimes missed one or another workout. Also, this period coincided with the resumption of training in my team sport, and I must admit it's not always easy to reconcile that with running. In short, fortunately, over time, the pain eventually subsided... We were then in September. I admit I still had a lot of doubt: would the pain come back? Could the missed workouts work against me? 🤔

A somewhat busy beginning of September since I planned a 3-4 day bikepacking trip and then a week-long hike on the Camino de Santiago... In reality, these downtime periods in my preparation have allowed me to regain a certain serenity and consistency once back on my training routes. The following weeks went better, so I considered the future with more hope. Given the hiccups and other setbacks encountered at the beginning, it allowed me not to panic. ✌️ 

When I indicated the references of my last 20km on the platform, the initial goal was set below 4 hours. However, I modified the parameters to aim for a softer goal of +/- 4h15. I do not regret it, here is why below. 

Prepare, plan, test... I followed these tips to the letter to avoid surprises on D-Day. I am thinking particularly of fueling, attire... and all those things that can influence a race, even minimally, sometimes.

At this level, I presented myself on the starting line relatively calm. And at the same time, stress was not far: will you manage to achieve your goal? will your body hold up? will you hit the wall head-on? Whatever, the start is approaching, and I have very little control now over those things... The start is given, I decide to start a bit more cautiously as I didn't warm up. Next to me, there's a guy dressed as a wizard, entertaining the crowd.

I check my watch fairly often (that's my problem, I still have trouble trusting my pace), and until the 16th km, my pace is a tad lower (at 6'05"/km) than the set goal. From the 17th, I increased my pace slightly and found my pace close to 5'55"/km until the 25th km. At this precise moment, I tell myself I've never run this many km. Indeed, my longest distance before was 23 km.

Around the 28 km, I begin to feel a stiffness in my calf. I feel that if I run too fast, I could pay for it... I decide to ease up a bit and drop back to 6'05/10"/km. In the meantime, I also feel that managing my fueling allows me to recover, here and there, the necessary energy to maintain a good pace. Besides, I take the time to walk 10-15 seconds at the refuels, all while drinking.

Here we are at the 36th km, I have passed the 30 threshold for some time, and I am apprehensive of this wall everyone talks about. I also know that I have less than 10 km left before the finish line, and the sensations of calf pain are becoming less present. I feel somewhat like I'm growing wings, and it becomes increasingly difficult to stick to the initially set pace.

I pay attention to sensations and find myself running in 5'30/45" during the last 5/6 km. Of course, the muscle pains are there, but they don't stop me from running faster than expected. The final atmosphere and support also greatly helped. I cross the line in a time of 4h17 and then experience an indescribable feeling of pride and personal accomplishment. 😁

I greatly appreciated the advice distilled, here and there, throughout the 19-week plan: it's clear and reassuring. Similarly, I liked the gradual nature of the workouts. Thank you to the Campus and the team for the impeccable follow-up!

I am quite eager to repeat the experience and aim, why not, for a time under 4 hours. But tomorrow is another day. 😜 As I told you, I am not running after it... even if the challenge, whatever it might be, allows surpassing oneself. That's what I take away from this experience. A few years ago, I would never have thought of being able to do a marathon. Today, I'm here. It's silly, but I smile saying that. 🙃