Grégory

The preparation went very well, with a few weeks being very easy and others quite hard. I think the Campus workout helped me progress more calmly over 18 weeks instead of abruptly over 12 weeks. I had no injuries.

First part of the race largely within the planned 04:45/km pace. Due to the heat, it was the first time I saw so many dropouts so early and fainting during a race. From the 24th km onwards, muscle aches began, whereas they usually appear around the 32nd km.

35th km, muscle aches and heat prevent me from holding on again; I walk, hydrate even more. Despite my physical condition, I encourage the other runners from the 21st km as I see everyone is suffering, sometimes incomparably worse than me.

Last left turn, the final straight line opens up to me, last kilometer, I encourage the other runners, as throughout the race, and put on a final push. we all signed up for this, to push ourselves, we are alone but together in this beautiful race, for 42.2 km, each with their ambitions, their challenge.

The preparation went very well, with a few weeks being very easy and others quite hard, but I always completed the workouts without failing or injury. Yes, I felt largely ready for the big day.

I aimed to finish in 1:18:30 over about 20 km, and it also served as the start of my preparation for my first marathon (Paris 2023) just before my 40th birthday 🙂

First part of the race largely within the planned 04:45/km pace. The cloud cover protected us well until the 18th km, but as soon as the sun appeared, I felt a crushing heat arrive suddenly.

Despite alternating every 2.5 km between my energy/iso/electro drink and the 50 cl of water at refreshment points, complemented by sponging every 5 km, the heat got to me and many runners. It was the first time I saw so many dropouts so early and fainting during a race.

From the 24th km onwards, muscle aches began, whereas they usually appear around the 32nd km. I kept my pace until the 28th km, dropping to 05:00/km until the 30th km. I walked at this refreshment point to help my body recover a bit more, then I set off again at a slower pace to attempt my second goal: to finish in 3h30.

Unfortunately, I knew it would be tough, another walk towards the 32nd km until the 3h30 pace leaders caught up with me. I then ran with them, telling myself I will try to go to the end.

35th km, muscle aches and heat prevent me from holding on again; I walk, hydrate even more, absorb a gel and a piece of bar. I go again but not at speed. From there, aiming for Finisher is essential, managing the end of the race to avoid cramps and injuries, suggesting a definite stop.

Despite my physical condition, I encourage the other runners from the 21st km as I can see everyone is suffering, sometimes incomparably worse than me. Every slight incline, up or down, the muscles suffer; I hold on, appreciating the simple things at the end of the course. As throughout the course, the locals cheer us on, and at the end, some sprinkle us with their hose! I thank them a million times! Misters were added at the last minute by the race organizers as well. Top-notch!

Arriving at the 39th km, I meet my parents, who see me "suffering" but much less than in 2019 (running 42 km with a pubalgia and setting a PR). I swallow the last gel and what remains of my drink; it gives me a good boost, allowing me to cover the 40th and 41st km faster, despite muscle aches from a much slower pace for the last 10! And I think... Perhaps I should have done this at the 35th?

Last left turn, the final straight line opens up to me, last kilometer, I encourage the other runners as throughout the race, and I put on a final push. we all signed up for this, to push ourselves, we are alone but together in this beautiful race, for 42.2 km, each with their ambitions, their challenge.

The line is crossed, I regret nothing, I gave it my all, I didn't quit despite the thought of doing so. Could I have done better? Not sure. Considering the exceptional weather, with no way to protect from the sun, I think the agreement is fully met, even though I didn't reach my original goal of 3h20-22. I still record a personal best with 3h33'48, having walked 4'10.

Was the Campus preparation a success? I believe it helped me progress more serenely over 18 weeks instead of abruptly over 12. I had no injuries, just needed to manage muscle aches after the intense weeks and handle my rest periods properly. My experience and knowledge of my body are also assets to know where my limits are and to push them. I think it was the overall strategy that allowed me to finish this marathon.

The approach aligns more with my personal philosophy of self-adapted training.