On 28 January 2024, I ran my second marathon of the year. Once again, I joined Phoenix Running Events on the tow path at Walton-on-Thames. This time, the theme was unicorns, so naturally, I wore one of my Boston Marathon tops for the occasion. This was my 148th event for the 100 Marathon club, including 129 marathons, 12 ultra marathons, and 7 Ironman.
I was given a lift to the start, which meant I was available to start at 06:30. The Thames Path was pitch black, and I took the first 2 of 8 laps very slowly as I navigated the route wearing a head torch. I always use these events as training and progressively slow down each lap, but with 2 slower laps at the start, I actually had more energy at the end to finish stronger. The aim is always to finish feeling like I’ve had a good training run, not race effort, so it was good to finish feeling particularly good.
During the first 2 laps, there were about 7 of us, only seen as we passed each other with our head torches. I took the head torch off as I started the 3rd lap, just after 07:30, and over the next hour, it got much busier. It is always good seeing lots of friendly faces coming and going. Other marathon runners, those running an ultra, to those turning up for 1 lap. Those I lap, and those that lap me. There is always an added element of mystery with pedestrians walking dogs or going on a family outing.
I finished in 04:17:18, feeling good, just needing to warm up a little. A lovely medal is usually expected at Phoenix, and a good long run. Now, I would love another Boston medal to add to my collection, but for now, this is the only unicorn I will be adding for a while. I’m not in any sort of shape to get a Boston Qualifier. It will come again, but not just now.
Unfortunately, on the way home, we were involved in an accident, then with further bad news later in the day, it really changed the direction of the day. Fortunately, everyone was OK, but sometimes things in life are put into perspective. So live every moment, surround yourself with those you love, and create positivity everywhere you go. Life is too short to fill it with anything but love.
pickupthepacepaul 