This time last week I had completed one of the proudest achievements of my life so far - the Paris Marathon. To beat the post-marathon blues I thought I would share a Paris Marathon review and a few of my memories with you that I will cherish forever.
The Paris Marathon 2015 was my very first marathon. I set off for Paris on the Friday travelling on the Eurostar from Ebbsfleet with my support crew of friends and family. We arrived in Paris at lunchtime and took our luggage to our accommodation which was in Bastille, only a short metro journey from the Gare du Nord train station in central Paris.
Salon du Running - Porte de Versailles
After a quick pit stop, I was really keen to head over to Porte de Versailles for the Salon du Running to hand in my medical certificate, collect my race number and Paris Marathon race goodies. Before any major city marathon there is usually an expo like this lasting a few days prior to the race which is basically where all the runners can start to absorb the atmosphere, pick up a few freebies and take a look at all the latest gadgets and running essentials.
Going into the Salon du Running and picking up my race number was when it suddenly hit me that I would be running a marathon that weekend! The names of all 54,000 runners were printed on a wall and you could find your name which was a great idea.There were lots of photo opportunities and loads of exhibitors to peruse.
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| Outside the Salon du Running |
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| Cheesy photo background |
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| My name amongst 54k other runners |
Race Day
On the day of the Paris Marathon I woke up feeling fresh, if a little nervous. The previous evening we had all stayed in our accommodation and my brother cooked a delicious spaghetti bolognese (the perfect pre-race carb loading meal) for us all to enjoy together and so that I could have an early night.
For my Paris Marathon breakfast I had my usual pre-run Ready Brek, cup of tea and fruit smoothie. Before a race it is really important that you do not change your usual routine. Throughout your training you will find what nutrition works best for you and that is the time to experiment, certainly not on race day as you want to be as focused as possible and not having to worry about having an upset tummy or feeling too full/ not full enough.
We set off to the start line which is on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées and I made my way to my starting pen to prepare for the race. The atmosphere was fantastic, with so many nervous and excited runners all getting ready to make their way to the start line. One thing to be aware of at the Paris Marathon is that there are not many porta-loos in the pens before the start line, so there were really long queues. There are lots of toilets along the course but many runners just did a Paula Radcliffe and used the sides of the roads or behind trees!
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| Runners preparing to make their way to the start line |
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A surreal experience making my way down the Champs-Élysées to the start line of the Paris Marathon after queuing for the toilet with many others and missing our pen being released - you can see all the kit the runners have left that was keeping them warm before the start
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The weather on the day of the Paris Marathon 2015 was really warm and sunny which was great for the spectators but was a little challenging for the competitors. The Paris Marathon race organisers were really well prepared, there were fuel stations every 5km throughout the race with water, bananas and even sugar cubes. Following these there were also cool-down zones with sponges and water as well as hoses spraying water over the runners to stop everyone from overheating.
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| Still in good spirits Between Mile 14 and 15 |
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| The finishing stretch of the Paris Marathon |
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| Great banners made by my support crew |
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| With my medal at The Arc de Triomphe |
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| My Finisher Tee and Medal |
The Paris Marathon 2015 was a fantastic event and the support throughout the race was brilliant. There were so many bands playing and there was even a DJ and laser lights in one of the tunnels! The atmosphere was amazing and kept everyone's spirits high.
The day was one that I will never forget and I am so lucky to have had such superb support from my family and friends who cheered me on at various points around the beautiful city of Paris and also to those who sent thoughtful messages of love and support. Thank you - you all helped me to make it to the finish line and complete the Paris Marathon!
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