Remembering the run

Source: Marathon.is. 2016 Reykjavik Marathon.

In August I posted photos from the 2016 Reykjavik Marathon. Marathon.is recently published a set of race day photos on their website, which I am reposting here with some further thoughts on the run.

Source: Marathon.is. 2016 Reykjavik Marathon, 20 Aug 2016.

As one can see in the photos, we had a fantastic day for the marathon, bright blue skies, about 60 degrees. There were around 2500 people running the half-marathon and 1300 or so running the marathon, so the photo above shows close to 3800-4000 people running through the streets of Reykjavik. If I'm in the photo, I'll be in the back, not quite rounding the first corner. Seeing these photos takes me back to the start, with so many colors, people from all over the world, smiling faces and "Afram Island" cheers from the locals. It was a such a great start to the race.

Source: Marathon.is. 2016 Reykjavik Marathon.

Source: Marathon.is. 2016 Reykjavik Marathon.

I ran the first 10 miles on a very comfortable, solid pace and I was able to hold form through 16 miles. Around mile 18 I started to feel like I was breaking down, and by mile 21 my legs could no longer go. I had to walk. If I had stopped completely I think I might have pulled a muscle or had to be carted out of there. The walking helped prevent a major injury and at least I was still moving forward. I felt bad about walking, but there really wasn't an alternative. By mile 24 I could jog again, and I did finish at a decent run. Before running into trouble in the back half of the race I was on pace to go under 5 hours. I am still proud of my achievement even though I am not pleased with the time. I have a new respect for those who run the marathon, it is such a grueling event.

Source: Marathon.is. 2016 Reykjavik Marathon.

Source: Marathon.is. 2016 Reykjavik Marathon.

I probably will not run another marathon, but I definitely see more half marathons and 10k runs in the future. And if I never run another marathon, I'll have fond memories Iceland, the wonderful course and the people who made the event a great experience.