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Sunday, April 13, 2008
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Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Official finish time 4.29 hrs
4:11 am, woke up and realized it was too early to get up. Fortunately was able to force myself to sleep again, this time waking a little later than I wanted, waking up at 7:15 am. Now there was an obvious rush to get ready. Had a quick cup of tea followed by a bowl of flavoured oatmeal follwed by a quick shower. Paris had been unusually cold over the last few days, the temperature was expected to be around 32 F with a gentle breeze. There is one obvious advantage living in Green Bay and that is tolerance to run in cold. For the top I wore a long sleeve Sport Hill vest along with a wind 
breaker. For the bottom Reebok tights with a wind breaker. After bidding good byes to my wife and kids , equipped with my Garmin forerunner watch, 4 packs of Powerade Gel and one bar of Kellogs Protein bar I was soon headed to the starting line up to meet the rest of Green Bay Gang. The scene at Champs Elysees was unbelievable, it was humming with activity. Met up with
Mark, Michong and Yoon posed for a photograph and then made my way to the area assigned for runners aiming to finish in around 4.30 hrs. Standing for the run to start I was submerged in the cacophony of different languages, runners of different shapes and sizes. It was quite cold and I was glad that I had made a decision to wear 2 layers. It was a surreal feeling realizing that the big day had finally arrived . There was a loud sound, the race had begun at exactly 8.45 am although it took quite a while I started moving towards the starting mark, and soon the race was on. 
Race route on Google Map click here
Mile 1-5 : Start on Champs Elysees towards Concorde, which is the largest square in Paris. . The obelisk in the center is covered with hieroglyphs picturing the reign of pharaohs. It is a amazing landmark. The Rue de Rivoli extends onto Bastille. It was amazing to see the mammoth crowds, and the support afforded by them. There were bands playing on the sides, and Parisians were looking from their
apartments on the runners running by. I kept my pace in check, not allowing the temptation to go fast into my head as I knew it could later cost me dearly. The cobbled portion of the streets was little difficult. Passed by Louvre museum. Stopped at the 5 km water stop for a bottle of water to be used later. Mile 5-10: I had settled into the race and the apprehension was easing off. Paris has been extremely well planned, I just couldn't believe how beautiful it was. The next major land mark was the Place de Bastille
onto Bois De VincennesMile
onto Bois De VincennesMile 10-15: Running through a wooded belt, Parc de Paris, the hustle of the city was gone. I had been taking the powerade gels as planned at every five mile mark. Also kept myself well hydrated.
Mile 15-20: Running partly in the wooded belt lgave way to the area where the Notredame is located. All along the route there had been groups of bands
playing.
Mile 20-25: With half of marathon finished I felt better, I have to admit there was some fatigue setting in. The race course suddenly let onto some cobbled streets onto the road adjoining Seine river. This calmly
flowing river is very picturesque.
Mile 25-30: Course continued adjoining the Seine river with multiple over headed bridges where people had lined up to cheer us on. There were many underpasses, one of them particularly long. The approach to the underpasses was generally easy however the exit was always tough, I hated running up the steep gradient. Some runners preferred to walk that segment. The 3oth mile mark was just opposite the Eiffel tower. I stopped for a drink and suddenly felt a severe pain in my left knee I was surprised at this, walked a few steps and felt worse. I couldn't understand this pain as my left kn
ee had not been issue during my training. Realizing the pain had started when I stopped for a drink, I took a chance to " run of the pain". Initially I felt it won't work but then gradually the pain got better. By now I was getting hungry I ate a date and the Kellogs protein bar which I had brought along.
playing.Mile 20-25: With half of marathon finished I felt better, I have to admit there was some fatigue setting in. The race course suddenly let onto some cobbled streets onto the road adjoining Seine river. This calmly
flowing river is very picturesque.Mile 25-30: Course continued adjoining the Seine river with multiple over headed bridges where people had lined up to cheer us on. There were many underpasses, one of them particularly long. The approach to the underpasses was generally easy however the exit was always tough, I hated running up the steep gradient. Some runners preferred to walk that segment. The 3oth mile mark was just opposite the Eiffel tower. I stopped for a drink and suddenly felt a severe pain in my left knee I was surprised at this, walked a few steps and felt worse. I couldn't understand this pain as my left kn
ee had not been issue during my training. Realizing the pain had started when I stopped for a drink, I took a chance to " run of the pain". Initially I felt it won't work but then gradually the pain got better. By now I was getting hungry I ate a date and the Kellogs protein bar which I had brought along. 
Had just crossed the Eiffel Tower, which was near to the start line. However there was still a big loop around to the finish. Only the other day me, Anu, and the kids had walked from our apartment to the Eiffel Tower and it had seemed so near. The real race had just begun. My left knee pain appeared to be better. I decided I would not stop at any water stations from now on. The end seemed so near however I still knew I had a mountain to climb. Running a marathon, now seemed like a “freaking” crazy idea, I now knew why some well wishers in my office had contemplated a psych consult to help me get over this obsession. I was very hungry . One of my colleague's comment “You are going to Paris to run a marathon??? that's crazy!I would go there to eat”. Seemed to be so true. Here I am in the culinary capital of the world, running past bakeries stocked with the best of macaroon
s, crepes, and croissants, I can’t have them at least for now. Not finishing the run was out of question. I knew I had to do it. No matter how determined you are, the body wants to give up on you. Fortunately the terrain was fairly level and was in a very scenic part..............I knew the Arc De Triumphe was nearby but still couldn't’t see it. There was definitely more medical presence in the last few miles, ambulan
ces, paramedics helping people. The fear of getting injured, getting sick, was definitely at the back of my mind how ever I felt reasonably well. In fact better then when I had finished my half marathon in Appleton, Wisconsin, which was strange. I definitely didn’t want to make headlines in a foreign land. The young man from Kaukana, Wisconsin who died recently after finishing a marathon was definitely in my mind. I
have to admit I did not push my self too hard, fearing a bad outcome. The last few miles definitely appear to be the longest. The scenery, the crowds, the bands suddenly didn't seem to matter. It was a lonely personal battle. There were multiple wine stops for the runners, reminding me this is Paris where wine is often cheaper than water. I guess the celebrations had already begun for some runners or may be it helped allay the pain. And at last it was the last mile, I knew this is going t
o be a special day in my life, I felt good that I am going to finish my first marathon, suddenly all the long training seemed so worthwhile. ........crossed the finish line. It was over....couldn't believe it.....the sun had come out and it was getting a little warm. The mood of all runners was very sombre, I guess the fatigue had taken its toll. Collected my medal and started looking for my family.Post Run: When the rest of the Green Bay gang arrived at the finish line, my wife thought I will not be showing up for a little while she took the kids to the the nearby Arc De triumph. I looked for them at the designated spot with no avail. Took us 2hrs, before we got together.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Short Report: I completed "The Paris Marathon". Click here for details. Unofficial time between 4:20 and 4:30 hrs. Part of the data was lost when Satellite Link with my Garmin 305 watch failed as the marathon route involved few underpasses one of which was quite long. The official time is still not out. Stay tuned for a complete report once back in U.S. And now its time to celebrate. Thank you all for your support.
Posted from Paris, France
Friday, April 5th-Collected my running bib and T-Shirt at the marathon expo, which was very well organized. It was quite crowded. did splurge on a jacket. My excitement was quite obvious to Mark, Michong, Yoon who have all ran marathons before. I must confess that I remain apprehensive, having never run a full marathon before. The day otherwise had been quite hectic visiting the famous Louvre Museum, laying eyes on the Mona Lisa and Ven
us de Milo. We also saw the amazingly beautiful Cathedral de Notre Dame. 2 cans of beer and a hearty pasta meal was what I needed at the end of the day. The most surprising find so far has been my wife's French speaking skills, although limited, it goes a long way here.Saturday, April 6th- Pre-Race Pasta dinner was at Michong and Matt Fuch's beautiful apartment. As per Gail's advice I did have some beer. Gail is a nurse who works in coronary care unit, a seasoned marathoner. Aim is to get to bed early. I got a lot of attention for my wife today, I know I shouldn't get used to it. She and my kids are more nervous than I am. Early in the day we visited Montmarte, a beautiful neighborhood in Paris, with its steep hills, staircase cobbled streets and sweeping views. Also saw Sacre Coeur via the bustling place du Tetre. Once we got there this white wedding cake cathedral drew our gasp as it first hovered into view. The mosaics inside on the ceiling, walls and the floor are incredible. No photography is allowed inside, outside it afforded some
panoramic views of Paris. A big group of marathoners were also present there posing for the photographs on the steps outside. Started raining so we skipped visiting Milan Rouge although on the way back Anu, my wife did pick up a bottle of champagne......? For the post race celebration. I hope we get to use it.Thursday, April 3, 2008
Completed my last training run at none other place than Champs Elysees. It was a short run of 2.1 miles, early in the day although the traffic had already started to be heavy. I saw some other runners probably also participating in Sunday's run. Well I guess that is it, I have at least completed my training and rest would be known in 3 days from now. I feel good with no major aches, my toe nails are already jet blue so they can't get any worse. Arrived in Paris on Wednesday, Apr. 2nd . , we are staying in a v
ery beautiful apartment near the Arc de Triumphe. It is a wonderful experience living like Parisians. Met up for dinner with the Green Bay gang, Michong, Matt Fuchs, Dr. and Mrs. Reinke and Dr. Chun today. Michong, Drs. Reinke and Chun are also participating in Sunday's run.Posted from Paris, France
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