Lisa Williams’ Paris Experience

“My day started at 6am with a warm shower before heading down to breakfast. I had a sachet of Oats So Simple in my hand ready to be mixed with hot water. I glanced at the delicious breakfast buffet before helping myself to a green tea to have after my porridge (i had to stick to my plan). My husband on the other hand tucked into a delicious breakfast of cereal, eggs and bacon followed by chocolate croissants and a cup of tea.

Taking the tube to the start was easy and straight forward. The start, near L’Arc de Triomphe, was already bustling with people and the atmosphere was charged with nervous energy. I easily found my starting section which was sign posted with purple coloured flags. Entering my ‘pen’ at 8am I immediately joined the queue to one of the only 2 port-a-loos (for over 4,000 runners). At this point there were about 35 people in front of me, both men and women. I guessed the men in the queue didn’t want to use the 2 urinal stands! After 30 minutes my stress was building and my heart beat rose when the elite race started and there was still 5 people in front of me waiting to use the toilet. Eventually, with only 1 minute to go before the main race start, I took a deep breath and entered the disgusting loo, peed as fast as I could and got out of there. 

Minutes later I was excitedly running down Ave Des Champs-Elysees towards Place De La Concorde. The route was wide and the pack was thick with thousands of runners, some French, American, Spanish, English and German. We passed the rear of Le Louvre down Rue de Rivoli towards Place De La Bastille. Noisy supporters lined the streets shouting words of encouragement. After the Bastille we travelled a few miles before entering Bois De Vincennes where we were treated to some greenery and a section alongside the river. Just after mile 7 we passed Chateau de Vincennes where a band played and supporters cheered us on. After a six mile loop of this area we headed back towards the centre of Paris and again past Place De La Bastille. Here, where the music was loud and the supporters several people deep, I heard my husband shouting my name. I waved excitedly and was amazed he managed to spot me. 14 miles in it was a boost, I was feeling comfortable and content.

The next section I didn’t particularly enjoy was the route under the Ponte Neuf through the tunnel. It was dark and warm and stifling and I was eager to exit as quick as possible but it seemed to be never ending. Emerging from the tunnel was like a breath of fresh air, literally, and the route continued alongside the river Seine passing Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris and Musee d’Orsay. After emerging from a shorter tunnel I was surprised to see Le Tour Eiffel on my left, I was past the 18 mile mark and still feeling comfortable.

After 21 miles we entered Bois De Boulonge (a large park in the west of the city). Here the route narrowed and I found I had to dodge around people and try and maintain a constant pace. By the 24 mile mark the route had widened and I settled in for the final 2.2 miles heading back towards L’Arc de Triomphe. My legs and lower back were starting to show some discomfort but I knew the hard work was done and all I had to do was relax, maintain good form and keep a comfortable pace.

I sympathised with the walkers and limpers that I passed in the final 2 miles, after all I had been one of them in London last year (memories of the pain I suffered with horrendous calf cramps in the 24th mile of London marathon were still in the recesses of my mind). But for me this day was perfect. It was cool and breezy, I was focused on getting to the finish with a smile on my face and no injuries to my calves or hamstrings. I was determined to treat this as my longest long run and not a race to claim a PB. For the final 200m I allowed myself a burst of speed and finished with a smile on my face in 3:53:20, beating my fastest marathon time (Rome 2010) by 7minutes and last year’s time (London) by 27 minutes.  Best of all I felt great, no muscle cramps or injuries only pleasure at achieving what I set out to do and getting a PB in the process.

Paris was an enjoyable marathon. The supporters were plentiful and the route was scenic with various bands and musicians along the way. For most part the route was wide and feed stations were available every 5km with fruit and bottled water on offer, even wine at one point. The expo was good, and easy to find. Transports links were efficient and the pre race info helpful. The negatives were the insufficient toilet facilities at the start and few or no signs for things like bag collection and meet and greet areas.”

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