2 marathons in 1 month

I do like challenges and marathon is one of them. I just love sports, especially running and that's the reason why I'm doing it. My sister Denisa ran the Flora London Marathon in 2009. My parents and I went to see her and support her. It was such a great atmosphere so I wanted to do it too. I tried my luck to get entry for this race several times but I wasn't successful. So I ran the Paris Marathon instead in 2011 with a time of 4 hours and 6 minutes and 18 seconds. I was pleased with this! Unfortunately it wasn't a qualification time for my age group for the London Marathon. I carried on trying to get an entry in the ballot and I wanted to run another marathon last year in Bratislava in Slovakia. Unfortunately I was injured and so I couldn't do it. Nevertheless I entered the Vienna marathon in Austria with my boyfriend Brano for 2015. I wanted to qualify with this event. Because I'm member of the Datchet Dashers running club who get some free marathon places, in December last year we had a ballot between runners and I got a place! I was over the moon! Therefore I've ended up doing two marathons in an one month:

Vienna City Marathon 12th April 2015

Vienna is the capital city of Austria. It is rich in famous sites and is very close to my home town Bratislava. It's about one hour drive. More than 40 thousand runners from 120 nations were taking part. Participants also have the option to run the marathon distance of 42,195 kilometres and the half marathon (21,0975 kilometres)  or a relay for teams of four. Children and adolescent races took place the day before. After starting from the Vienna International Centre, the route goes across the Danube river into the green of the Prater, along the Danube Canal to Ringstrasse, from the Vienna State Opera right out to Schonbrunn Palace, back again to the Ring and the Prater and finally to the finish line at Heldenplatz. 

Brano took up running only last year in November. He had never run marathon before so I decided that this race is going to be my warm up for the London Marathon and I will run beside him. It was a nice and sunny day. I enjoyed this run as I was taking pictures, sunbathing (while running) and supporting Brano. Both our parents came to watch us and cheer us as well. 


We set off at an easy and slow pace. After half way through Brano had some issues with stomach and later breathing. The best part was to see our supporting parents and luckily we saw them three times. We did it in 4 hours and 48 minutes and 13 seconds. I was so proud of Brano and so were the rest of the family. Well done you! It's such a great achievement! After the race we celebrated in style!

Virgin London Marathon 26th April 2015

London Marathon is third biggest running event in the UK and it is also part of World Marathon Majors. More then 38 000 participants took part in this event. There were famous people as well as fund raisers, amateurs and elite runners. Quite a few people were in fancy dress and it looks like a carnival. 

We started at 10:10 am from Blackheath and the route went through Woolwich, Greenwich, Tower Bridge, The Tower, The Isle of Dogs, London Bridge to The Mall. The forecast was wet (only from beginning) and cold with temperature around 13 degrees. There were three starting area: Green, Blue and Red (Fast Good for Age). I started from blue area. My boyfriend Brano and sister Denisa came to support me. From the start to the finish there was a big mass of runners and spectators. I have never seen such a busy event. Drink stations were on every mile and energy drinks almost every fifth mile. I usually don't use energy drinks during a race or training so I stuck with water. 

Around half way through I started feeling that I can't keep up with the pace I set up. I used my energy gel accordingly but I felt that I was running out of energy. I slowed down and tried not to worry about my pace. I carried on without stopping and hoping to see Brano and Denisa soon. Despite the cheering and supporting people I couldn't catch a second breath. On 23rd mile I finally spotted my boyfriend and my sister. It was such a buzz and I was slowly picking up my pace. Then a few meters later I saw the Datchet Dashers runners on the Lucozade drink station which was very helpful. I couldn't stop looking at my watch to the finish line. I was counting the metres and really wanted it to be done. The last 400 meters and I hardly moved my legs. No sprinting this time as I like to finish strong. As soon as I crossed the finish line I was so happy. I could feel my achy legs and in fact whole body was aching too. I did it in time of 3 hours and 58 minutes and 54 seconds. My new personal best! 

I found it really hard especially the last 6 miles. I think I hadn't fully recovered from Vienna marathon yet. Anyway it was such a great event and fantastic atmosphere. It's worth trying it if you can. Now I will try to take it easy and I will more than likely skip an ultra marathon for this year.