Endurance Life – Sussex Coastal Marathon

Endurance Life Sussex Coastal Marathon in Eastbourne. After my failing at the Devon race, I was always going to be focused on finishing this one.

I hydrated, I ate, I rested. I was ready for this one. I had a plan and I knew I would succeed. Luckily this time I had a mate (Mark Power) entered in this one to help me pace and complete the event.

We set off early for the start line making sure I had all my gear and plenty of time to loosen the muscles before the start. Emma was entered in the 10km race which started later so it was nice to spend some time chilling out before the race.

We started off on the flat coastal path which quickly lead to the hilly coastal sections. Mark and I kept a steady pace to save energy for later in the race. We chatted and tried not to get too excited with our running speed.  We continued like this all along the Seven Sisters admiring the white cliffs and dramatic drop off with no barriers. Best to keep clear of  the edge of no return.

The sun started to come out and it started to heat up. Pleasing most of the runners. Power and I kept on running, pushing the struggles of the week and mental tiredness to the side. Legs getting tired, and time ticking away – we were both searching for the finish line. Unfortunately the hills didn’t stop. There was little left in the legs and the jelly baby fuel and Gu was beginning to test our taste buds!

After almost 5hrs of running, we hit the finish line. Exhausted, mentally drained but happy. We had done it. I had made up for my failing in Devon. I ended up 27th out of 155 in a time of 4:47. Seems like a long time for a marathon but it shows how tough the hills were.

A successful race with Danny, Andy and Nessy all completing the Half Marathon and Em completing the 10km race and Mark and I completing the marathon. The afternoon was reserved for food, beer and watching the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat race. A perfect way to finish off the day.

Next stop – Paris Marathon.