You will all be familiar with FB memories and today I had one from 35 years ago – yes, somewhat pre-facebook – and that has inspired my music choice. Those of you who are runners – and many who are not – will immediately make the connection.
This was the memory that popped up – 35 years ago today I was running from Marathon to Athens. For an assortment of reasons it wasn’t my best time – but it was an experience not to be missed.
There are many stories about that day that could be told (some are here) – the guy just behind me in the picture I had overtaken and “out-sprinted” in the final straight which is inside the 1896 Olympic arena.
The marathon is not a “Big city” run like the London Marathon – done on a much smaller budget and a much smaller number of runners – so there is much less ‘help’ for the runners – only occasional water stations; smaller crowds; a lot of the run with no spectators; far fewer medical stations; and so on – and for those used to the almost flat run round London this course would come as a shock – miles 10-20 are almost constantly uphill as you cross from one coast to the other over the intervening hills.
A great experience.
There was also an outing to the Isle of Wight Marathon (reputedly the toughest in the UK) with the corps cadets to see Nigel, Richard and myself ran that one.
For the record – my fastest marathon was in Glasgow in 1984 – slightly faster than the time shown on the finish clock – did take a little while to cross the start line.
Ron Goodwin : Theme from The Trap
Comments :
Joy Lawrence
Still makes me cry when I hear that music 😭🏃♀️😭
Gordon Muir
The nearest I got to running a marathon was when we went to the pasta parties the day before the marathons in Glasgow
George McConnell
Yes – every time I did the Glasgow Marathon I could count on you being by my side…… at the pasta party and at the curry afterwards 😂🤣😂
John Starkes
How many marathons have you run my friend and what is your best time I won’t ask your worst because anyone who does a marathon amazes me and how Stevie can do the Iron man beats me
George McConnell
Finished 10 – plus one DNF (at about 24 miles because it was too hot 🥵). best time was in Glasgow in 1984 – a little bit quicker than the time shown on the clock in the picture due to the delay in getting over the start line. Worst time was actually in Athens.