When Stephen Carmichael asked Kirsteen if he would put her name in to the ballot for the 2016 London Marathon, her response was ‘The only marathon I’ll do is Paris’. A quick check of the Paris Marathon website followed and revealed that entries were available. Before Kirsteen could change her mind, both entries were paid for and confirmed.
Training for the event had very different outcomes with Kirsteen fully embracing the challenge and becoming a fully paid up Road Runner and bagging a couple of PB’s on shorter races in the lead up. Stephen’s training was hampered by repeated ITB issues, however, he was confident that all would be alright on the day.
Stephen and Kirsteen arrived in the City Of Light on the Thursday afternoon and made their way to registration at the Salon Du Running on Friday morning and soaked up the atmosphere. A bit of sight seeing followed in the afternoon, however Stephen’s legs were starting to feel heavy and there was a hint of a sore throat. Probably just a bit tired from doing the tourist bit, surely a good nights sleep would make all the difference.
Or not! Stephen woke up to a mild sore throat and head and general lack of energy. An easier paced day was had in preparation for the big day.
A good nights sleep was had and race day arrived with Stephen feeling a bit better and Kirsteen raring to go. The past couple of days had been quite cold and very similar to home, however, the sun was blazing through the windows and it looked like the weather forecast of a warm day was going to be accurate.
After dropping off their bags at the finish area, Stephen and Kirsteen made their way to their respective starting pens on the Champs Elysees along with the 45000 other starters. Stephen had a start time of 0847 and Kirsteen had to wait a while longer for her 0940 start.
Stephen found a 3 hour pace group and decided to run with this but it was obvious to him from the first couple of miles that it was going to be hard going with his legs feeling very heavy. Stephen was able to stay with the pace group until just after the 10 mile mark in the Palace De Vicennes area when he dropped off the pace. After a couple more miles he accepted that it was not going to be his day. Stopping was considered but he decided that he would take it easy and walk/run until the end. Maybe Kirsteen would catch up.
Kirsteen had time to spare at the start and loved soaking up the atmosphere. Following Stephen’s departure she felt really emotional and shed a wee tear. Nerves were settling in, however the pumping music was very exciting! She set off well and got into her rhythm and was oblivious to the sights of Place De La Concorde and The Louvre. Aware that her first 5k was a tad speedy, she knew she would have to be careful if she was to complete the run in under 4hours…..this totally focused her and other than water stations, she didn’t see any of the big Paris landmarks except the Eiffel Tower! The day was becoming increasingly hot but the amazing support from the thousands of spectators lining the route was wonderfully encouraging. While picking up a bottle of water at the first water station, Kirsteen was delighted to hear someone shouting “Go Moray Road Runners, Elgin!”
The route followed the River Seine and passed through two beautiful Parisienne parks. A long tunnel at 16 miles provided welcome relief from the sunshine. This tunnel was decked out like a spa with relaxing sounds being played along with large fans, calming posters and soothing scents.
After slowly walk/running along the route, Stephen made it to the 41km mark where he stopped with the intention of waiting on Kirsteen to catch him up to finish the race together, however, after being stationary for 10 minutes, he realised that she could potentially be another hour and the thought of trying to get his legs going again after a long stop prompted him to continue slowly to the finish. The support and noise along the final kilometre to the finish at Avenue Foch was incredible and he was glad to cross the line.
Kirsteen was continuing to make steady progress. She took every opportunity to wave to the numerous bands that played a huge range of
music that kept her going. She high-fived the little kids and loved the constant chants of “Allez Allez”! There really was a party atmosphere! Being determined to finish in under 4 hours meant she was constantly checking her watch, however the miles seemed to go on and on and on! Reaching the finish and realising she had achieved her goal, she couldn’t wait to meet up with Stephen and hear how his run had gone. This was an emotional reunion followed by beer and pizza!
music that kept her going. She high-fived the little kids and loved the constant chants of “Allez Allez”! There really was a party atmosphere! Being determined to finish in under 4 hours meant she was constantly checking her watch, however the miles seemed to go on and on and on! Reaching the finish and realising she had achieved her goal, she couldn’t wait to meet up with Stephen and hear how his run had gone. This was an emotional reunion followed by beer and pizza!Two other Moray Road Runners also took part, Fiona and Douglas Hamilton.
Overall this was an amazingly emotional experience. It was well organised, lots of water and fruit available every 
5k, fantastic support with a party atmosphere. The course was relatively flat with a few minor undulations. There were placards up to let you know when the big sights of Paris were approaching….you just have to take your eyes off your Garmin to see them!Report by: Stephen & Kirsteen Carmichael