Stockholm was good to me

I  ran marathon at Stockholm last saturday and all was good. My plan was to run around 2.43-48, and finally my time was 2.45.08. Not bad. During the marathon week I had some troubles with my left ankle, so I was a bit worried whether I would face some troubles during the race, but nothing happened.

The first kilometre was 3.47, and after that I slowed down a little bit. After that all the kilometres were around 3.50-55. At the halfway mark my position was 108, but especially during the last 10 kilometres I passed  many runners. I finished the race 62nd, and won the men 50-55 division.

I must admit that Stockholm was perhaps the easiest marathon for me ever. I think the main reason for that is that during the first 32-34 kilometres I ran with my head. After that my energy level was low, but the secret is to train well and fight the rest of the way with condition.

After the marathon most of the runners are starting their recovery by meeting the other runners.

This week has been very easy when it comes to training. My next goal is the New York City marathon at the early november. For that I will train a bit more by running around 10-15 kilometres more every week. By doing that I think I have possibilities to go under 2.40. Before NY I will race few 10 kilometres and halfmarathons.

But let´s go back to Stockholm for a while. I would like to give a big thanks to the audience in Stockholm. They are so  supportive all the way. The audience makes big part of the race. Helsinki City Marathon should concentrate also to the same area. It would be so much better to run at the  streets of Helsinki with the supportive audience. Because I have worked at HCM, I also know that the task is tough, but it is worth to try.

Thank you Stockholm. I´ll be back next year.