2009 Padua Marathon: a live experience

This post describes a live experience for the April 2009 Padua Marathon and gives you insight of what it is really look like. Below you can find a translation from the original posting made here in Italian.

I knew, even suspected, that my body had in mind something to me yesterday. I could not be so quiet. I had in front of me my first marathon. I did not know how I would react mentally and physically at different moments of the race. Now I know exactly what I wanted to give my body yesterday. I just got one of the most beautiful feelings I've ever tried. I remember the sign "42" and the arrival in front of me. Then I experienced the "eternal void" of 195m and what is next?

Let’s go in sequence or at least I try to do that. I am still "confused" in the sense that I have not yet fully understood my true performance yesterday. Before starting with the story I only say one thing: THANKS TO ALL FANS WHO yesterday, and have supported me in all these 18 long weeks of preparation! Without you I could have not FOUND THE SPIRIT TO PERFORM AS I DID YESTERDAY!

To be honest, I think it is difficult to write a story about yesterday. I have too many emotions in the body and not easy to write. Now I try, I hope the story does not look as disgusting as it sounds. If you don’t like it, it means that I am more committed to the story of the next marathon!

I woke up with my alarm at 5 am. Time to get dressed and meet my fellow friends (we were 5 in two different rooms) for a rich breakfast in the room. After this little joy, we started warming up with about 2km walk from our hotel to the train station of Padua. We took the shuttle to the start in Vedelago. Before leaving we were in a group, we laughed and joked as usual. I was always calm and relaxed. I did not feel any pressure on me. This detail was strange and made me afraid.

A chat leads to another but it was time to say goodbye. We must enter the grid. Handshakes and slaps on the shoulders. There I had few seconds of panic. From that moment, I had to run alone. Once it enters the grid all thoughts were over. I saw the balloons of pace-makers immediately upon entering the grid. But, I found those pacing 4 or more hours and I was simply not interested. I finally found those managing 3h: 30m but I thought it was once a hard pace and so I decided to follow the 3h: 45m. Time passes and my serenity increases. The start of the event was closer. I could not understand why the peace grew more and more. Grids are open, we are invited to go ahead to get closer to the start. I looked into the sky. The weather was great for a marathon. Clouds covered the sky, temperature about 10 ° or even more. We have a little bit of fresh air.

Now lacks very little ... here is the shot ... LET’S GO AHEAD!

Being with the pacer of 3h and 45 minutes from the first meters is very reassuring. The pace is scanned from the first meter of travel. No risk of doing mistakes because I follow the group. Minutes pass.

We reached Km 7 and I saw Paride and Stefano. I shout to greet them but they cannot hear me. I greet the pace-makers, saying that I would have come back shortly. The pace of my friends was little different. Racing at 5/km against 5.20/km could be crazy with 35km still to be run. Pacing in 3 is easier especially if there is friendship. We begin to cross the countryside and we notice several claps of hands. We saw many people including young children.

At km11 I got the first and thankfully the only issue of race. Friends, I run away to pee ... if you decrease the pace, I'll join you later! I stop and begin to do it. It seemed endless. We only say that while I was doing it in one side of the tree, another person has stopped. He asked me if I wanted to continue to do so endless. He has finished and I continued to pee. Finally it's over. I then start the recovery of Paride and Stefano and I reached them. The pace rises back up to average. Then we got another problem. Paride has problems with his foot and reduce his pace. We arrive at Km16 and we were only two. Good luck Paride, you expect on arrival! 5Km missing the half the time and I still look good. The passage was about 5/km constant. It's me & Stephen. For the record, Stefano is better than a Garmin ForeRunner ... he splits the Km or the time per second time.

Finally the half marathon is ahead of us. We are half the adventure. If we arrived here with strong stamina, we really need to think people along the villages and music clubs that have brought us calm and relaxed until now. We saw beautiful villages where we found a reconstruction of medieval village and a group of flag-wavers. It would have been nice to see them, but I had a line waiting for me to Padua. You know, that line is a bit like a beautiful woman ... why do it wait? P

At half marathon I told Stefano "The road we have done will take us home - Aldo Rock - Ironman Hawaii”. The village we saw after the half was the most exciting. A lot of people and children were clapping hands. I do not know how many hands, but in the end I have regenerated. Both me and Stefano were newbie, as just Paride. Just after the half marathon I do see a familiar logo that is new. It was the BlogTrotters logo. We noticed a t-shirt that says Gianluca. We introduce each other during the race and then we go on our way.

Time passes and also the road traveled. 

Finally KM30 comes and the race REAL starts. The weather is good. Maybe we can dare to 3h.30m but the Marathon has not yet begun. The fateful wall began. At one point I see a group of children to cheer. I look at Stefano and I say "I'm going to take the doping pure state, are you coming with me?" and so together we headed toward children. Something is "not working" properly inside me. I see others slow down and instead I begin to click well and I feel in good shape. However, it continues with Stefano, I don’t leave him alone! At Km 33 we found Primo in trouble. I leave Stefano and I left off alone. We are the height of the marathon wall. I see people in crisis and I increase my pace.

I left the wall and all is still right. I reached Km35: NOW BEGINS THE MARATHON! I was alone. Deciding whether to speed up or to keep the same pace was complicated. There was still 7195m to finish. Andrea, the average is 4.58/km, it is pretty good ... do not screwed up!

At Km38 I have been overtaken by Stefano. We still travel together and we enter together into Padua. Then we reach the flyover I was hoping not to cross. There I had my first problem, but we were already at Km40 and it was acceptable. Between me and Stefano are created 20m in vacuum. He was in front of me but I could not get it. I reach the refreshment zone. I drink and he also does the same. Shortly before Km41 a right-turn played for me: I get to Stefano. I can see him in a slight crisis: "Stefano, can I go? I feel it" he answered very simply:" Go away and do not come back before the arrival"



The center of Padua was quite disappointing from people support standpoint. Very few people were in the streets. I was alone to deal with myself in what is less than a mile, even now perhaps less than a thousand meters. When I find the 42km sign I can no longer restrain to say that I really made it! The guy next to me point out that we were really there.

I was amused, I dreamed and I was already excited. The finish line is in front of me. Now I just have to do one thing: fly! I gave everything I had in my body in those meters. Prato della Valle was full of people, the glory will be immense, between screams and applauses of the fans. I can see only the timer and the finish line. When the foot crossed the finish line my face was full of tears. I take off my glasses, I'm not ashamed to cry and I went forward. A girl comes up to me and she put the medal around my neck: I am a marathon runner!

A few moments later I hear screaming my name. I see Giorgio calling me. He hugs me and congratulate for the good timing. A few hours later he told me that he was also really excited and then that he was also close to cry. Then he congratulated me again and announced that he did his best marathon time: 3h20m! Good guy ;-)

Within 30 minutes we all arrived. We then go to the massage room: the time queuing up was well spent. Once the massage session was completed, it became easier walking again. Removing chip from the shoe or remove my shoes seemed harder than the whole marathon!

Since our hotel was only 100m far from the finish line, we immediately took a good hot shower. While the others were busy taking shower, I made few phone calls to inform my friends about the outcome of the Saint Antonio Marathon. I also sent a message to many others:
 
Padua wanted me, Padua proclaimed me Marathon man in 3h 33m! I burst into tears at the finish line, I could not stop! Thanks for the support. Andrea

I must say that responses were so many! Not to mention that when I turned on the phone, I received several text messages to know how it went. Even today I have received plenty of congratulations either in person or through text messages or email. I have not really understood what happened yesterday: I know I have learned a lot and I have also changed. I cannot quantify my accomplishment. Now I dream and wish to prepare for an upcoming marathon. Now I only have to decide which one and faster. So I know how to commit the next 18 weeks to return again in glory!

2009 Turin Marathon: a live experience

This post describes a live experience for the April 2009 Turin Marathon and gives you insight of what it is really look like. Below you can find an English translation from the original Turin Marathon live experience live experience. The blogger Sarah and her running site is well-know in the Italian blogosphere, and you are more than welcome to contact her for additional details on running in Turin.
The next Turin Marathon, the 25th edition, will take place November 13 2011. She will be there!

On the eve of the marathon. Few runners shown up at the expo, you can immediately recognize just by looking runners at a certain level. This Turin Marathon looks pretty "Spartan", without the same warm welcome as the major marathons in Rome or Florence. Since I had big meal at lunch and stomach upside down and because fuel already exists, I decided to go to bed without supper.I was awakened during the night by the sound of rain, as before the Florence Marathon. I must admit that I have no desire to run under the water, but Oh well, I think of what to wear, and this time I turned away and I sleep a peaceful sleep.

The first part of the Marathon. I find myself in my peace, in the rain, waiting for the go. We are really few, but Turin is truly beautiful, and also everything for ourselves.The marathon starts, my password is caution. My fear is that a crisis can be fatal to me in such a day. The large streets in the city leaves space to roads between fields of Turin province. I got extremely warm welcome from people of Moncalieri (left), Nichelino, Beinasco and Orbassano.

Despite the persistent rain, all on the road, with the band playing, the applause, the children who give five (and I always give five to kids), the fans are great. To the sponge, shout "dry sponge in the middle" I thought it was a joke to defuse, but it was true ...Between green fields and expanses of yellow rape, in a peaceful place, it begins the ascent to Rivoli, where countless flow of waters running down to meet runners. Very nice, although a few miles uphill in the middle of a marathon is not appreciated by all.

The second part of the Marathon. The peak at 28km, from here the road is straight across. Corso Francia brings us back in the city center. Let's be careful before boldly enthusiasms: first we must pass the 30th, then the 35th, and only then, if there's more, you can leave. The balloons of the 4h15' pacers are left behind and we do not see other balloons horizon. After 2 kilometers downhill, it starts suddenly the harder part, physically and mentally. Rain insists, I turn the visor of his cap backward because it is heavy, soaked with water, and I feel the pain of having to hold my head up. Now is the wind to meet the runners, slamming the drops of rain on their faces weary. A runner is in trouble, do not stand on his feet, is supported by two men who led him away. I am wondering how is the feeling, he is dressed only with a single vest and shorts in such cold, I hope he will recover fast. Then it come the 35th, I get a drink with some stomach discomfort and some dizziness: it's time to take the reins of the mind, trying to escape. I begin to look forward for a hot shower and started getting compliments. Ending such marathon it could be great achievement. And I take control.

The grand finale. On the stroke of 38th, my mind brought me a clear and definite thought: launch the final attack. Now there is nothing to fear, sudden change of pace, trajectory straight, hitting all the puddles that I meet. I overtake several runners almost angry at me, but I'm playing alone: 5'20'' until the end. What joy to see that finish line, and throw in Piazza Castello with my arms raised! I'm really happy, a test of survival! And even with a good time, 4h:07'17'', 3 minutes better than last in Florence, the best time of my 3 marathons.


Muscle. Yeah, the muscle contracture: he made me feel little and only for 2 or 3 kilometers, in half. Then the ascent Rivoli I have not heard. Thanks again to Mr. Fisio, who with his stretching has put me on the track!


And I'm here. I'm happy. It is nice to finish a marathon like this, feel good, and have the desire to leave, to mountains this time! I will wait a few days for a little recovery. Sooner or later it will happen to run even with the sun, I wonder if I am able :-) A warm greeting to you all, see you soon!

2009 Treviso Marathon: a live experience

This post describes a live experience for the March 2009 Treviso Marathon and gives you insight of what it is really look like. Below you can find a translation from the Treviso Marathon live experience.

It was supposed to be raining and indeed it was a rainy day. It was the topic on everyone's lips in the week preceding the race. I saw and heard many friends regret this before the run; it is not good to think that the work and enthusiasm of months of effort can be put into question just by the weather. The spring is late and not yet arrived. However, at the end of the day, most of the runners who have taken part at the 6th edition of the Treviso Marathon return home with a very satisfactory timing. The temperature, the route and the audience cheering runners have prompted many of them to achieve their PB.

The marathon race in my vision has three main critical moments: the waiting, which runs from the time of the gunshot, the race itself and all that happens after crossing the finish line. The expectation of the race like that was affected by weather events, after the triumphant 2008 edition he had seen three different starts with the spectacular reunion on the Ponte Priula (right) to pay homage to the Piave and the 90th anniversary of the Great War end, this year has returned to the classic path starting in Vittorio Veneto (left) going to Treviso.
The departure location is excellent, large spaces, large covered parking area you can use as a dressing room, leaving a wide, straight-line that prevents clogging. Not even the difficulties associated with rain have prevented a prompt start that the captivating speaker Mutton has indicated as usually. The only suggestion, perhaps, is to increase the number of chemical baths in the area of the locker room. The facilities at the arrival areas were influenced by the big rain, everyone to search for a space to put on dry clothes, the men's locker room was dark and forbidding, showers (except for the first arrived) a chimera, the delivery of the bags in some difficult moments (there is nothing more annoying than waiting in the crowd to "conquer" his or her bag of clothes). It should be acknowledged that all employees have done their best.

The most positive note of the event goes without doubt to the track, ideal for racing, closed to traffic and guarded at every intersection, so many volunteers to caterers all elated to be part of the event. At the last service stop, I took a water sponge and bathe the head with a gesture just to pay homage to the dedication of those who played a role in those conditions absolutely unnecessary. After some bad words that we, as runners, are often forced to endure in the various events along Italy, yesterday as always happens in Venetians marathons, there was an example of sportsmanship. During the 26 miles, close to their individual houses, several fans armed with umbrella were ready to encourage and cheer as we passed even under these conditions in which the best choice would have been to stay in bed. The Treviso Marathon deserves to be run just for that.

Finally, I want to give few words about my race. I was tense and nervous ahead, emotion tied to the affection that binds me to the marathon of the Treviso region, tension due to the uncertainty of complete recovery from the fatigue of the previous Sunday in Rome. Legs felt responsive at the beginning of the race, but the real competition starts after two hours. Fatigue could affect my performance; therefore I was embarrassed in choosing to keep pace. To take me out of trouble, my friend Marco Grimaz joined me after a few meters from the start, setting a 4min/km pace, although we continued to talk. Unfortunately after few km he was forced to stop for a pit-stop and I was left alone. Then I thought about the famous saying "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" and I kept the same pace. Switching to the half marathon in 1:25'45'', this was much faster than the last two races. Just after half distance the beautiful scenery on the Piave (left) passage that it was mentioned (but I did not need it) from a viewer with a commanding tone ordering to hold my head high in a sign of pride and honor. Of course I did not wait to be asked twice, and on that curve that bends to the left after the Ponte Priula where you see a long straight slightly downhill I unleashed my desire to run and get there. It was a continuous flow of overtaking runners ahead of me. Here and there along the way face some friends called and urged me but the sight blurred by the rain and the concentration prevented me from responding. To all: thank you.

In progressing the km I increasingly realized that it was within my reach an excellent result and this has given me more energy I spent through the exciting conclusion in the center of Treviso, where the path gets twisty and difficult because of the pavement. I raced the last 2 km in apnea, at full throttle without saving any energy. On the finish line, the speaker Brighenti paid me the tribute quoting my name. I finally got the medal around his neck after stopping the chrono on the time of 2:51'20'', having a negative split of 10 seconds. After the race, I was first of all able to assist my teammate Anna victim of the cold despite the PB and thereafter to celebrate this day. In addition to humidity and rain today we got many satisfactions.

2009 Italian Marathon ranking

If you want to run a marathon in Italy, this is giving you an indication on the top marathons in this country, where you can mix your running interests with visiting beautiful cities.
Ranking includes 2009 marathons only. Ranking updated up to: Dec 31st 2009.

Below you can find the ranking for the top Italian marathons, based on numbers of people arrived at the finished line. It was difficult to compare the enrollment, since few marathons have considered also half marathon into the numbers.

TOP TEN:

1. Rome Marathon: arrived 11007 (Mar 19 2009, 2009 Rome Marathon Ranking) 
2. Florence Marathon: arrived 8220 (Nov 30 2009, source)

3. Venice Marathon: arrived 5542 (Oct 26 2009, source)

4. Treviso Marathon: arrived 2857 (Mar 29 2009, source)

5. Reggio Emilia: arrived 2440 (Dec 13 2009, source)

6. Padova Marathon: arrived 2154 (Apr 26 2009, source)

7. Turin Marathon: arrived 1649 (Apr 19 2009, source)

8: Lake Garda Marathon: arrived 1547 (Sept 27 2009, source)

9. Carpi Italian Marathon: arrived 1055 (Oct 11 2009, source)

10. Verona Marathon: arrived 956 (Feb 09 2009, Verona Marathon 2009)

TOP 20:

11. Colle Marathon: arrived 773 (May 8 2009, 2009 Collemar Marathon ranking)

12. Lucca Marathon: arrived 758 (Oct 25 2009, Lucca 2009 Ranking)

13. Custoza Marathon: arrived 750 (May 9 2009, Custoza 2009 ranking)

14. Verdi Marathon: Salsomaggiore PR: arrived 673 (Nov 24 2008, source)
15. Trieste Marathon: arrived 548 (May 3 2009, 2009 Trieste Marathon Ranking)

16. Brescia Marathon: arrived 520 (Mar 15 2009, source)

17. Ferrara Marathon: arrived 516 (Mar 08 2009, source)

18. Lamone's Marathon: arrived 484 (Apr 5 2009, source)
19. Placentia Marathon: arrived 476 (Mar 1 2009, source)
20. Pisa Marathon: arrived 461 (May 17 2009, source)


TOP 30:

21. Bari Marathon: arrived 420 (Nov 15 2009, source)

22. Piceno Marathon: arrived 400 (May 17 2009, source)

23. Vercelli Marathon: arrived 355 (May 1 2009, Vercelli 2009 ranking)

24. Ravenna Marathon: arrived 354 (Nov 8 2009, source)
25. Naples Marathon: arrived 340 (Apr 19 2009, Napoli Marathon 2009)

26. Jesolo Night Marathon: arrived 339 (May 23 2009, source)

27. Coast to Coast Marathon: arrived 338 (Dec 27 2009, source)

28. Latina Marathon: arrived 323 (Dec 6 2009, source)

29. Salento Marathon, arrived 295 (Jan 31 2009, source)
30. Brianza Marathon: arrived 280 (Mar 2009, source)

TOP 50:

31. Milano Pavia Marathon: arrived 271 (Nov 15 2009, source)

32. Palermo Marathon: arrived 231 (Nov 15 2009, source)
33. Maratona sul Brembo: arrived 153 (Jan 6 2009, Brembo Marathon 2009)34. Alessandria Marengo Marathon: arrived 223 (October 25 2009, source)
35. San Silvestro Marathon, Calderara di Reno, BO: arrived 222 (Dec 27 2009)
36. 42000 steps in Valsusa: arrived 194 (Oct 25 2009, source: SDAM)
37. Livorno Marathon: arrived 182 (Nov 13 2009, source)
38. Wine Cities Marathon, Buttrio UD: arrived 168 (Oct 4 2009, source)
39. San Benedetto Sable Marathon: arrived 156 (Feb 8 2009, source)
40. Bergamo Marathon: arrived 130 (Sep 27 2009, source: SDAM)
41. Messina Marathon: arrived 116 (Apr 19 2009, source)
42. Adriatic Marathon: arrived 109 (March 27 2009)
43. South Tirol Marathon: arrived 106 (Oct 2009, South Tirol 2009 ranking)
44. Syracuse Marathon: arrived 99 (Feb 21 2010, source)
45. Hybla Barocco Marathon: arrived 95 (Jan 24 2010, source)
46. Gargano Marathon: arrived 94 (June 20 2009, source)

47. Trasimeno Lake Marathon: arrived 92 (Mar 7 2010, source)

48. Lecco Marathon: arrived 80 (March 8 2009, source: SDAM)

2009 Reggio Emilia Marathon: a live experience

This post describes a live experience for the December 2009 Reggio Emilia Marathon and gives you insight of what it is really look like. Below you can find a translation from the original posting made here in Italian.




The first phone call I made after the withdrawal in the Florence marathon was with Germano, to explain what had happened. At the end of the call he reckoned "well no problem, we try again in Reggio Emilia in two weeks." At first I was very taken aback and genuinely thought I let his words fall on deaf ears. My desire was such that not even 24 hours after I had already enrolled into the Marathon of the Tricolor and booked the hotel.

The two weeks between the two events I've lived in a kind of athletic purgatory, at each exit of race I had very bad feeling and really do not know if I would open the gates of hell with another failure or bringing home a decent performance. Only in the last three days my legs have started to turn again at full throttle, I have done just a couple of specific works, but performed at moderate pace only. These were not the best conditions to appear on the start line!



I decided to share the Reggio Emilia marathon experience with three friends who have ran just “few” marathons: Roberto did 179, Claudio 85 and Leo 19. Between withdrawal chest expo, a walk to downtown Reggio and great pizza I found myself almost without realizing it in the hotel room to squeeze the bib on the vest. Sunday morning the meeting point was inside the sports hall, Expo headquarter and logistics center, an excellent solution, in line with a five stars event. I had heard from many people how great this Marathon was organized and I must admit that they were right. At the stand, I met and greet with pleasure my uncle Steve, aka Stefano Benfatti, the engine and soul of Traslaval. Then came the friends of Running Forum Jean and Carlo accompanied by Silvia. Also for them it will be a very busy day.
I changed my clothes and calmly await the departure time to warm up inside the stands. I decided not to make a real warming, I'm preparing with stretching exercises and joint mobility. Ten minutes from the start I go on the grid, have a word with ucle Steve who tells me that next year he will reach 100 marathons and look forward to racing on.



At the start, I run the first few miles alongside Jean and Carlo to keep warm, then gradually begin to overtake any athlete looking for a group that can travel at suitable pace. I find it, we are about a dozen and the pace is just over 3'50''/ km. The elevation of this race is pretty smooth, the first 17 km in a slight but continuous rise, although apparently flat. I'm in the group, I'm fine and I run loose. The pace is regular and managed by an athlete who seems to be running with easy. Although it seems to me to run below my normal pace, I want to avoid trouble and therefore I stay quiet. After the first 15 kilometers, I eat some integrators. Unfortunately, the refreshments seems little problematic, at the first one I took a bottle of sparkling water really too fizzy. Starting from the second onward I got only glasses that I partly poured on myself. At the 25th kilometer, I thought I was drinking tea, but instead it was an integrator with a crazy taste.


After km 17, the altitude becomes favorable, and this allows us to run under 3'50''/ km easily, in some moments I find myself leading the group. There was great cooperation between us. Completing half marathon in 1:21 '30”, I am still feeling well and start to be confident on the success of the race but I also know that they are only half-effort and the fun is yet to come. Shortly before the 25 km sing, we face a little but demanding slope, at this stage the group began to crumble. A couple of runners are leaving the pack while the majority still linger. I decide to continue with my past, the path is slightly wavy and begins a take and leave with other runners.




Shortly after the 28 km another tougher climb gives me some headhache, partly because of the cold wind bothering me. Something rises from the stomach, just in case I decide not to take the second integrator and soon thereafter everything comes normal. From km 30 I can still keep up the pace but starting from 35th I am starting to feel tired, I am still missing 7 kilometers till the end, the gesture is slightly up and I decided to slow the pace. My Nike Vomero that I decided to use in the race helps me in these situations cushioning support to the ground. After passing km 37 I face the fear because the left femoral artery starts to hurt. Since few miles we are entering the city, finally there is the public lining the streets cheering and got some more energy. I can even raise the pace, the goal is now at hand and I am sure by now that I will finish the race I hear the voice of the speaker, a few corners and there is the start-finish straight which passes while the display of the timing official and two seconds over the 2h43'.




I have done it. First marathon ended at last! I am happy and satisfied, yes, but strangely little excited. I did not get the feeling that instead thrilled me when I concluded my first half marathon. Maybe because I went over to Reggio almost with the burden of having to finish, with an attitude so different from my usual which is instead to have fun. Nonetheless, probably in the autumn of next year I will retry, this time with the goal to be impossible to go below 2h40'.

After the refreshments I went back to the sports hall: I was struggling climbing the stairs. Here I got the pleasure of knowing Kayak Runner, which concludes very happy below three hours. Following meeting Jean and Carlo, have now beating the course in 2:50 and closing their staff '. Considering the location and some practical problems they have faced (Carlo is blind and Jean his leadership) they have made an excellent performance.Well done guys, I renew my congratulations and my sincere admiration. Surprisingly I find that I also won the Podisti.Net challenge, a special internal classification involving divided into different categories the site's members that they had reported.
What can I say ... I could not ask for more from this weekend of sport and friendship. A special thanks to all who followed and incited me in the last two weeks with emails, comments and text messages. You were all with me on the climb of the 28th kilometer. You could have pushed me a little further ...:-D

2009 Florence Marathon: a live experience

This post describes a live experience for the November 2009 Florence Marathon (or Firenze Marathon) and gives you insight of what it is really look like. Below you can find an Italian translation from the original posting on the Florence Marathon live experience. The next 2010 Florence Marathon is scheduled on the 28th of November 2010 and will be an unforgettable event.

Congratulations Henry (nickname Albe), you have won the glorious yellow t-shirt for the lightning Running Team [...]. With your prediction of 2h43'25" you did predict better than everybody else my real time of the Florence Marathon which was 2h45'12" (difference of -1'47"). I have finally understood why when we saw each other 2 times during the first part of the marathon, you told me to slow down ... you would have in mind to get the t-shirt... eh eh, just kidding. Thanks a million for your support, particularly during the last stage where I was really tired. My race was somehow strange and, as in all marathons, everything happens after the 30th km. I was progressing very well at the pace of 3'45"/ km, but I decided to speed it up during the neighbor of 29/30 km, downtown Florence through the Cascine Park.

But let's get starting from the beginning. Initially I thought I was doing a great race. The start was very confusing, but it was also my fault since I lingered a bit too much to chat with friends and bloggers that I came late in the grid already clogged enough (even with "abusive" having no right to the red chest). Along with Franchino we started slowly, doing slalom among the many top runners making a-6 km/min pace. With difficulty we got rid of the heavy traffic after 1.5 km, with the first step in 4'20", the second in 3'35" and 3'20" in the next 2. It took a while to reach Matthew who I saw the front but running at pretty strong pace. Once there I held a pace slightly quicker than him, that I saw and decided to follow Franchino running very relaxed and loose. The first 10 km has gone fast and without much effort in less than 37 minutes. I was feeling pretty good and also the 15th km I was in a good control in 56' although I decided to move away from Franchino who had a slightly too fast compared to mine. I've always kept running at pace of 3'45-50" passing the half in 1h19'07" with the feeling that I still got lot of energy in the body. But obviously I was wrong. I started doing the maths and thinking that maybe I would have the chance to achieve the target under 2:40. As always I have encountered the biggest problems towards the last 10-12 km, especially if you are not in great shape as I am right now. At km 23 I reached Franchino who had suddenly slowed down. I do not know what happened to him, I tried to encourage him but he nodded as if to say he had some problems, I am very sorry for him but luckily he is still very young and strong and he will be back soon, and seeing how he runs I do not think the next marathon will go above 2:35. Going into the center of Florence, the speed it had seemed discreet and fatigue seemed under control, even my legs felt OK.

Running into Piazza Duomo (left) and Piazza Repubblica (right) was memorable: lots of audience to applaud and encourage. Fantastico, a performance worthy of the best NY Marathon! Exiting from the center of the Cascine and close to 30 km sadly have ended my dreams. The switch to the 30 km mark in 1:53' 39" was still in line with a final 240 projection. This has been the critical point of my race, I saw Matthew running at double speed, seeking his personal Best.

I pushed verbally and mentally knowing how much he cared.He closed in 2:44 and did not go how he hoped for less than a minute but it is only a matter of time, the marathon next spring will certainly be a triumph because his potential is well below 2:40.Yesterday in the last 7 km back from the halfway point of the Cascine, the stiff wind against us has put a clear obstacle to our performance. And it annoyed me a lot, I dragged awkwardly toward the finish line by closing the last 2 partial steady decline from 5 km in 20'38, respectively (average 4'07"/ km) and 21'41" (average 4 ' 20"/ km) with the 40th km in 4'35" and the recent slight improvement in 2 to 4'12", only thanks to the incredible pressure of the public ... I crossed the finish line still in hands like always and I finished my 28th marathon, one of the finest is sure to follow contour of friendship and fellowship that has characterized this wonderful weekend spent with friends and all the other bloggers. I expect a month of relax and deserved rest. I will restart in January with new targets. Motivations for sure will be there! Greetings to all, we'll meet again in March for a new marathon (I think Treviso) and for the second edition of the great contest "get the time." Be clear: We only accept less than the expected timing 2:40!