Euripidis: Well, to run a marathon takes a while. How long did you need to run the whole 42km? And what did you thought during the looong run?

merkal2005: I must admit that my target was to finish 42 km marathon. Unfortunately one week before the marathon i injured my leg while i was playing basketball(yes i like playing basketball, too!) I was so sad, because i trained for the marathon nearly for 6 months both mentally and physically.Then i had to give a decision and i choose to join 15 km half-marathon which was easier for me to finish. However the weather was so cold on the Bosphorus Bridge(Istanbul) that i felt like i was freezing :)


Euripidis: I want to run a marathon too, but I'm still a beginer. Give me some hints how I can train to survive such a run.

merkal2005: I strongly suggest you to start slowly. I think you should also start with some short distance races, or maximum half-marathon. It takes a while for your body to gain momentum and shape itself. On the other hand mentally you have to be strong, because every milisecond your legs are signalling "please stop torturing me" :)


Euripidis: Would you go to the next step and do a triathlon?

merkal2005: Well, why not ? Actually i am 33 years old, but my real age is 28(Look at my profile!) I still have some more years to try these sort of physical challenges. My brother joined and finished a triathlon. So i think i can cope with it. The only competition for me is myself. I am not racing with anyone.