Started off just right. The pace was as expected and clocked the 1/2 at 1:48 as expected. All went well until km 32 when severe cramps on the left leg left me almost disabled to finish the race. I ate well, drank 1/4 liter of water every 5 km with another 1/4 to 1/2 liter of Isostar every 5 km in between. Had three Power gels until km 32 so no worries there. The cramps were followed by severe muscle pain on the left leg forcing me to walk and run for almost 8 km. The pain only went away when I resumed running and accelerated real good for the final two km. Finished the race feeling strong except for the apin in the left leg. I was at a pace to end around 3:35-3:40 but that killed me.

THe pain and cramps were probably due to lack of enough lonh runs during training. I never exceeded 24 km and only once. Barely ran the last two weeks prior to the event, so that did not help either. I would complete and respect fully the training program. I feel I can clock under 3:30 next time.

Walked around for 10 minutes, had very light stretches, drank plenty of water and ate within 1 hour from the event. I should ave gone to sleep for a moment but could not with the family visiting me here in Dubai.


The cramps and muscle pain.


I am definetely back to Dubai for the Marathon in 2007. Excellent event in all aspects.
The rank is from those that finished. there were plenty more people that abandoned or could not dinishe before the cut time (7:30 after start time)