i finished 3-full marathon between 35 to 40-years old.
never keep any of the "metal or plastic" trophy.
during my first marathon, due to inexperience, I did not plan my water intake and "banana or small energy pack" as i used to do half-marathon with just the water-point on the way. after the half-marathon mark, my leg start to cramp and I start to slow-down (one uncle I guess about 45 to 50) come up behind me and give me an encourage word - don't stop young man, keep going...." my mind want to go, but the cramp did not go away....and I see his back for the next 10km (he is slow but steady) and after that he disappear from my sight, I walk to finish point for the last 10km as leg too cramp.
2nd marathon, I did some research (not that professional research, just some forum with some tips) I consider well prepared with small energy pack...this round I manage to jog to the finish point but after the half-way mark, many uncle overtook me with steady pace....
3rd marathon I manage to clock a good personal record....at least can pace most of the uncle
for each marathon, after leaving the starting point I always fuck myself (what the fuck I am doing on a Sunday morning wake up 4am for ?)