There is that theory that if you want to pass bad news you should sandwich it between good news. And I think that how I should write about Amsterdam marathon and the whole trip. That might work… so, let start.
Sandwich post
Nice to do it again…
That feeling day before race – mix of anxiety and excitement. Especially when it is your first in ages. Like a small kid and on the race day it’s getting even crazier. I was really excited and kind of stressed but Bozena was ok. I supposed to run half marathon and Bozena was running 10 K. And she was calm as cucumber…
When you want but you can’t
Two years ago I have run Tralee. Back then I was happily surprised by my run. Wind, hills weren’t any problem… But that was two years ago. Now, two previous marathons in this year were barely under 3:45. Then there was back / chest injury was back. And I think that maybe I’m still too weak to get back in the heavy training. I think that don’t have base at the moment. Probably any marathon will be struggle for next couple of weeks…
Anyway… Friday was 17th, so Paddy’s Day and we could drive down on the civilized hour not straight after work. Just over three hours drive. Not too bad. But weather was really bad. Wind, rain whole way. After picking bib I was still not convinced that I should run next day. Was so bad that we decided that restaurant we will go to be just three floors below. Anything not involving going out into bad weather. Forgot to mentioned that we weren’t booked in Rose Hotel even but the weather was crazy and we didn’t want to stay outside Tralee so we cancelled B&B and decided for the hotel. Just walking distance from start and finish of marathon…
When we were in the hotel we met Eamon, our friend from London who we met back in 2015 in Clon. Back then Bozena and Eamon walk marathon, actually Bozena forced injured Eamon to finish. Now he was in better shape. After sort conversation we have agreed that I can try to pace Eamon for 4 h next day… ‘But would I run?’ Whole night was windy and rainy still. Weather forecast mentioned that rain should stop at 7 AM and stay like that till at least 3 PM. But… next day in the morning it was still bad. You could hear wind hauling outside and see sideways rain. Despite the weather decided that I will at least go to starting line and try…
Wet, cold… didn’t want to run. But then Eamon appeared. So, the deal was on. 4 hours. Two loops. First canal for two miles against the wind. Then mile 3 mark and first hill. We were all the time with 4 h pacers. No problem for me. I was talking to Eamon all the time. About everything, our runs, health, PBs, form. Eamon was mentioning that 15 seconds quicker than 4 h pace will break him on some stage. But he was doing ok. Mile 9 was again hill but before that there was open road with side wind again. Just drains the energy out of you. 9 mile mark on the top of the hill. Actually same hill as the one on the mile 3 but accessed from other direction was slightly higher. Then down. Canal. Around Rose Hotel and loop done. Passing clock and I could see that we were 4 minutes ahead of schedule. Eamon was concerned. It was little but to fast for him. Me and pacers have slowed down. Canal on this loop was tougher. Wind just picked up. I could see that Eamon is getting weaker. Pacers were far in front of us. On some stage we lost them. Wind was stronger and somehow hill on the 9th mile got really high. I waited for Eamon on the top. We still had some time to spare and now was downhill. And after that just less than 4 miles on the flat. Canal, wind in the back. Then I turned around. Eamon wasn’t there. Lost him on the downhill section. It was just 4 km to go. Have noticed Eamon at the other side of the canal. He was walking. He was correct when he said that he will pay the price for that 15 seconds quicker pace on the first loop. Whole time Eamon was telling me that if he will just stop I should just continue. But until I knew he was done I was trying to wait for him and push him. I have just continued slowly. Finished in 3:56. Waited couple of minutes for Eamon. No trace. After 15 minutes decided to go back to hotel. On the way back saw Eamon. He was walking. He was still before 4:15 pacers but not far ahead but finished before 4:15.
Weather was better. No rain, still windy. Took shower in hotel gym and we went back. Stop for restaurant and next 3 hours spent in the car.
Pictures:
Almost in the wrong place
One the way down to marathon for the whole time I thought that I know where marathon is taking place. And then just after I have the passed Maynooth I have realized that probably marathon is not taking place where I thought it will. Longwood, Staplestown… what’s the difference? Yep, drive down time wise probably similar but route is different. I hate Longwood loops. Again, hard to say why but it the case. So, I was really glad that I haven’t landed there. But looking at lashing rain and low temperature we were here for a ball. Ohh… and there was just one portable toilet so no chance using it with all runners trying to get into it. Even if that was just for couple of minutes to get shelter from wind, temperature and rain. Even when waiting time was same as usual in such a weather conditions it felt at least like 2 hours wait… That wasn’t great forecast for the marathon ahead.
Ok… and again ‘it can’t be easier… you can’t get lost’. But this time it was actually truth. Twice here and back on the beginning, which was over 3 km (maybe just below 4 km). And then 4 bigger loops. These were too bad in that conditions. So, I think that this marathon will be actually quite enjoyable during good weather. On the here and back section was nice to see all those familiar faces. You couldn’t see them all before marathon, on the starting line. You discover great camouflage skills when situation is forcing you to hide. And that what it was before and during start of the marathon. Turn out was actually great considering all of that. Some of the lads were doing ultra (5 or 6 loops), they were preparing themselves for Spartathlon. You could see that Rolando and Anto have serious plans for Sparta. Their idea was slow but steady… but about that probably in later post. Goal for me was just to get 3:45. Steady… hahaha. That’s a good one. As usual lately steady is not my strongest side now. And again started too quick. And again checking my watch I was amazed – quite quick and not tired. But that last just for … 15 km or little bit more. After that I was at war. War with my tiredness, heavy legs and lack of fitness. What should I think about that? I was so glad that there was water station in the middle of the loop. Spent there couple of minutes going through Lucozade twice. At halfway my time wasn’t too bad. That was at the water station and my first Lucozade. At that stage I knew that it will be pace downhill from here. I wasn’t mistaken…
Got 3:45. Tired, soaking wet… Not happy.
It is night time again
Everyone was waiting for message about Le Cheile midnight marathon for 2016. End eventually it it has been announced – mid July. But there was a small hiccup. No b2b this year, no chip timing. That what is happening when race director is changing. Still under Le Cheile Athletic Club but changes made. Wasn’t ready for trail. So, that change wasn’t affecting me. But time chipping missing was a big bummer. Back to early days. One person counting laps for four runners…
Friday, as usual. Start minute before midnight, as usual. And as usual marathon run after whole day of work. What usually you are doing on Friday evening night. Relaxing? Watching movies? But when you are addicted to running (even during bad spell) you won’t say no to 95 laps of athletic track. Can’t say it is boring. Maybe cause you are running during night. Can’t see that you are passing same things 95 times and the landscape is not changing at all. What you gonna do? You will run. You will come to AC in the middle of the night and wait for signal to start. Usual suspects on starting line. Even before arriving on site you know that there will be 20-30 runners who are on every marathon. Was missing Cezary there. But having said that it wasn’t boring before the start. On the way to toilet before the race I dropped my phone on the grass. Or that what I thought. My phone actually found a puddle. And that was it. No more Xiaomi phone for me. Damn it. Bad luck and that race hasn’t even started. Hmmm… Would I get time I wanted now? Is 3:40 available in that state of mind?
Just stick to the plan. Same time per loop and should be ok. Piece of cake. Plan, plan… But already pissed off cause of damaged phone. Strange feeling that pit-stop will be needed. Probably all that set my mind to state were plan would not work and I will start running faster than I wanted counting that all be ok. Don’t remember what time I supposed to have per lap but I know I was going much, much quicker. And going like that I haven’t waited long for toilet pause (damn you IBS). It was early in the race, I think it maybe fifth loop or quicker. So, straight away I was way back where I wanted. Time wasted. And what you should do when something like happen. You should keep calm and stick to plan, do not try to make up lost time. But what you suppose to do and what you will do are two separate things. At least that how I ‘work’. Now was time to made up for lost time. Pace was good, felt great, night was beautiful. Time for run. Whole 42.2 km… Last year I when I was running for first 35 laps I was in front, leading. Lost pace after that but still was able to finish 3rd I think, with 3:14. Not bad for middle of the night running. But back then I felt that my pace went down on about 40th lap. Whereas now I knew that lap no 20 was slower than number 15. Number 25 was slower than 20 and so on and on. In the middle of the race I was just thinking why am I jogging not running. Why someone is overtaking me? That shouldn’t be happening. And another thing. When I was finishing lap 80, with just 15 to go, my ‘counter’ called lap number 79. I was in bad shape and that message just made me mad. Started to shout at person who was counting my laps. On every lap I was telling him that he is wrong. I was counting with him and every 5 laps he was shouting my lap number. All was fine till that 80th lap. Where the hell he lost that one lap. I know that is just just over 400 meters but it almost made me to stop. Was pissed off but decided to continue. With two laps to go I have been asked how many I have till finish. Said 2, it has been corrected now. Just over 800 m to go. Was much happier. Perspective of three laps till finish would be devastated. But two not too bad. Finished in 3:39. Not too bad considering melt down and pit stop.
Wasn’t too bad. Could be better always but still phone beyond rescue point.
‘O’ stands for Offaly
But this time that stands for ‘Ohh jeez, what a mess’. That suppose to be weekend with easy b2b. First in the long time. Weekend runs in Offaly. For the first time MCI has organized marathons there. Saturday in Rhode – two loops, almost half of that on trail. Sunday loops in wind farm in Mount Lucas. I was happy for that b2b. But as usual nothing is simple and easy for me. Almost died during first day and additionally had three pit-stops. And second day stomach started to acting up straight from the beginning… So, it was tough enough. Too bad cause both routes were new and would be nice to conquer both.
Anyways… Had a bad feeling about that weekend. Gut feel. Don’t know how and why. Just did. Maybe that long drive and search for the place. Finding it wasn’t easy. But eventually I have parked car in Rhode GAA club parking. Something wasn’t right. Maybe my pre-marathon routine. Needed to be amended cause of small amount of toilets. Just before 9 AM I was ready for a jog. Briefing was kinda scary. Something about broken leg… Route – twice hear and back with last part leg on trail. Expect all: gravel, grass or mud. Both days I supposed to go same pace and finish in 3:45. But that was theory. When you can see Brian or Gillian you want just to run to talk and enjoy. But of course they are much fitter, preparing themselves for Berlin 100 Wall Run or 24 h Championship. I stuck with them till first loop turn-around point. Took foot off the pedal. But knew at this stage that I have already burned out. And before half way mark stomach wanted to talk. Not too bad. Will wait till halfway. Toilet there and time to use Tailwind… and that was I think really bad idea. Stomach was kind of fragile already and any substance like gel or powder could just make it worse. And it did. Two more stops. Each time when I was trying to pick up the pace I was putting my stomach and colon under bigger pressure. So, had to slow down. Last 10 km was actually torture. Was trying to imagine where the water station is. And when eventually got there I just drunk way too much. Disaster in making. So, at the half way point I was well in 3:45 time frame. Toilet and I was out. With second part being so bad I was just praying to get into 4 h. Made it. Wasn’t happy with my effort and scared for next day. But all I needed to do is to sort out stomach. Shouldn’t be a problem, right?
Just needed to watch out for food intake that day and Sunday suppose to be sorted. Easy meal. Getting to Sunday’s marathon was much easier than day before. I have picked up Mark on the way and both went there. Wind farm is actually really nice to run. Don’t remember exactly how the route looked like. Some regular loops, some extras on the beginning. Weather wasn’t great. Rain, little bit later showers but manky all the way. Was little bit cold as well. Bad feeling about that one. But as usual after complaining a little bit I have picked the number and was ready for a run. Even that first three loops were different I was hoping that I won’t get lost. First loop was small, then bigger one with extra bit in the middle. And already on that big loop I knew that stomach is saying hello one again. Lost already time and I would need to work harder to get 3:45 this time. But I had tried. Probably shouldn’t have. Plan was 3:45 without pit stops. First big loop and I was already behind time anticipated. But went on the second big loop, this time without additional here and back in the middle. It was quite nice, despite the rain, to run in the windmill farm. Passing all these huge constructions knowing that these are helping to save our environment and giving so needed energy. Ok, but back to run. Pushing harder (sounds funny when I’m saying that, that pace was still slow for last years standards) and felt that it would finish in bad way. Could continue but was risking cramps and pit stops. Decided against running. Some people were amazed by that. I was little bit pissed off about myself but still… plenty runs to run. Not worth it to hurt myself. IBS still around a corner. I decided to wait for Mark. Went together going back as well. July… rain, cold. Typical Irish summer. Heating has to be switched on in the car… Mark has finished in over 4 hours. We just packed and went home…
First Offaly marathons well below par for me… Still long way to go for me.
Viking roar
Supposed to be in Szczecin that day. I have already told Adele that Viking marathon is not a go cause marathon in home town… you know. So, that would be Szczecin, but with date approaching all started to be blurry. Tickets price way too high and bad form I couldn’t risk to disappoint runners who would count on me. And there was other thing. When I have eventually contacted Szczecin marathon there was just 5 h spot left for pacers. So, with just couple of weeks to go I have contacted Adele again to ask her if there is still any spot for me. She was really surprised but said yes. Last year it was 4:30 so I was hoping for 4 h maybe. But… landed 3:45. Straight away I was trying to remember the route. Are there any tricky parts, any drags. Remembered couple of these and was really hoping that I was just over exaggerating or my memory is bad. But not, during run I was reminded that there are some challenging parts. Ups and downs and ups again. And of course seaside. Very beautiful but you can count on the wind. And how would you try it will be most of the time in your face even if that part is here and back… But I was so happy. Last year together with Dave we helped some of the ‘poor souls’ to get to finish in 4:30. Plenty of pushing done on the last 2 miles. Damn you park. You know that you are so close, can hear all sound made by people at the finishing line but still path in the park is taking you away from all that… Ok, but back to this year.
Whoever tried to get a room or B&B in Waterford during Summer knows that it’s almost impossible or possible but very expensive. So, this year I have decided that it would be nice opportunity to try airb&b. And have found room for one night for nice price and really close to starting line. No need for morning drive. View from room straight to bay. Nice. After arriving and saying ‘halo’ to my hosts I went for quick walk into town. To just see again all these narrow streets and quays. Viking ghosts all over the place. Can feel that. Boat, museum, marathon. All that gives you nice feeling. And next day would try to run with runners marathon distance in 3:45. Gear was prepared when I was going to sleep. So stressed that I wasn’t able to fall asleep for next 3 hours. So, instead of good night sleep it was very short nap. In the morning my usual routine and just less than 5 minutes walk to marathon HQ. Adele and rest of the gang already prepared all t-shirts and balloons. Went through my stretching exercises and I wasn’t ready. There was no second pacer for 3:45. Deepak was missing. Damn it. For now I was the pacer who possibly could drop in the middle of the race. So, where the hell was he. 5 minutes before we were suppose to take usual pictures at the starting line he appeared. Last year when we took the picture I was laying down on the ground in front of whole pacing group. Cause last year was was good decided that will do same this year. When we have done with ‘shooting’ some pacers came to me asking if that was me last year. Yep, there is just one silly one who would do that. And after couple of ‘helo’s’ to people I know I went into the crowd. Found Dipak and we were ready. On the beginning we had quite a big group. I was leading the pack and Dipak was little bit behind. Kinda keep this way almost for whole race. From the beginning I saw with my mind all the hills, bigger and smaller, sharp inclines and drags. After the start and into next hour I was feeling quite comfortable. But still in the back of my mind was idea that all marathons are same. Great at beginning but then you feel the ‘heat’. I knew that even if I will fail that Dipak will follow with the group. But maybe that was keeping me more relaxed than I should be. But still hills were kicking everybody’s asses and head wind was very annoying. First couple of turns in the town, quays and out from the town. Than after 4 miles back to town and then up. So far so good. Split between half, full marathoners and 10 K. Called here again mini marathon. After finishing 42.2 km we can say that we did 4 marathons today 😉 Stretch, turn stretch again. After that park. Group was going strong. Most of the runners kept with Dipak little bit behind but all in the sight. Out of the park, long-long street (with roundabout) and turn around for half marathoners. And from that moment run is starting for good. You know who is trying to get to finish line in 3:45. This long road… ups and downs. And still that steep incline which should get you through 13.1 mile mark. I heard that groups was very pleased when they heard beep when they were going over timing chip mat… or was it the information that we won’t be getting over that hill on the way back. Nice then. Up to roundabout, left to Tramore. Decline but at this stage route run just besides sea so it is windy… We were going down but on the way up was already Dolores going for her PB. Good on ya. Loop in Tramore and then back to roundabout. This time seaside but incline. Really tough. Group was getting smaller but still with us. This time after roundabout very long straight. Ups and downs which could get on your nerves at this stage of the race. Tired runners and we hit traffic. Huge group, some ‘wearing’ washing machine on the back. Unfortunately not all were willing to allow us to pass them. Just the quirks. That long stretch is taking you to Kilbarry Park. At this stage, after all inclines and declines, I was followed by just one runner. Fecking park. You almost there. Can hear finishers names over the speaker. If you running this marathon you are thinking that it will be over in couple of minutes and your garmin is broken. And you happy but truth is that there are still over 2 miles to go and park is not flat. I have caught couple of slowing runners. Encourage them. For the first time I saw John McManus struggling in the marathon but was able to push him little bit. He was able to get there in the end. He wasn’t the only one who I got over the line. Waited for whole group with Dipak. Let them pass me and made sure that there all runners who had chance for 3:45 are in front of me. Got myself through the line. Happy that I was able to help so many runners and it is really nice to hear that without me ‘kicking ass’ he couldn’t get to finishing line. Thanks for that John.
After the job done need to go down to car. Still over 20 minutes walk. Wasn’t very pleasant walk but didn’t care. Marathon was great.
Second time 2 hills of Wexford
Straight after 50 K in Portumna I was on the road to Wexford. Portumna not too far from Dublin. Same Wexford from Dublin but Portumna directly to Wexford over 3.5 hours and all that after running 50 K. That wasn’t so pleasant. Tired after run and even more tired after driving there. But nice surprise when saw my B&B. Really nice. Quite big room, same with bathroom. Owners very nice and great views. Too bad that just for one night. Just outside Wexford, about 10 minutes drive to quays. Decided to go down for little walk before sleep. Stroll on the quays and Main Street. Was really quiet, most of the shops closed on the Saturday evening. Coffee on the go and… important shopping. Both 240 poop bags for dogs. What a ‘catch’. After that was time to prepare for next day run. That was my first b2b after injury, IBS. Was scared little bit. Was happy that I was pacing 4:15. Shouldn’t be too bad but still was little bit nervous about it. Ye, I suppose to pace. Debbie was missing 3:30 pacer. Not many can pace that, especially in Wexford. Have tried with Chris Grayson but he couldn’t do that weekend but Alex O’Shea was available. So, we had our speedy ‘Fireman’ to lead the 3:30 heard. I think he enjoyed the run… But back to my issues. Gear was ready but looked like it was shaking. My gear was shaking…
Next morning was nice. Sunny, but not too hot. Definitely no rain. 10 AM start but before that you need pick up number and pacer gear. And as last year in the hotel I have met many fellow runners. This year wan’t so lucky to receive number 1. Better runners deserved that number. After picking up number I went down to car to leave all unnecessary stuff and change. From there I could see starting line. Plenty already there waiting for signal to start. Last year I was pacing 4 h and back then haven’t got any idea about two big hills. This year I knew the route and I was scared. Even dropping to 4:15 pacer didn’t made me more confident in anyway. Sunny… we have started. Was checking pace all the time. Knew that I need to go slightly quicker before hitting first hill. When we were on the ‘flat’ section (still couple ups and downs). I had small group with me until probably half way up the hill. Even that Wexford marathon is considered small on the first hill there is quite a lot people to support runners. Almost in each running group you had someone who was local. They were getting quite a cheer. On the top of the hill I was alone. I lost everyone cause I was trying to keep predicted pace. Now, on the downhill I could relax. Allow to gain time lost during climb. On my way down I was caught by some of runners from my group. Some passed me, some stayed with me. But we were on the flat again. And that would stay like that till mile 18th. But I was tired, which was quite strange. Or maybe not. Bad shape, 50 K day before. Waited now for water station. Wanted to test Tailwind… test is too strong word. I was hoping that it will give me at least some energy back. Water station, please be located before second hill. Hill which now looked as a mountain. Never try anything new on the race day… This time I was really happy that I had tried. Energy was back. And even with tricky way to put powder into small bottle during it was really worth it. Got what I wanted. Was able to finish now. Still about 20 km to go biggest hill to conquer. On the hill I was alone… Sorry, that’s not true. I was catching with runners who were slowing down. That hill is a bit… On that climb I have passed 10 maybe 12 runners. Some already walking and cursing. I think Debbie knows what runners think about her when they are climbing that second hill. On the top of the hill small here and back section. Relaxing before lashing down the hill. Again… I was taking my time. Still on track with 4:15. When I was jogging down I saw some runners going quicker and much happier than couple of minutes earlier when they were going up…
At the bottom of the hill was last water station. Same place as last year. Last year I have stopped there for about 2 minutes. Talked little bit with marshals and got caught one runner who wanted initially get better result but now was happy for me to get him under 4 hours. This year stopped for water and jellies… very hard jellies. Hmmm… strange. Until I have spitted it up. Yep, my tooth crown fell out. Nice… unbelievable things are happening when you run. Just below 2 miles to go. With fallen crown in my hand I jogged towards finishing line. Have passed some runners who overtook me early in the race. Some of them were still able to get to 4:15. So, I have picked up as many as I could (two) and push them little bit. They finished before me. So, all good.
Nice race. Tougher than year before. When you know the course it is always harder. What else? Ye, ‘war wounds’. Crown now rest in the special box.
Was that really a reward?
Last year about same time I was enjoying my almost 9 hours run in Portumna. Finding these 20 loops really nice. Finishing that race I’m 2nd place got me free entry to this year edition. Oh, I wish I could run same this year. Unfortunately this year I wasn’t ready. Didn’t want to forfold. So, Decided to downgrade to 50 K run. Run, not race. Can’t called it race if I’m not able to get 3:30 in marathon. Isn’t that crap? But nonetheless I wanted to participate. Even if there was another marathon next day in plans. And looks like that other one was more important. I supposed to be a pacer in Wexford marathon. Just for 4:15 but those two big hills could kill anyone. But first to first part of the weekend. Cause there was quite amount of travelling involved that weekend Bozena stayed home. Besides she couldn’t get from work early on Friday. So, I was alone. This year I decided to stay closer to Portumna Forest and rented room in the village on the Main Street. Small room but that was enough for one night. Wasn’t staying there even for 12 hours. When I have arrived about 8 PM decided to go for a walk. Just to relax, then back to room to watch game before going to sleep. But that wasn’t good night sleep. There was some party that night in the village. I have been waken up couple of times. Last time just before party ended about 5 AM. So, I wasn’t rested on Saturday. 7 AM start of 50 K and 100 K. At 6 AM I was on site starting my preparations…
Usual stuff. Toilet, stretching, toilet. And relax during friendly chats. But still stressed little bit. Stressed and angry with myself. Angry cause I suppose to run 100 K and get similar result as last year or better to get another year Spartathlon ballot qualification. But not this time, not in Portumna. That one was just to run and see how it will go. 10 loops, not much stuff needed. But great opportunity to test Tailwind. Just one for starters. I think it is working. But probably about that next time. So, start. Briefing and pep talk by Sebastian. Last smiles and jokes. 7 AM signal to start. Slow and steady, slow and steady… Why the hell I’m so close to front runners? Why the hell I’m trying to catch them? I knew straight at the beginning that I will die. Sooner or late but I will. First lap and I remembered all. First easier uphill on the 0.6 up to 1 km mark. And then the that one which is a killer after while. Left curve drag up on the 2.5 km. Those 300 m would be usually just a small bump but not when you are running that same part 10 or 20 times. Damn you marina part. But wait where is that easy start and run. Why I can still see the quick runners. They should be already much further. Maybe should see them once on the here and back part. And why the hell my watch is showing pace below 5 min per km. Probably broken 😉 Unfortunately for me that wasn’t the case. I was running stupid again. Without proper stamina I was just waiting for tiredness to kicked in. Knew it will come. Was expecting that it will be about km 18. But was ok at this stage. But there was one thing which was annoying me a lot. That was very laud music before km 2 and just after 4. Of course that was just twice on the one loop but still not nice. Till about km 19 I was running before runner who had music switched on very laud. I could hear it. Was actually causing me to run different pace cause of the music rhythm. So, not cool. And I have noticed Andrzej. Funny. After that we have run together until about 30 km. Cause I was running with him I was really bad with my pace. I was going way too fast. So, knew that on some stage I will be jogging. Marathon time was 3:34 which meant that second 21.1 was much slower than first one. I was running third but knew that Ger will pass me on some stage. And I was correct. Was really tired and was really hard to drag my legs. 4:13, fourth place. Crap race but time just 2 minutes slower than year before in Donadea. Differences? In 2015 I was starting my preparation for longer runs. This year I struggling with keeping steady pace, endurance and speed.
Hope that will get better.
On the way to ORANJE
Long weekend. So many marathons to run in Ireland. Tullarone, 100 K Donadea, Derry, Cork (where I have started my marathon adventure). Can run three days in row. And probably I would do that if I was in better fitness form. So, maybe next year. June long weekend 2016 we are spending on small city break in Amersfoort. When was looking for places to spent long weekend and if possible to run I have found small event in heart of Urtreht region in Netherlands. When research that place it looked quite nice. Not too expensive, with nice views and interesting places to visit…
I have been asked by Bozena to keep amount of runs and visits outside Ireland to minimum. Which is quite hard to do. I would like to try as many different marathons in different countries as I can. And even that I have already used my assigned limit of marathons outside Ireland Bozena was quite kin to that one. Probably cause both of us never been to Netherlands before. New experience, new research in country of many canals. Day of the flight was (still is a havoc). To catch flight at 7 PM I had to go to work at 6 AM, skipped break to be able to get hour of training run. Got home and in next 45 minutes I have packed suitcase and got dogs ready for their weekend stay with minders. Don’t know how dogs know that we are leaving but that pair is always excited. I just hope that excitement is cause by them thinking that we will take them with us and not by spending weekend with Brendah and Alan. Anyway, today was the same. I was packing luggage and dogs were running here and back with excitement. Every time I was near shoe cabinet were we keep leashes Kulka and Lucy started to jump and bark. Dogs just know. When we arrived on the airport we could see that there were plenty of flights delayed. First thought was – ‘Ours will be to’. And we were correct. But as usual Ryanair informed passengers about that fact just 20 minutes before scheduled departure time. Typical Ryanair. Officially flight delayed by 25 minutes but after checking watch was more like 30 – 35 minutes. Anyway, on the plane now. When we will land in Amsterdam not step would be taking train straight to Amersfoort. Another 45 minutes of travel and then, last part, 10-15 minutes walk. Mercure hotel should be in centre of the town, just 300 m from starting line of the marathon. Should be quite convenient. Will see. Quick nap now? Will be probably stressed out by train part (finding proper train and so on) of the journey…
I was correct about train but not part with finding it. We had to take that train 3 times. First to get just half way to Amersfoort, second to come back to airport and then to get to hotel. By mistake I took same Samsonite suitcase but unfortunately wasn’t ours. Good thing was that on ours we have our mobile number, so they could find us quite quick. So, instead of us being in bed before midnight we were there half one in the middle of the night. Walk from train station to hotel was just about 10 minutes. We had to wake up guy on the reception to get to the building. Thanks God that room was quite spacious and comfortable. We went to sleep really fast. We had three days in front of us in Netherlands. Nice sleep. Next day we have assigned to sight seeing task. Sun in full swing, not a cloud in the sky. Couldn’t think about anything better for city break. Of course that is not really working when you are Irish. We are used to rain, wind and maybe a week, two weeks tops of sunny weather during whole year. Sun – yes, but not too much. That can kill you 😉 Anyway, we have spent whole day wandering around old town. Picked up bib, visited local shops. They have many shops with cheese, plenty bakeries. You can just spend days enjoying food. Nothing else. And when you think that it is what Amersfoort have to offer food-wise you are somehow brought to the ‘HOFF’. Market where you can buy fresh flowers, food – cheeses, meats, pastry, bread… All is there and fresh. Of course we couldn’t resist the temptation and we bought local coconut cakes and some other pastry (sorry, don’t remember the name). You can’t resist when you see price. Fruits for just fraction of the Irish price. So much was hidden in those small streets of that town. We saw gates into the Old Town, visited small cafeterias, bought cheese from cheese shop. Basically we just got lost in the small streets of Amersfoort. Decided to go to museum to see little bit of town history (interesting part) and exhibition of one of the local painter from mid 20th century (not interesting part at all). It was slow, relaxing day. All was very good, just too hot. Ended our day in Sushi Bar and… that was an experience. Apparently this way you are ordering in any shushi bar in Netherlands. 5 rounds per customer and 5 pieces per round. Usually you have one piece of sashimi or similar but 3 simple sushi rolls. Looks like not much but we were done after 3 rounds each. Full. Sushi bar was near the hotel so we decided to get a nap and continue sightseeing in the evening. And of course nap was longer than expected. So, evening we have spent in hotel preparing for marathon day… Well I could prepare gear and stuff but not my body.
I wasn’t prepared for heat on the day. Marathon was starting at 10:30. Before that there was 5 km for kids and 10 km run. We were starting as last group. Half, marathon relay and full marathon. But at time of the day we were starting it was already about 25 degrees (at least) and not a cloud in the sky. Canon blast and we were off. Quite narrow but not for long. Runners have spread out. More room to run. And of course… I did my thing. Went to quick. Was telling myself that I want to get 3:40 – 3:45. But still most important was not to visit toilet. With second thing I have succeeded. But first I’ve died. And it was just after 12 km mark. Why? I don’t know. Weather, body tiredness. All together… Possible. Only thing which was keeping me from DNF was idea of finishing marathon in another country. First 12 km in pace 4:45 and 4:50. Stupid fella. Paid for that. Next 3 hours something I was suffering. Trying to convince myself that I still running/jogging. But that was just pathetic. I was so weak and tired that for the first time I have stopped to rest and to talk to my Wife. And that wasn’t even first loop done. At this stage there was still about 2 km to half way mark and I was dying. When was turning last time before half way someone called ‘Alan, see you soon’. Ohhh, that person was really mistaken. It took me another 2 hours and something to being seen in the same place. Time to time I had to walk for a bit. Was trying to lie to myself that I’m doing that to charge batteries little bit to be able to run for next half a hour. But that wasn’t working. Still plenty to go. Had to drink quite a lot which meant that too much liquid was in the belly. Electrolytes down, so drunk some isostar but was missing any oranges. Just bananas. Damn it. I was just counting km marks. Wanted these to go quicker. Last 3 km and someone on the side was offering runners orange quarters. That was nice. Quick chat with Lady who was giving oranges. When I said that I’m from Ireland she said ‘Oh, you just know rain then’. That was true. Slow moving towards finish. Made it. My name was called before finishing. Marathon Club Ireland called as well. End… thanks God. So much sun. Moved straight away into shade. Drunk three bottles of water. Wanted just to get under the shower. Colder shower. Just sit there for quite a while.
Killer of a weather. After couple of hours spent in hotel we went out for a while. Was already evening so most of the shops were closed. Just restaurants opened. We went to Italian restaurant. Drunk one of the most expensive beers in our life, called ’32’. Really nice and quite strong. Evening stroll around the city. Noticed that even that Ireland is called green island in Netherlands there are more parks, green spaces and forests. Nobody calling Netherlands green… Enjoyed last day in Amersfoort. Next day small trip to Amsterdam before heading back home. Next day we went for quick breakfast, packed our bags and we were in the train back to Amsterdam. Bags left in the lockers and we went into Amsterdam. Cause we had just about 5 hours we decided just to wonder little bit in the centre. That was enough time to see really nice exhibition of Word Press Photo. Moving, hard to describe with words. Great photographs mostly showing cruelty in the world. Nice pictures but after seeing that all humour was sad. Had quick lunch and were trying to find famous coffee shops. Saw just one until we got at the south end of the city centre. There every third shop was with ‘coffee’. It was funny to see fact of checking ID when accessing that type of shop. With some time left till our departure we were just taking our time walking around Amsterdam canals. And we were taken by surprise when we walked into ‘Red Lamp District’. Everyone knows about ‘Red Lamp District’ but not everybody knows where it is exactly. We haven’t got a clue until we walked there. Kinky shops, pubs, clubs. Not many ‘ladies’ in the windows. Was little bit too early for that. But still quite an experience to see all that and actually do some shopping there. Nice couple of hours in Amsterdam ended. Needed to get back catch train to airport and our plane…
Netherlands is the place to visit again and not necessary to run.