donderdag 12 mei 2016

The Rotterdam Mini Marathon


It's been a few weeks ago but I really wanted to post about my very first run.
When I think about it I am still so proud of myself!

Just over a year ago I started running after my physical therapist said I should take up a sport.
A friend provided me with audio guided lessons to train for a 5k run.
It was really hard at first but I quickly discovered I loved it.
Now I don't have a runners-body; No slender frame and long legs here.
And my speed is also not race-winning.
But I love being outside and pushing my body.



Running races was not a goal of mine. But when my brother ran the full Rotterdam Marathon last year the vibe of the whole event made me want to run a race. Not 42k but something small.
So Nico suggested I'd sign up for the mini marathon; a 4.2km run organised in the same weekend as the Rotterdam marathon.

After lots of training saturday 9. April was race-day
Because my brother took part in the full marathon the next day we where in Rotterdam for the whole weekend.
First up was picking up my "bib". My brother came along since he had to pick up his as well.
It is a bit special; walking around with so many runners. Everyone dressed up in their gear.
After picking up our numbers we had a stroll around the Expo. A kind of fair with all sort of running related things. I really wanted a special tshirt. At the New Balace stand you could buy a tshirt and have it specially printed. I opted for a bright fuchsia tshirt and a modest "run rdm" print.
Next up: waiting for the race to start.



There was no point in going back home and back into town later so we opted to stay  in the city. After a stroll we ended up at a small festival at Schouwburgplein.
We just hung out a bit there for a while; had a drink, something to eat and listened to the music.
I was super nervous the whole day.
At 15.45 it was time to head up to the start.
Best part of the mini marathon; both the start and finish where at the Coolsingel. Just like the real marathon.
I pinned on my starting number, checked my stuff and waited... I discovered my earphones didn't work so no running-music for me. The waiting was sooo long! They delayed the start a bit because of the fact there where still some kids from the kids runs before on the track.
It was really quite a special thing waiting for the start.. all of those nervous people..

After the start it was quite busy at first; some people pushing and shoving. And all of us trying to find our pace. I tried my best to stick to my own pace. I looked to find some people to keep up with (not to finish last was one of my goals) and after a kilometer or so I got into the groove. I saw my mom quite soon after the start. It was a lot warmer then I anticipated and there where already lots of people walking.
But I had set a goal of running the entire distance so no walking for me. I did slow down a bit though. It's quite difficult to stay in your own pace. I kept a look out for my brother but couln't see him.
I'm not familiar with the part of Rotterdam we where running through so I just followed the rest. It did make it difficult so guess how long I still had to go.
But I did feel I was running much faster then my ususal pace.
Suddenly I spotted the bridge and I knew the finish was close. Just before the Coolsingel I spotted my mom again; cheering me on.
With all the people along the road I knew I couldn't start walking. When I saw the finishline I was sooo happy. I even remembered to make an effort to smile for the finish-photo =)
I crossed the line in just over 30 minutes; 30:27mins to be precise. That is about 5 minutes faster then my regular time!



After the finish there where people handing out the medals, bananas, a small smoothie and water.
I had arranged to meet up with everyone at the medal engraving stand.
Because on your first race you go all out; so I had my time engraved on the medal.
Apparently my brother had missed me as well. Eventhough he was wearing a tshirt that said : "GO NINE" So cool!

We wrapped up the day with some Corona's at a bar and an early bedtime to prep for my brothers big day the next day.
* I was on "team banana" handing out bananas and water and throwing confetti*

I can reccomend siging up for a race to everyone! Even if you are running just for fun; pick a distance you know you can finish. The vibe is just amazing!
I got bitten by the 'race bug' and have already signed up for my next race.
On June 4. I will run a 5k right here in Hoorn.
**also I've started training for the 10k in Rotterdam next year =)



1 opmerking:

  1. Even aan het bijlezen, nu met dit sombere weer...
    Ik vind het top wat je hebt gepresteerd!! Ik schreef het je ook al bij IG.
    Ik doe het je niet na (heb ik totaal de puf niet voor, daarbij heb ik rennen altijd verschrikkelijk gevonden, op school al). Ik begrijp van anderen dat rennen een soort virus is, dat je moet raken. Opeens ben je verslaafd. Nou, dat zie ik mij nog niet gebeuren, haha. Heb genoeg antistoffen! Maar dat wil natuurlijk niet zeggen dat ik het niet geweldig vind wat jij hebt gedaan. Met jouw fibromyalgie een extra hindernis die je hebt overwonnen. Ik ben een supertrotse tante, chapeau nichtje!
    Liefs, Peetje

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