The race report I published the other day was to give practical info to other runners. So here's the more personal side of marathon weekend.
Here I am on Friday in front of the huge promotional poster at Placa d'Espanya. We were headed to the Expo, where I picked up my race packet with number bib, electronic chip to record my times, and some other promotional stuff. We went back Saturday afternoon for the free Pasta Party. Carbo loading!
I'm sure some people plan race strategy the night before, but Philipp and I planned a different type of strategy ... Where he would see me along the course. We sat with the map, and worked out where it would be easiest for him to go with the bus / metro, when I would run past each point, what side of the street I should look for him on ...
And here's the course :
It looks like there are a lot of runners, but compared to Paris and Berlin (35-40 thousand runners), Barcelona is small with only around 9,000. Here I am, just after crossing the start.
Unfortunately, despite the smaller number of runners, and all our planning, Philipp and I only saw each other at the first couple spots. It was frustrating and disappointing for both of us. I am always so happy to see Philipp along the course ... it restores my smile and gives me new energy! I had him with me in my heart, though.
And ... 3 hours 55 minutes and 31 seconds later ...
(32 seconds by the official chip time) This is my Garmin GPS, which I always wear to run. I know it says that I ran only 25.35 miles (not 26.2), but trust me ... I did run the full marathon. Sometimes there are glitches when satellite signals are low.
And here I am again, back in the Placa D'Espanya, with my finisher's medal and a proud smile.
I'm laughing to myself now, as I look at this photo, because I know that after we took it, I had to walk down the stairs I'm standing on, which was so painful.
But nonetheless, I was already thinking about where my next marathon will be, and what my goal time will be. (no decisions made yet, but I'll keep you posted!)
:)
2 comments:
Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the OLED, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://oled-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.
Yeah Kerry! Congrats with such a great run time in the marathon!! Sounds like is was a fantastic time overall. Which marathon is next?? One day the Boston marathon?? :)
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