Wow, what a running party!
Berlin Marathon is probably for many a desired place to run, something I myself have wanted for a long time. When the opportunity to get a start number came up, I didn't hesitate for a second. The ticket was in the box!
After I disappointedly had to cancel the Copenhagen Marathon in May due to injury, the full focus was on training against Berlin. I sat down and made a training programme, which then consisted of all kinds of possible intervals for leisurely long walks from 90 min to 180 min. Also make a plan for a test run 1 month before the Berlin Marathon. The test run was then to get to the desired marathon pace in a half marathon.
2 weeks before Berlin I take part in a back yard race on terrain, this was a race I shouldn't have taken part in so close to the Berlin Marathon. I picked up a stress injury in my calf which forced me to stop training the weeks before. This was a big defeat and very unfavorable to not be able to complete my program so canceling the race was very realistic. A week before I was due to leave, I made the decision, I'm leaving and I'm going to start!
When I arrive in Berlin on Friday 23 September there are two days until the start. I quickly get up to the Expo where the bib number distribution takes place. Enormous with people who are there at the same time, but what a logistics. Wasn't long in line before the start number was in the box.
Inside the Expo, I also got to try compression boots that relax the legs, stimulate blood circulation and reduce muscle pain. I thought it couldn't hurt to try this as the calf was still not 100%. Whether it helped I dare not answer, but nothing should be unproven.
Race day
I like to get up early on race day, have a good breakfast and a cup of coffee to get the system going. The start doesn't start until 09:15, so after breakfast it's up to the room and smeared with vaseline on places that can easily chafe, tape the nipples and pack the bag to be left at the finish line. At 07:45 it was out of the hotel and heading for the start. I then take the subway two stops and walk up to the area where we can leave our bags. I still have plenty of time, so I use it to relax, drink fluids, and go to the bathroom as many times as possible. Half an hour before the starting shot, I go to the starting area and place myself in my pool C. Here there is a good and nervous atmosphere, people are filming, taking pictures and singing along to the songs playing over the music system.
Hair stands up when the starting shot goes off, the race is on!
For the first 5 km, I just run with a smile on my face and goosebumps all over my body, the crowd along the trail is absolutely raw, they cheer for EVERYONE together. What an atmosphere! And it doesn't give up, there is music, cheers everywhere. My name is on the start number, so hearing strangers cheering for Richard along the entire course gave a huge boost. Rumors say there should be around 1,000 people around the 42,195 meters on this day, and I believe that.
The course is relatively flat, 59 meters in height in total, so this is basically a race for new people.
But when my plan for a new record was slightly adjusted down after the injury in the calf, all I had to do was run in a controlled manner and enjoy the atmosphere which was completely indescribable. There were an enormous number of drinking stations, so here there is no danger of running out of liquid.
After 41 km you round the quarter and can see the Brandenburger Tor, and then there is not far to go. There you have over 1 km straight stretch where there are thousands of people, it is so loud with cheers that it simply MUST be experienced. When you pass the Brandenburger Tor, you have about 4-500 meters to go, and in my case there were a few tears when I saw the finish area. The finish line is crossed in 3:08:00, and the arms are stretched in the air.
Berlin Marathon, you are absolutely RAW, and here I WILL return!