More than a come back

stats of the week: run 45k, gym 3hrs

Venloop Half Marathon 1:38:35

My today's half marathon race at Venlo one can simply regard as an old runner's sort of come back. To me it meant much, much more. It was not just a successful race - it was a significant step forward (and back) into life. Last time I raced in the Netherlands it was a nice weekend with A at The Hague and running the City Pier City race in March 2008. I remembered this while running and imagined how A would enjoy it to see me feeling happy again being in the race. These kind of thoughts strengthened me throughout the miles. I just imagined A standing by and photographing me like she did for dozens of races along decades. Of course she only was there in my thoughts but it helped a lot to know she'd like me to be a happy runner again. I finally just equalled my age graded PB! If I had known this I could have pressed myself a bit more ...

Struggling in vain

stats of the week: run 73km, gym 2hrs

Every 5 years the finisher's medal of the Syltlauf is a piece of art:

I ran the 33K race just one minute slower than previous year. It sounds ok and is certainly an improvement compared to recent experiences. However, it was a tough struggle for the final 5K and I was totally exhausted after having crossed the finish line. In contrast to B who reached the finish only 20 secs behind me but she wasn't worn out at all and bounced around happily while I was close to a breakdown.

The dismal conclusion is that despite my workouts comply to the schedule my performance doesn't come up to the level where it should be.

Going North

stats of the week: run 65km, gym 3hrs

With just 5 weeks to go to London Marathon day, time seems to be going by faster than ever. However, the recent week was the first one to let me hope for sort of a come back. A proper long run midweek and a decent hilly workout today ... that's a promising sign.

Plans for next Sunday are to take part in a 33K race along Germany's most fashionable island - Sylt. The run depends very much on the weather as the place is far north and exposed to the winds. I already did it four times and enjoyed it. So I look forward to getting back to gladsome days.


The race always is sold out about 10 months before race date. I don't tell you how to get in now ...

Turkey Trip

stats of the week: run 53km, gym 2 hrs

Last weekend I made my first ever visit to Turkey where I guided a group of interAir guests around the Antalya Marathon. We had two sunny and summer like days before Sunday. The view of the Taurus mountains which rise up to 3,700m was magnificent. Open minded people and a very modern city life contradicted my prejudice of a still to be developed state of law.


Sunday's weather was different. The start line was flooded and runners had to wade across the timing mats.

Turkish Handan Eser (133) is leading the pack and finally wins her age group F50 after 3:27 hrs.

For those of you who like to see more photos there is a gallery.

Regarding my own sports week I wasn't satisfied with my workouts. My legs' muscels were still hardened and I missed the scheduled long run.