I run, which I love, and is also a necessity to keep the fall out of my brain damage under control. Running reduces the pressures in my head and also builds new neurological paths I can then try and use for getting my skills on a higher level. The mind and body combination is very important, for everyone but especially me.
So last week (and this week) has been all about running. I usually try and run one marathon a year and last Sunday was the one for this year, the ASML Eindhoven marathon. 40th edition and a new parcours. So a nice weekend in Eindoven with a visit to the van Abbe museum, some food, family & friends and a run on Sunday.
Temparatures where absolutely perfect, a bit chilly at the beginning bit ones underway this went away pretty quickly, 12 degrees celsius is pretty spot on. Figured out a pace in the first few miles and decided to try and stick to it. Which I could, even without experiencing the energy dip after 30K. Mostly this is the point after which my energy levels are depleted and at some random point (32, 34, 36) I seem to loose all forward momentum, I basically feel like I am not able to move forward anymore. This did not happen and I could keep the pace, even at the busy last few kilometers towards the finish.
Very happy with the result, no records broken at 3:21:47 but this was a finish I would not have predicted at the start, way above my expectations.
Afterwards some drinks and bites with family & friends, and a very big breakfast the next morning. This is one for the books. A great weekend.