A month in Nederland now, and i am blessed to discover this country and her proud people through running. I learned sporting values the athletes prescribed to; hard, structured and disciplined work.
Blessed with good weather, and a balanced lifestyle, run events are also carried out on weekday evenings. This allows for greater participation across age groups, covering a wider geographical area. Runners are usually affiliated with a club, where trainings are given. You know who are the stronger runners just by looking at the jerseys they have clad on at race start. Sometimes, it feels like a battle of the club at the race start rather than (of) the individuals. Race categories starts from 800m (quite common) from junior level. Race results are centralised and transparent, and (some) recorded at the national level. Race fees are affordable, less than 7EUR (often) to encourage participation from junior level. I can only imagine the improvements it could bring to Malaysia if certain models are adopted.
What i enjoyed most is the race atmosphere with support from the local community who lined the street patiently waiting to cheer you on, offering water and soaked sponges, and free water shower post!
On the actual race experience, there is one that is stuck in my head. My competitors live nothing to chance. On numerous account, i was overtaken by them only at the final 50m to 150m. I am often too exhausted at the last 150m that it takes so much of me to sprint to the finish line, that i almost could not, and therefore not, only to be left flustered at the finish line for not trying hard enough when overtaken by 1 second.
“What could have if only i ….” lingers long enough until i get my adrenaline fixed.
And now, the dotted town/ villages i have experienced in “run in nederland”
Special thanks to Gertjan Lahuis.
meysrunningjourney.com 