#roadtoRotterdam
PB of 3.48.29
It is such a big relief.
Doubt kills your confidence… bury it
After 6 weeks of following a structured training plan, and on days when you are in doubt with the plan (on a bad day/ weeks – last 2 weeks of higher mileages training), i am just honestly so relieved that i achieved my target of sub 4. A sub 3.50 to qualify for Chicago really is an icing on the cake, and (really) no complaints.
All the things that could go wrong went wrong during the course of the training; left quads stitch (2 weeks), right knee sore lasting from week 3 onwards, left bunion swell, etc. But i went on anyways and followed the plan Gertjan had set up for me. Having him as a run buddy helps greatly, and keeps me going.
Race to keep your motivation level up, as part of the training plan
I raced two 10km (Ganzeloop and Nunspeet) and was able to maintain a consistent 4.41 run pace on each runs despite the discomfort i initially experienced. These really boost my confidence and motivation level.
I completed a >35km long run on Amstelveen FM as an event, and oh boy, this training was not an easy one for me. This was meant to be the final week of training and a final long run before the start of a 2-week taper. I remembered coming away from this run, feeling rather bothered that i didn’t feel strong at all – average pace of ~6.10, and (again) doubting that i will ever be able to actually sustain a 5.17-5.20 pace over 42km on race day.
Race day
We took a Metro to the start line located at Breur. Although we parked 18 min train ride away (at Alexander) from the start line, the race adrenaline already kicked in from the Metro train ride itself, seeing so many other participants dressed like one of us, and about to brace the tarmac for close to 4 hours.
The nervosity quickly wears out as i see the number of participants around me, although strangers, a common language and emotions is shared.
41,000 runners! 950,000 spectators, wow, the sheer size of it all is overwhelming. When you have that number of people running with you, cheering for you, singing for you, offering a Hi-Five, you really would keep going. So much so that my first 21km felt rather relaxed, running at an average pace of 5.15. I was so revved up. Up to a point where we thought Boston time was in sight, but alas, when the 3.40 pacers fly by us, and noticing that it is more effort for me to keep pace, i knew i had to let it go. When Gertjan said, “let them go” i felt my heart sink a little. But he reminded me that the prime goal is Chicago qualifying time of 3.50 to keep me focus, and it did, so i kept running.
Upto km 30, i was still able to sustain a pace of 5.18 – but the real test came from km 30 – 33, when pace dropped to 5.43 on average. I have been running non-stop upto km 30 – 33 before i started walking only at water posts which could have costs me up to 1 min. It did take me a lot more time to get from km 40 to km 42.595 km (over distance) 12 minute in total.
The weather
The warm start was welcomed. I dressed light, tee shirt and shorts. By noon, it went up to 20 degree and i think the heat must have caused a slight cramp at the finish line. Wind was not felt, which made it rather pleasant to run in. I did however, wish i had my shades with me during the race.
The shoe
Satisfied with the Brooks Ghost 11. Wide enough for the bunion issue i have, effective cushioning for the hours of pounding on tarmac road and soft enough for the sole.
The organisation
Rotterdam had a special foamed water cup which prevents water from spilling off as runners pick it up to drink. At km 33, there was a few giant TV screens where personal videos sent from family and friends of runners were displayed. Gertjan made this absolutely lovely request for my niece and nephews’ message, and although i saw it post race, my heart melted. So, well done to the organiser for the platform because at km 33, videos and messages from family members can help.
I am ready to train for BQ!
On reflection, 3 long runs were upto 30km, and only my final run was >35km. Maybe more >35km long runs, and a longer training time to get to Boston. Yes, training begins!
What makes Rotterdam so special is the spectacle of it, that one final celebration to welcome the last runner to the finish line. Truly sportive!
https://www.rijnmond.nl/media/88904/Zo-ging-Laatste-Loper-Esther-over-de-finish
meysrunningjourney.com 