(2021 to 2022) from 10km to Full Marathons

I do not know what header could be more fitting than the above to describe the years of absence from penning my run experiences down. I want to refresh my memories over what seemed like lost years (Garmin data was helpful). I must say going through them bring back good and motivating memories, no run is ever too small or too slow.

16 October 2022 : Amsterdam Netherlands : 3:54:59 / My second time, first time was also when i clocked in a PB of 3:36:02 in 2019.

2 October 2022 : Winterswijk Netherlands : 3:51:05 / A race in the actherhoek. Close to home, and a maintenance run to make sure i could finish the distance with a good timing in Amsterdam.

17 September 2022 : Julian Alps Slovenia : 34km, 1650M+ / Now this is going to be a long one. I came here to collect one running stone to qualify for the UTMB CCC 100km/ 6000M+ race in 2023. I did get the running stone and qualify for the big race. A pretty big challenge for an amateur ultra trail runner. I totally underestimated what it takes to be one. Navigating the varying terrain, changing climate at various elevation, technicality of some descents (sometimes in muddy conditions) and night running. Slovenia as a country and its people and nature left such an impression on me. Definitely in my bucket list to return for a hike.

Approaching tunnel to Kranjska Gora.
The mountain awaits.

Runners taking shelter at the start line Bar Zicnica

Zasip where we stayed. We wanted to be closer to Lake Bled

Lake Bled with Julian Alps as the backdrop. Mount Triglav is also the highest mountain in Slovenia

14 September 2022 : Appelloop 10km : 44.53 / Achieved a PB milestone. This was a 2 looper with about 2km of sand paths through farmer’s land. Quite stoked.

28 August 2022 : Moor Marathon Germany : 3:52:05 / This is such a low key race but pack a punch. First, it is a 2 looper (mental challenge), a trail parcour with parts of very loose sands, and very small crowd cheering or runners around you.

Best feeling ever and always at the finish line

13 August 2022 : Trail des Fantomes Belgium : 42km, 1880M+ : 6:37:45 / (My Story) The challenge for year 2022 was to compete in Winschoten 50km. This was a build up run towards that challenge. I almost did not make it to the start line due to situations at home involving (not) shutting down pool filter. The start was at Landgoed de Herou. We stayed at La Roche itself, which is about 20min drive to the start line. However, one has a choice to camp at the Herou. My first impression was “how convenient”