Half marathon to end the semester

The Fall Semester 2021 is history! This past weekend I had my last exams and papers due. The semester went by so fast. My classes were still online, which I enjoyed. My work schedule is more flexible with that :).

Otherwise, of course, I did some training in the last weeks. The weather sometimes had its pitfalls; sometimes it was really cold, then there were warm days with high humidity - like this week. This change makes me physically something to create. Lol.

Last week I celebrated my birthday. The first time in the semester, I made it to the beach. I made that wish come true ;) - yep, without words, think many.

For that was once again the time to bring me to other thoughts. I needed a change, something different. A race for fun, just for me - without pressure and expectations, which I usually set for myself. JUST RUNNING. As I should do always, or not? Only my head has some difficulties understanding that; because I should be smart ;).

So it was called a half marathon!!! On 12.12.2021 in West Palm Beach.

2:50 am - the alarm clock rang. Breakfast!!!

04 am - departure to West Palm Beach.

06 am - the start of the half marathon, marathon, and marathon relay.

At the starting line, I was calm and happy. It was dark but humid. It was predicted to be a sunny day. The event was big; around 3000 participants were in it for the weekend. So cool - road races like this are great. A whole different feel and flair.

The girls from the XC team split up into 2 marathon relays :) fun!

The start signal was given, and the horde of people headed out on the course. The course was nice; there was a north and south loop (the marathoners ran this course 2x). It was an out and back - meaning we all ran into each other again. Then, at least it didn't get boring.

When I started running, I found a comfortable pace relatively quickly. Unfortunately, I was alone from start to finish :D. A bit sad and boring, I would have enjoyed a bit of entertainment.

At some point, the sun came up, and it was soooo beautiful. The course was along the shore - lots of expensive yachts and boats :D.

On the way back for both loops, I was cheered on by the other participants. That was so cool - that's what I love about the running community. I was out with nothing but smiles.

By now, I was on the south loop. The first ones were coming towards me. I counted them by; 4th one is me right now !!!! Wuhu - funny. That gave me another energy boost - a new mindset, no matter what my legs say: "I will be 3rd overall. I will be 3rd overall". One kilometer before the finish, I caught him.

Result: 3rd overall; 1st woman; time: 1:21h

Admittedly, the time didn't matter to me, and I didn't approach the race with any pace, strategy approach. My body was honestly not ready for this length of the race (I feel this the following days ;) ).

For this, the result/time was absolutely super and a great addition :D. I am pleased.

At the finish, there was no time for me to get food. I think I talked to 5 different reporters. In the end, I even had to give a live interview - made it into the morning show ;) Haha.

Madlen on American television, who would have thought that. Just funny.

At 11 am we were back home - and exhausted, although the day just started. Not much happened - chill and rest.....exactly like the following days.