Running in Munich
Some things just happens. Munich marathon popped up as an option just some weeks ago when a friend got injured and I took over her spot. The run had been on my radar but didn’t planned for it this year. It turned out to be a great one tough.
Pre race events
Munich marathon has 40 000 runners doing the 10, 21 or 42K runs so the event is large. Race pickup was at Olympia park where the 1972 games was hosted (and the Swedish queen and king met during the games). Was the second time in my life I went there and it is really a nice park for activities. The exhibition was nothing to write home about but efficiency was on top. There was no line to the compression boots so I tried them out. Magic. Got my number and had a picknic with a noodle salad I had bought. There was also a shakeout run with the main partner Brooks but I didn’t go. There were tons of run events in the city this weekend.
Race day -1
Saturday and the rain poured down. Fall arrived over the night and I wanted to join a shakeout run. Attended Bold runclub for 6K in Englisher garten before heading to check in what event Adidas Runners Munich had. I can tell I ran in my rain jacket. It was wet.
The Adidas event also had a run but I didn’t doubled up so just socialsed and got asked if I wanted my hair race braided and that was of course a yes! Turned out very nice with blue ribbon in. Think I need this exclusive hairstyle for all marathons going forward. Someone who volonteer to be my hair stylist?
The Bold runclub event was great and people there aswell so made some new running friends that I joined to the pasta party later on Saturday evening. I’m not the one who say no to pasta bolognese and it was delicious.
Race story
Sunday at 09:00 it kicked off. Back at the Olympia park and conditions were great. 12 degrees and one lap course. Mix of city and nature. I had a good feeling and hoped my energy plan would be better than in Buenos Aires. Had three more liquid gels with me. First 10K just flew by. New streets to run and a lot to watch.
At 12K just when we entered the Englisher Garten I took my first gel. No, didn’t wanted to swallow it. It was so disgusting. Have tried so many brands and different ones but struggle with all. Got a few baby sips before I throw it away. Had water at the stations. The garten part was very beautiful not packed with people but easy to run and the crisp air from yesterdays rain was there. A lot of oxygen to soak up. Half marathon mark passed by. I felt strong. It was fun to run!
Done with nature and back to the roads. A slightly upward sloping hill but found a Swedish back to chase and we chitchatted a little before I left him behind. It was cheering, people, bands and crowds all the way to the finish line now. Not like Berlin in the suburbs but in the city yes. Kilometer after kilometer passed by. Soon 30K and it felt good still. Without watching my time I know I made a 30K personal best. Kept on going. 35. Fine. Still not struggled. Squeezed my third gel. Managed to get almost all of it. One with caffeine in. Energy kicked in. And soon we merged with half marathon runners. It got crowded but I didn’t mind. Wanted to keep their pace. A good feeling to feel stronger than those doing the half distance so I passed many. 5:13 pace. Under control. Looked forward to the come at kilometer 39.5. Tasted like heaven. As usual.
Back to Olympia park. Legs were still game so pushed the last out of them. Finished strong with a new PB. 3:36:10. Super fun race in great conditions. Got another medal to bring home. There was a lot of races in Europe this weekend and also Chicago marathon, did anyone tackled another one? now I plan on having a race break. Really hope to get a spot in Shenzen marathon in December but my lottery streak is against me. Don’t ask me how many draws I been into since 2009 and four wins (Hong Kong 3 times, Shanghai on 2nd tries, Tokyo on 12th, CapeTown on 1st and Berlin on ??). Fingers crossed otherwise I will look for something else without lottery.
/ Pernilla in Germany
