Marathon Chronicles, Part I: Anticipating the Amsterdam Marathon: A Highland Runner's Tale of Self-Belief, Resilience, and Celebration" one week week prior to the Amsterdam Marathon
[.past]
Nestled amidst the majesty of the Highlands of Scotland I find myself at home, cosy in front of a roaring fire. It’s an unseasonably cold and miserable day and likely the first lighting of the wood burner…perhaps a sign of things to come but nevertheless it’s where I find myself mulling over ever-present thoughts of the race looming on the horizon. The anticipation of the ‘big day’ advancing closer as time marches on and days roll by.
I appreciate that the picture I’m painting sounds akin to a piece by a Dutch master of days gone by. However quaint in nature or twee it may appear; every word is true. If I were to falsify the image in any way, I would perhaps add a generous dram in hand to warm my inner self, but alas there wasn’t one.
The approaching date is the 15th of October. The race, the Amsterdam Marathon!
To the overwhelming majority of the world, it will be just another day. For many other runners, it will be just another marathon. For me…for me this date holds particular significance, falling just one day after my birthday. The 15th of October is the Amsterdam Marathon, perhaps an oddly unique birthday gift to myself but still the way I’ve chosen to celebrate another year.
But it is here I sit in front of the fire, a mind bursting at the seams with anticipation, dread, hope, and excitement. Through it all I consider what has come and what is yet to come…
In truth it hasn’t been the best year and certainly not the easiest. There have been trials to test my mental and physical strength. There has been loss and there has been hardship, but throughout there has also been love. Through all of it however I remind myself that my year, my circumstances have been no different to a stranger I’ve passed on any given day, during any given run. The reality is how I’ve dealt with it all, how I continue to deal with it and how I let it shape me, sculpt me, and strengthen me, rather than break me down or derail my grand plans for what’s to come.
And as the anticipation, excitement and trepidation of the impending race buzz within my mind I have to remind myself of those kind individuals who have the belief that I have within me the ability to overcome my self-doubt and inner demons, to achieve a remarkable time. Yet, my self-confidence still waivers, especially when it comes to long-distance running, making it a challenge to visualise the success I know I yearn for.
Self-belief is a card I know I often lack to draw in my hand of cards while playing the game of poker that is life.
And still for the past several months, my journey toward the Amsterdam Marathon has been nothing short of transformative. Friends, family, and fellow runners in the community have consistently expressed their unwavering belief in my ability to achieve something truly remarkable, especially as the day of the race draws closer and my strength in support races and distances has been documented.
Their confidence in me is both humbling and motivating, serving as a wellspring of inspiration during the most gruelling training sessions or mental hiccups. It's remarkable how others can see potential in us that we regularly struggle to see in ourselves.
It’s this belief that I find myself dwelling on, knowing that come 9am on the 15th of October I will most likely have to summon that very same belief, channel the energy projected towards me by those kind and supportive souls, to settle my nerves and find a level.
My birthday, celebrated just the day before the race, will carry a profound significance. It will be a poignant reminder of the personal growth and unwavering determination that has brought me to this juncture. As I make a birthday wish, it won’t be for a specific finishing time but for the strength to conquer a marathon once again with the same resilience that I've exhibited throughout my training.
Against the backdrop of the dramatic Highland hills, I simultaneously find myself analysing my training, has it has been successful, while reminiscing about training on / up them. I've pushed my limits, embraced challenging workouts, conditions, and consistently poured in the hard work necessary to become a better runner. The sense of accomplishment and the improvements in not only my speed but also my endurance have been undeniable. I've set personal records in several other race distances, often surprising even myself with the progress I've made. These victories remind me that growth and progress often occur when we venture beyond our comfort zones and challenge ourselves.
Despite the external validation and my own training achievements, an internal battle continues to rage. Self-doubt has a way of creeping into even the most resolute minds. Marathons are a formidable challenge, a test of both physical and mental endurance like no other. As the days count down to the 15th of October, I am reminded of the vital importance of self-belief. I must learn to visualise success, to trust in the countless hours of training, and to silence the doubting voice that sometimes whispers in my ear, to believe the people who have shown belief in my ability time and time again.
In the end, the Amsterdam Marathon is not solely about achieving a finishing time or earning a medal. It's a celebration of the journey, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that, even when self-confidence wavers, determination can carry us through. The support and belief of those around me, coupled with the physical strength I've gained from my training, will be the driving force propelling me forward as I embark on this marathon adventure.
So as the sun rises over the horizon on Sunday, October 15th, I'll lace up my running shoes, and prepare myself to once again step into and embrace the unknown. Whether I achieve a time well in advance of my goal or not, I know that I've already triumphed in the realm of self-discovery and personal growth. The anticipation is palpable, the self-belief is gradually growing, and the Amsterdam Marathon, despite its distance from the Highlands, is poised to tell its extraordinary story.
Arising from my musings I swallow my doubts, my anxieties, and my over analysis! Come what may Amsterdam, ready or not I am coming for you, to race my race, to achieve my goals, to achieve my masterpiece!
Interlude:
[.present]
In the initial section of my marathon journey, I shared my nerve-wracking anticipation leading up to the Amsterdam Marathon. There was no exaggeration in any of the story, other than the style of writing I documented it in. In fact, I held off on sharing the initial portion of the blog for the entire week leading up to my journey to the Netherlands, simply due to the rollercoaster of self-doubt I was experiencing.
Instead, I've decided to combine the pre-event and post-event content in a single post. By now, you've likely read about my preparations, so let's dive into the heart of my adventure and recount my experience running my first international marathon.
Marathon Chronicles, Part II: Racing the Rainy Streets of the Netherlands
[.present]
Let's start where it makes the most sense – the beginning and my journey to the Netherlands.
In a nod to a previous marathon, while also being a Highlander on tour, I opted to wear one of my many kilts. This very noticeable choice of attire was not simply for the flight but also the majority of my time walking around the home of open expression and individuality, Amsterdam!
(Not to get ahead of myself but come race day the temptation to don this once again was overwhelming!)
Feeling an immense surge of national pride, I showed up at Inverness airport in my blue utility kilt. Given that Inverness is the capital of the Highlands kilt-adorned passengers are not an uncommon sight, and so it was a breeze through security, following a quick bite to eat and coffee in the pre-security bar of course. As I expected there was little reaction from the airport staff, though I can't say the same for some of the other passengers awaiting their flights within the departure lounge, a raised eyebrow here, a nod of acknowledgement there, a sneaky smile or two...the usual.
As my flight time had been changed weeks prior to our trip I was full prepared for more delays. Flights departing at unusual hours often accumulate delays throughout the day. It was no different on Friday the 13th either. I wasn't overly concerned about the delay; I was just eager to get to the Netherlands, but even still it didn't disrupt my enjoyment of a refreshing pint of Edinger...alcohol free beer at the lounge bar.
Come the flight itself, or in fact the flight plural, I'd like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional service and hospitality, additionally extending the same gratitude to the fabulous hotel. While neither the flights nor the hotel were what you might call budget-friendly, they were my way of treating myself ahead, on and post birthday, as well as showing appreciation for my wife, who supported and put up with me throughout my sporting endeavours. Her comfort during our brief stay and travel to the Netherlands was as important as my own.
The hotel I had chosen was the nhow Amsterdam and boy did it exceeded all expectations. It was truly spectacular. An architectural masterpiece standing proud and tall, decorated immaculately with artworks portraying some of the multitude of cultures it accommodates on the daily, or multi-national staff on it's payroll. Panoramic viewing decks reaching out from each side of the triangular structure of the 17th-floor dining area added an extra layer of enchantment to our experience, providing an unparalleled view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
But back to the marathon!
This was my fourth marathon and my third full attempt at the 42.195-kilometer distance. I had of course dedicated extra time and effort to my preparation this time around, taking onboard many of the lessons I'd learned along the journey to this junction of my sporting life. I had focusing on hydration, nutrition, and fuelling to name but three challenges I would undoubtedly face. All valuable lessons from my previous marathons. Whilst in addition to physical training I had delved into the intricacies of pacing and strategies for enduring a longer race.
Race day attire wise I chosen to run in my new pair of Nike Vaporfly %2 running shoes, recognizing their potential to help me achieve my personal best. These cutting-edge kicks are known for setting records around the world and had already helped me reach new personal bests as well. With each stride, I could feel the advantage they offered, instilling the confidence to push my limits on the final training push and race mere weeks prior to the marathon.
To pay tribute to the people of the Netherlands and their national colours, I would be wearing my bright orange Point 99 Podcast T-shirt. This vibrant choice not only matched the colour of my Nike shoes but also symbolises unity the denizens of this wonderful country. I knew that as I navigated the course, I would feel as though the entire nation was cheering me on. It was a small gesture, but it connected me with the locals and added a touch of colour to the day.
Speaking of Dutch national colours, I had planned ahead and purchased a pair of Goodr wrap-around sunglasses in the colours of the Dutch flag. These fun, flag-inspired shades would protect my eyes from the, sun, rain and subsequent hailstones, all the while blended seamlessly with the race's surroundings. It was a subtle yet meaningful way to show my appreciation for the Netherlands and its warm welcome to runners from around the world.
These were all small additions to make my first international marathon that little bit more special and memorable when I came to reflect on race day photos in years to come.
As well as being my first international marathon however it was also my first proper marathon expo. It was an extraordinary experience from the moment I stepped inside the host buildings doors.
Collecting my race number brought pure joy. The local staff were super-friendly and genuinely welcoming to me. With curiosity and smiles many looked upon me wearing my kilt but didn't shy away from asking more about it, was I planning to run in it and the all important question, was I wearing anything underneath it!
My choice of attire certainly seemed to brighten their day, and their infectious smiles added to the sense of camaraderie. The elderly ladies who handed me my official race T-shirt were equally delighted by the kilt. Their smiles and laughter made the expo experience even more enjoyable and created a sense of togetherness.
Walking into the main expo hall however I bypassed the temptations of unneeded additions to my running cupboard, the clothing, accessories and shoes that were on offer. Instead I made a beeline for the second hall where I found the all important wall that was adorned with the names of all the participants. It was laid out alphabetically, and finding my name in the sea of runners was seamless and deeply satisfying. It served as a tangible reminder that I was part of something big and special, given the astonishing number of names present!
The icing on the cake however was bumping into my fellow participant and podcast guest for Episodes 2 and 3, Rachel Speirs. Although I would have loved to take a selfie with her, I wanted to ensure she had a moment to relax before the race, especially given she was already strapped into a fetching pair of booties that were about to work their magic on her legs! So, we exchanged brief pleasantries and words of encouragement before parting ways, each of us preparing for the incredible marathon ahead.
These expo moments set the perfect tone for the race, brimming with camaraderie, inspiration, and the unique energy of race day.
When race day arrived, it came with a delightful surprise – ideal weather. After months of training in varying conditions, the temperate climate during the event was a gift. I made my 30 minute walk to the Olympic stadium with a serene calmness, taking in the sights, sounds, smells, all the while basking in the temperature. This would however not last for long as without warning a heavy hailstone shower swept over the city, quickly putting a dampener on my joyously chill pace.
If I were a superstitious man I'd have thought that this was perhaps a sign of things to come, and in a way it ultimately was. For the time being all was well, I finished my walk, joining the wall of bodies slowly progressing to the baggage drop-off area. Barring the sheer number of individuals present the process of dropping off baggage and preparing myself was straight forward. Throughout the entirety of my commute to, preparation for and finally entry into the Olympic stadium I reminded myself to breath, to try stay calm and find my center...it was working! Having joined the single file queue to enter my assigned colour starting wave compound and slowly heaved my way through the stadium structure itself the reminder to breathe would momentarily falter due to the sheer wonder and majesty of the sight that stretched out in front of me within the confines of the Olympic stadium.
My timing on entering the stadium couldn't have been better, the place was buzzing with anticipation, with excitement and with cheer as the compare at the start line introduced the elite athletes. Ahead of my stood a massive display screen which greeted my entry, showing me the phenomenal range of elite athletes who would momentarily be setting off to do battle with not only the course but also with each other.
At that point however I tried to get my head in the game, making my away to my starting pen, ready to wait for the green light to set off. In honesty I was really calm, unnervingly so. Time seemed to drag after the elites were set free with the starting gun, as wave upon wave ahead of my own were released. When the time finally came to release my wave my stomach decided it wanted to start doing somersaults so to save a repetition of the experience I'd faced earlier in the year at Edinburgh I made one last pit stop before finally...finally making my very own start to the 2023 Amsterdam Marathon!
Once going I settled into a rhythm fairly quickly. Despite facing a couple of hailstone showers and rain, the real challenge however wasn't pace, self control or nutrition, it was navigating numerous puddles on the course, as well as other, much slower runners. Some participants hesitated to run through any puddles, causing frustration as we were already soaked. It proved to be a lesson in resilience, a reminder that sometimes you have to embrace the elements and push through without hesitation...if only other came to the same realisation!
This frustration and periodic slowdown during the race actually played to my advantage. It helped me conserve energy, making me feel like a coiled spring ready to unleash its power. This was a strategy I had planned, knowing that the final stretch would be the most demanding and throughout the 26.2 miles my pace was almost metronomic. However, as I released my energy, I realised I had left it too late to significantly impact my time.
Physically, I had plenty left in the tank as I crossed the finish line, but mentally, I was drained. As I crossed the finish line, waves of what felt like hyperventilation hit me, a feeling unlike any I had experienced before. I had to take an extremely slow walk, stopping several timed to regain my composure before collecting my medal. It was a stark reminder that marathons are not just physical feats but of mental challenges as well.
The official chip time at the finish line read 3 hours, 45 minutes, and 36 seconds! My Garmin sports watch had already notified me that I had covered the marathon distance approximately 900 metres to a kilometre before the finish line, at a time of 3 hours, 41 minutes, and 38 seconds. Regardless of the "official" time, I was delighted with either, especially since it was a significant personal record, more than 30 minutes faster than my previous record.
The discrepancy left me wondering about the extra distance I had covered, perhaps due to navigating around slower participants and weaving through the crowds at refreshment stations, often located at narrow sections of the route. But it doesn't matter. I'm thrilled with my performance, and I know there's more potential in me, something I'll strive to prove in the future!
So, my international marathon adventure in the Netherlands was a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. Despite the puddles and weaving through participants, the support of loved ones and the warm welcome of the Dutch people made it an unforgettable experience. It was a journey filled with lessons, pride, and the thrill of conquering 42.195 kilometres in a foreign land. The nerves and anticipation leading up to the trip were worth it because of the incredible memories and experiences I gained.
Running a marathon is more than just reaching the finish line; it's about the journey itself and the people who make it special.
One of the keys to the overall success of my marathon weekend was the unwavering support of my wife. Her constant encouragement and presence made the journey smoother and more memorable. Although she wasn't at the start line to cheer me on, her presence at the finish made a world of difference.
Having a support system during a race of this magnitude is invaluable. At one point, some key people in my running community considered travelling to the Netherlands to support my performance, and while I would have loved it, I'm now grateful it didn't happen. When I crossed the finish line and looked at their faces in the crowd, I knew I wouldn't have been able to contain my emotions. Showing emotion is nothing to be ashamed of, but in that moment, I wanted to stay strong, overcome the challenge, and acknowledge that, no matter how tough it was, I had conquered it with style!
Before I conclude, I must once again express my gratitude and commend the incredible hospitality and services I experienced in the Netherlands. The country's openness and ease of travel made the entire journey stress-free. Dutch locals were kind, supportive, and always ready to help, effortlessly conversing in English. Wearing my kilt during my travels not only filled me with national pride but also sparked numerous smiles and interactions with curious passers by. It was a testament to the power of the international community and culture, and the connections that form among people, regardless of their origins.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood by me, offering their love, support, and friendship throughout this incredible journey to achieve a sub-4-hour marathon. Your unwavering faith and encouragement, both before and after the race, played a crucial role in helping me not only meet my target time but blow right past it to an even more mind boggling result. It also instilled in me the belief that I can achieve even faster times in the future.
As I ride the emotional high following this magnificent performance, I want you all to know that your belief in me has left an indelible mark, and I carry it with me as a source of inspiration.
While I may not have immediate plans to sign up for another marathon, the fire within still burns, and who knows where the next race will take me.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and until the next adventure, keep chasing your own dreams, one step at a time.
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