Running the Berlin marathon!
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Hey everybody!
I just ran my first marathon - The 33rd Berlin Marathon!!! The course, a 26mile, or 42kmh stretch around and through Berlin, proved extremely challenging, both mentally and physically. Fortunately the weather was impeccable and I was able to enjoy much of the running with my 40,000 fellow runners. I think I can say that I've perhaps seen parts of Berlin that some Berliners have not, as the course covered both the Berlin cityscape as well as its outskirts. I can't relay the excitement, or adrenaline rush derived from running down boulevards, full of runners, lined with thousands of spectators and closed to traffic! It was probably one of the most surreal experiences I've had the luck of experiencing.
The marathon started and ended just west of the Brandenburg gate. To finish, runners had to run through the Brandenburg gate and then west towards the finish line. The final 100 meters through and after the Brandenburg gate resulted in a few tears and was very impacting.
The people of Berlin couldn't have been more excited, or supportive of its marathoners. Filling up the sides, they cheered on loved ones and strangers alike and even passed out fruit, blew kisses and gave high fives! Occasionally, Berlin artists spoiled us with their talents, playing Jazz, Polka, Rock and Classical music. Naturally, despite being exhausted these moments merited little dance moves on my part - surely not the best looking moves, amazing within context though!
Richard, one my best friends and avid runner, motivated me to partake in the event in the first place and helped me along when the going got tough. I won't lie - there were several moments where I doubted my ability, but Richard always had motivational words for me. Thanks, bro.
Fortunately for me and you, Luigi and Quinten camped out along the stretch and provided for some great pictures. At one point, Quinten and Luigi smashed their way through the lines of onlookers to motivate me forward and take some unflattering close ups. Champions! Thank you!
Running Berlin's marathon, I feel I can now legitimately embrace Berlin as my home. I believe it takes experiences to appreciate where one lives - this was surely one such experience!
Anyway! Check out my album for some pictures! Hope you are all well out there!
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