.shout it out loud

“I am nothing more than a single narrow gasping lung, floating over the mists and summits”

It is a good idea to taper of the week before you leave on a high-altitude mountaineering expeditions, but I decided to give it a last push at the Zeeland Marathon. The toughest, but most beautiful 42,195km run of the Netherlands from Burgh to Zoutelande. Our neightbours of the North, they make a lot of noise and ask too much questions, but they are damn good organised. Nothing to worry about, welcome signs in the arrival village, runners privileged parkings, busses to the start, all surrounded by a good atmosphere.

It was 26°C degrees in the sun. Not your average temperature for this time of the year. Some people even decide to run without their shirts. Running cowboys. I know myself too well, so I wore a shirt and a hat, or you could have thrown me in an ambulance after 20k.

The route was beautiful, from the industrial parts of Neeltje Jans to the beach and the dunes, and you always keep close to the sea. From time to time you get distracted by naked people on the beach. 7km of nude beaches are not fun. I am rethinking my principles of not doing pre-race research. Anyway, running in the sand is not much fun either. It’s damn hard, but I kept on running. 1 out of 2 people where walking on the beach. The blistering sun was knocking on your head the whole time. I drank a total of 2L of water, 1L of Extran and 1L of Aquarius. Getting dehydrated is the last thing you want in these circumstances. 618 of the 1750 participants will not make the finish.

I actually didn’t mind that our neighbours made a lot of noise, we  could all use it. Their over the top enthusiasm, shouting and clapping just keeps you running. I could not believe how much people where supporting all the runners. Good times. It’s also fun that the organisation printed your name on your chest-number. The little kids had trouble shouting my name decently though.

You finish like just won the Iron Man in the village of Zoutelande. You get an Aquarius and a handshake from some old lady at the finish. We did it again. And yes, it was time for pizza again afterwards. Thanks. I love my supporters.

Training finished and now relax until Sunday. Kitbag is almost ready. I can’t wait for the airplane food and make a bow for Chomolungma.