Amsterdam Diary #7

Tiredness and the weather are kicking in…

I know I’ve not been sleeping enough hours in the past week and half and is building up, but it is also that point before the race where muscles ache and if rest is not taken acordingly, exhaustion accumulates very quickly.

Combined to this, there’s also work and daily life.

Sunday was the last long run on the calendar for this year before the race, leaving me with a 20/21K for this weekend, exactly a week before race-day. It’s funny and crazy how at this point, the Half Marathon distance is not even a “long run” anymore.

I did 31.5 kilometres, done quite late for traditional (and maybe recommended) standards, but they were required. They were also quite slow, slower than I expected. Legs felt heavy and energy seemed just enough to keep me going, very little to push harder. Although, I was able to keep a steady pace all over the session, with some faster sections.

The weather is also kicking in, or at least that’s what I think.

Autumn arrived hard and quickly. Grey days are now the standard and lower temperatures a rarely enjoyable reality. Every year, when this happens it immediatly takes a toll on me. It impacts my body and by direct consequence, my performance. I believe this is also part of what’s happening.

I remember doing the same route about a month ago and experiencing a complete different story. It was bright and at about 5–7 degrees warmer. Warmth always makes a different to me, a good one, so obviously I’m hoping for Amsterdam conditions to be similar to that day.

Because, you know, hope is the last thing we can afford to lose. Always keep it until the end… And if not, suck it up and do the best you can with what you have.