I wanted to do something memorable running wise this year as I turned 50 in January. Emma Collins told me that she was planning to do the Amsterdam Marathon and after a pact at the CH Christmas night out (she is a bad influence), on the 20th December at 11am sharp, I eagerly waited in a 4 hour queue to get a place. This would be my 3rd marathon and extra special since it was outwith the UK. It was also the first time I’d do a marathon in Autumn and I was looking forward to comparing the difference in training seasons after being caught out by the heat in spring marathons.
Marathon training didn’t start off well after a knee injury early on. I managed to get back on track quickly and the training went well.
There were 5 other Harriers travelling to Amsterdam to race: Ross Hunter, Clara Kay, Emma Collins, Steve Maclaren and Zuleika Brett. We all travelled out separately and met in ‘the Dam”.
I was so excited to be there after the bad start to my training. I felt so privileged to have the good health and fortune to be able to experience such an incredible opportunity. I was looking to complete the 26.2 miles under 4.5 hours but, actually, was just so grateful to be there that I didn’t put much pressure on myself.
Saturday morning resulted in an excited visit to the expo. None of the 2 marathons I’d done previously had an expo and I was looking forward to the full experience. I was so excited that I nearly forgot to collect my “finishers” t-shirt.
Race day itself:
Steve and Zu got me back on track after panicking a little after noticing late the night before that the tram I’d planned to get to the start was cancelled. After meeting Clara at Amsterdam Central station at 7.45am we took 2 short train journey’s to the start line, which was at the Olympic Stadium. The trains were packed full of other runners heading to the same place. It was raining quite heavily on and off and was fairly chilly so it wasn’t the best start to the day.
My race start was inside the Olympic Stadium and Clara was on the street just outside. We bid our farewells and went on our way to the start location.
I’m sure the Olympic Stadium would be a grand starting location had the weather been nicer, but on a cold and soggy morning it didn’t really have the appeal that I’d imagined. The big decision was when to scrap my poncho and tinfoil blanket and I wished that I hadn’t worn my vest and shorts (although I knew I’d be ok once I started).
I was just grateful to start running when it became my wave as I was cold and wet. It was actually pretty perfect running conditions once I got underway.
There seemed to be a lot of jostling, elbowing and pushing at the beginning as it was quite narrow in parts and very crowded but that all stopped once the miles built up.
At around 2.5 miles the route took you through the Rijksmuseum where there was an Orchestra playing at the side. That was a real pinch me moment and gave me goosebumps!
The rest of the race was a bit of a blur to be honest as I was so preoccupied with my half hourly fuelling and pace monitoring. That kept my mind busy and focused. There were lots of water stops, bananas, energy drinks and gels given out along the route and I’m sure that I saw a very pretty old fashioned windmill somewhere along the way!
There was a long stretch around the half way mark that ran out and back along the Amstel River. There were people doing aerial displays on water jets, I remember that as it was pretty entertaining!
I also saw Clara ahead of me at that point around the back stretch and she looked extremely focused on her race. I thought, “way to go Clara!”. It made me giggle at how the CH vest stands out no matter where you are.
I was becoming worried about the final 10k as the race went on, although I did feel strong and had kept to my planned pace. I shouldn’t have worried because the support on the last 10k was incredible as we weaved around the canal streets and through Vondelpark towards the finish line at the Olympic Stadium. I just kept talking to myself and telling myself to dig in as I could feel my legs tiring on the final push.
And then, just like that, it was finished. All those weeks and months of training over in an instant. I was so emotional crossing the finish line and my daughter, who had been tracking me, phoned straight away squealing with delight. I’d managed to achieve my goal, 4.23 and a 13 minute marathon PB!
The medal had the 3 crosses of Amsterdam on it which made it feel personal to me since it was my 3rd marathon.
We didn’t hang around afterwards as it was so cold but did meet up with fellow clubmates plus family / partners that evening for dinner and drinks. It was a lovely evening. Some may have had more to drink than others, my husband was obviously celebrating on my behalf!
So, what can I say about Amsterdam or even running a marathon outwith the UK? DO IT!!! We only get one shot at this life so just go for it if you are lucky enough to get the opportunity.
It was a very special weekend made even more special being in such a beautiful city with great people 💚🧡. I can’t wait for the next adventure.