Together with my Estonian WIMA friend Anneli, I have come up with a new concept, ride and run. Apart from the fun factor of meeting up it’s also a great way of getting fit for the extensive summer riding.
I started to work on my plan during Christmas holiday, it would be a way to finally make Anneli come and visit, so I could take her mountain riding. Besides, we were not planning to stay much longer in Spain so time was running out. Anneli was interested in my idea but only if I ran the half marathon as well. What to do? Couldn’t really turn the idea down, since she was going to come after all. I have always enjoyed running but with this plan I went from an occasional jog in the park to running 4 times a week.
Unfortunately, it rained heavily the day we planned to ride. I had taken a day off work and rented a bike, and it felt like the rain was washing my money away. The rental shop was stern, it was not possible to change the day for another (even though I found out later that the bike wasn’t even booked later that week). Finally, at 3’o clock, the rain eased off and we collected the bike and rode south, the only direction it didn’t rain. We had a lovely ride, not mountains unfortunately but beautiful Spanish countryside with hills and fields.
On Saturday, we went to pick up our start kit and look at the expo. It was the first time I entered such a venue and it was strangely similar to a motorcycle expo. Instead of helmets, jackets, boots etc there were socks, shoes, waist belts, food supplies and clothing. People scrutinise among the products and choose carefully what to purchase. My experience is that when running 5 or even 10 kilometres the gear doesn’t really matter all that much, but when running a bit longer anything that is not perfect is going to be a greater and greater irritation and happiness reducer. Pretty much the same way as when riding long distances. This recent realisation amuses me.
My best friend and training partner Merete also took part. We have been training together for years and this spring we came up with the idea of a Friday running and beer activity to prepare for the half Marathon. Naturally she joined us to celebrate and chill in the park after the race.
Running the half Marathon was so much fun, I will do it again, possibly even this autumn in Tallinn.
