City 9 done: Antwerp

Last Sunday was the 10 mile run in Antwerp.

It was exciting to be back in Belgium to visit old friends and have the odd waffle or two (washed down with Belgian beer.)

Race day was a lovely and sunny afternoon (yes they have those in Belgium you know) which made me gently perspire but not to the point where I looked too awful at the finish line.

The run was due to start at 15:30 which is a slightly odd time as it meant I needed to eat lunch shortly after breakfast but to those that know me will understand I never turn down food.

The atmosphere was great and there were 25,000 runners. The route took in the lovely sites of the city and had us going under the river in various tunnels which whilst we fun going downhill were a little more tricky coming out the other side :-)

None the less I finished the race in 1 hour 2 minutes and 15 seconds which was just inside my PB (by 5 seconds) and placed me 225th. 

Another successful Olympic challenge and I rounded it off with a few Belgian beers and chocolate!

Can you spot me in the local paper:

To those that have not been to Antwerp put it on your list...it is a much overlooked city but it does boast good food, beer and lots of diamonds for the ladies....

Until next time....  

The Great Ireland Run

Today wast the Great Ireland Run in Dublin....I know not an Olympic city but still a worthy run!

I have spent the weekend enjoying Guinness, Irish Coffees and stories about Leprechauns which set me up nicely for the 10km race today!

The run was in the ridiculously massive and beautiful Phoenix Park. The weather has been dry but the wind has made me feel like I am living in the story "Winnie the Pooh and the blustery day".

The run itself was tough due to some hills and a ferocious headwind (which was genuinely 50 miles an hour) which actually brought tears to my eyes at one point.

None the less I crossed the line in a good time of 37 minutes and 57 seconds (just beating my goal of 38 minutes) and meaning I finished just 9 minutes behind the legendary runner (and world record holder at the 5km and 10km distance) Kenenisa Bekele who took first place. My final placing was 142 out of about 10,000 runners.

Now time for a baby Guinness I think to celebrate....

Next Olympic Challenge is Antwerp in 7 days. Will keep you posted!

:-)