One of the things on my list is write ten “Things I Don’t Want to Forget” lists and I’ve decided my second one will be the marathon edition. I did the Berlin Marathon in September and what a great experience with a few lessons learned that I certainly don’t want to forget. So here goes:

• The feeling of waiting in the corral, dialled in and staying low-key. Enjoying the other participants who were not staying low-key. The combination of nerves, excitement and determination.
• The wide start line. Two lanes on each side of the road, with a DJ on a platform between them.
• Speaking of DJs, probably the best race one I’ve had yet. I guess what you’d expect from Berlin.
• Sharing a chuckle with a spectator after I high-fived them and then pulled a face and shrugged my shoulders when they said, “You’re doing amazing” … I was on a walk break to try to contain my quad cramps.
• The growing excitement of the runners around me as we approached the finish line. Some still had plenty of energy to ham it up for the cameras.
• The best way to stretch out those inner quad cramps while avoiding a hamstring or calf cramp
• TO CARRY PICKLE JUICE IN FUTURE!
• and to protect the taper. Staying in a castle hotel at the top of a hill before the marathon left my legs sore and tired. I thought they’d recovered by the marathon, but at about 5K, I could feel the fatigue still in my calves, which probably contributed to the quad cramps later in the race.

Recap of my Pre-Marathon Days in Berlin

Berlin Marathon Full Race Recap

This post is part of NaBloPoMo. Check out San’s blog for all the details and to join in yourself.