Hometown Racing

My first Race since Western States

Yesterday was the first time I raced since Western States. Although it was not the mysterious, unexplainable great comeback runners usually hope for when they‘re at the beginning of a new training cycle, it was still a joyful and satisfying experience.

It was a bit risky, too. Simply because my hunger for races and the will to push myself hard are still left behind somewhere between Cal1 and Cal2 of the Western States Endurance Run. Chances that yesterday’s half-marathon at the Munich Marathon could turn out to be a disappointment, or even worse, something that I dislike, were real. After all, it’s a race. No other reason to sign up, but to try running as fast as you can. After a controlled start I found myself right in the middle between what I just said and a challenging but doable tempo workout. "Keep the effort sustainable" was the motto, which leveled up to even becoming a mantra, while I was running through the streets of Munich. It made the race appear much less threatening to me and gave me a feeling of being on top of things from start to finish. I am thankful for that. And also for all the positive feelings I had along the way.