Rotterdam Marathon – April 2023

In the starting area I was emotional. My sister and husband would be standing here right now if they were alive. I held their pendants and looked up tot he sky: “Walk with me…”

I started fast, 5.37min/km I think. Way too fast for the 6min/km I agreed upon with my coach. Several people warned me beforehand: “Don’t go too fast, you will meet yourself!”. I dropped the pace.

When the pacers of 4h10min. came running next to me, I had to make the decision, should I go along or not? I took the gamble. The first 36 km I was able to keep the pace (the pacers of 4.10 were even too fast). I felt good. Music, cheering spectators and supporting friends and family members. They were there and I every time I saw them, I felt so supported.

After 36km it really started to hurt. The back of my thighs felt so hard that I was even afraid the cramp would kick in. I couldn’t keep the pace anymore, but I still ran well. Every step is heavy and I counted down 39km, 3 more, 40km, 2 more, and then you see written on the street: “1000 meters” …. Gosh, how long the coolsingel can be when you are tired!!

The finish in 4.08. Wow!

I see my family and break into tears. A mix of emotions and an experience to never forget.