025 ☼ A little thank-you note in your mailbox
A PB that wasn't a PB and taking pictures of yourself
Every few weeks I rub my eyes and marvel at the fact that there are always new subscribers here who want to find out about my life, mental health and running. The topic is somehow clear, but also vague and I wander from one corner to the other. But the connecting link is that It's always about me and that's what leaves me wondering when I get an email that someone has hit the subscribe button again.
Write about yourself
I teach a course on portfolios in the architecture department at the university. Most students come to the course with the idea that it's all about how a portfolio is structured, how many pages, what formalities you have to adhere to, where to put the highlights, what font to use - well, you can imagine. And then they are always amazed that it's all about finding out who they are and what their architecture means to them and how their personality influences it.
And when I set them the task of telling them why they started studying architecture (about maybe 4 years ago) and presenting this to the whole group in an entertaining way, maybe 2 out of 15 people get it right. Because most of them simply find it difficult to tell something about themselves. Because they don't think their story is particularly valuable or important. And yet the reasons for choosing their way are really interesting.
And just as students always find it difficult to tell something about themselves, to take themselves seriously in a positive sense, I always find it difficult here too. The classic imposter syndrome. And that's why I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the subscribers and, above all, all the nice comments, personal emails and shared stories. That gives me a lot. Thank you!
And what else?
I ran a half marathon on Sunday. In competition. I've talked here before about how I find it difficult to take part in competitions without really giving my best or knowing that I can't give my best.
And since I had been completely out of running training for three weeks and had just started my first week of running, it wasn't so easy for me to take part. Firstly. You don't want to overdo it. Secondly. I knew that this would be a tough one. Thirdly. I've never run a half marathon competitively and fourthly. There's always a first time, and it would also be a good position determination for the UTMB in France.
When I set off on Sunday, I had about 1000 thoughts running through my head about how I was going to run the thing. From a relaxed run, to a quality training session with intervals, to "go all out".
In the end, it actually turned out to be something like "give it your all". I thought I would start the race relatively relaxed and see how my legs felt and that went surprisingly well. The race was a four-lap circuit. I'd say I did well for two and a half laps - the last 7 - 8 kilometers were exhausting. But I made it through with an amazingly good time. A PB that wasn't a PB. Officially yes, because it was my first (HM-)competition. Unofficially no, because I've often been faster in training.
Conclusion: A good assessment, like the whole of last week's training. Overall, my heart rate was far too high, but my legs were still at an amazing level, despite three weeks of loafing around. Cool. That gives me courage for the UTMB.
And what else? Part 2.
Last week I had a camera with me on the slow runs. I always find that annoying and it's also the reason why my Instagram channel is so out of date. I'd actually like to make my own channel for this newsletter, but I'm almost certain that it will fall asleep after 4 weeks, simply because I find taking photos myself annoying, I'm in a dilemma between "I want to have a decent camera with me, but it can't be too heavy" and I actually just want to run through nature in a relaxed way anyway. Although I do like taking photos. Let's see what I do. I have to say that this movie appealed to me. Because of the nostalgia feeling and because last year I was also out and about with a movie point-and-shoot and I couldn't control it, but the pictures are up to my standards. Oh yes. First world problems.
And what else? Part 3.
It has rained an incredible amount here over the last few months. On one of the few pure trails in the area, which is also somewhat hilly, the water had been standing for ages and people had trampled down a trail through the brambles next to the actual path. So last week I went there with the children and dug a few trenches so that the water can now drain away and there is no longer a lake on the path. The children had fun and now it's more relaxed to run there again.
And what else? Part 4.
Friend from the neighborhood wanted to run a PB und Saturday and asked if I want to pace him. I did and he ran a new PB. Was a good task for me to run consistently at a certain pace and increasing it slowly to the end.
Running
It’s funny. As soon as the sun gets out and springs is around the corner I’m feeling a hundred percent better and my body feels more like my body again. I did 65k after doing nothing for three weeks. Ate well. Slept well. Everythings good.
You can find all updates on my training plan for UTMB Obernai here.
The end
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Congrats on that PB! And yes, it is a PB ;-) One to be proud of! Competition is always different and you’re under much greater pressure to get everything right. I checked your strava and you ran incredibly strong. Good job!