FUN - how i survived 10KM with my heart in my throat

FIRST HALF OF THE RUN

Start was fine. I was afraid that I will be knocked over or something as there were lots of fast people coming from behind me, but luckily nothing bad happened. Oliver goes his own way, faster than me. I tried my best not to start out too fast as this will come back very hard at the end of the race. So there I went in my own slow pace. All was good. Start was at Vabaduse Väljak, right by Drama Theater. So we headed down on Narva road. It was nice and wide.

You hear people cheering by the track, not as much as they should have, but it was still nice and encouraging. You also hear runners around you talking to their friends and old acqintances cheering each other: "hei! how are you! long time no see! hows it going?"

It feels good to run, I go on with a big smile on my face. Still lots of people are passing me, good for them. We reach Russalka, I see first couple of people walking in front of me. YAY! First ones who I pass On and on we go. On and on. So once on Pirita road I start to see others on their way back already. I keep my eyes open and soon I see Oliver going the other way. Later I realize that he is quite a bit ahead of me as I still had ways to go to the turning point. Way to go Oliver!

You could hear the turning point appear from a good distance as there was constant and quite loud beeping noise, it was for taking the time. After the turning point, once closer to Russalka again, came the first refreshments stop. I knew that I could not drink anything as it would start jumping up and down in my tummy. So I pass the refreshments area without stopping.

Still many people are passing me, there are surely lot of runners faster than me Suddenly I see familiar writing on one of the shirts passing me: "There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path" :O ... must be one of us ... I catch up and "wham" I put my hand on his shoulder. It is Mart of course. We exchange couple of words and I encourage him to go and catch Oliver who is somewhere up front. And it was so neat to read all the sayings on the backs of the shirt. Our next shirt must have something on the back as well.

... 5km done ...

SECOND HALF OF THE RUN

On and on we all go with tons of others. We pass our office There they had cars driving on one lane and I could literally feel my lungs shrink to half the size because of the exchaust, yuk. And then the tourists are trying to cross the road between the runners with their huge suits that they drag behind them, argh.

Second refreshments stop appears. I run past that as well. I don't have that much of a smile on my face anymore. Now it is getting difficult. Then comes Balti Jaam, the train station. Now there are already lots of people who are walking and breathing very heavily. Yep yep, that's how it goes I keep telling myself that whatever happens, I must keep running. Once you stop it is very difficult to start running again, and I should be able to run 10KM in a row says my logic

At Kaarli church one of the people who organized Estonian Ironman with me appeared by my side. He seemed quite fresh still, amazing. But as I was a bit struggling he decided to run by my side till the end How nice of him Teamwork always wins!

And then it finally came - lovely finish line! We congratulated each other with my finish partner and were both relieved that it is over for now

AFTER THE FINISH

Buuuh. It is over. Water, gimme water, lots of it please. I drank 0,4 liters in one go Oliver and Mart were waiting for me but we somehow missed each other. Later caught Oliver and also Juri. Mart had left by then already. Piiictuuuure time Again I was soo incredibly red in my face, like a tomatoe , will be beautiful picture I'm sure

Headed over to the food court, not even really hungry, but good to eat anyways, to regain the lost enegery sounds like a good idea. While eating I managed to grab Ürgo's leg who was walking by. Although he was not running himself it was great to see other Aqris people at the event.

Wuuh, I'm glad I did it! And I'm even more glad that I survived it It was difficult, but what did I expect if I don't find the time to tain

Anyhoo, next year, I hope you will be running as well Go Aqris!

Crazy people rule the world

Fun, good job

Well, for me, BEFORE START already started at 10am when my son Albert (5y) took part in the "lastejooks". Albert was completely "vaimustatud" about it and he was convinced he will win. That's because in kindergarden he is always the fastest so why shouldn't he win there. Logical. I did try to make him anticipate a possible defeat but to no avail. So anyway... it turned out that "lastejooks" didn't have a united start. Instead, it was 15 children at a time running halfway round "tammsaare park". Well, that increases the chances of winning manyfold. And, I didn't have to deal with a sulking Albert. I found it great that all the children had a starting number "1". It was fun to see parents running with their children. What a lovely start into the day.

Feel very glad of you all who participated!