Amsterdam Marathon 2016

It is done!! i did it !! I run a PB (Personal Best) at Amsterdam Marathon and finished at the podium for being 2nd dutch lady in my category. Still not believing …

On the same date, 16 October but 5 years earlier on this olympic stadium in Amsterdam I finished my first marathon. I almost forgot how it felt to hear the speaker man while approaching the entrance of the stadium, I almost forgot how it felt to have  the adrenaline rush pumping in my veins while running  the last 200m towards the finish line . On October 16th 2016 I got to experience all this all over again! Waw!!! `What a feeling ! What a perfect day, it couldn’t have been any better…I am not sure where to start from or how to put this into words!

Road to Amsterdam Marathon 2016

My preparation for Amsterdam marathon started beginning of August When I was in RIO at the summer Olympic games. I feel lucky that I got this opportunity to go to Rio, be with my family and be part of this amazing event and be able to support my sister who was qualified for the Marathon with an unbelievable time  of 2h44’.

Living the Olympic spirit was just a big motivation for me. I woke up every morning, extra early and run along the beautiful beaches. It was amazing to see how many people were running at that early time of the day!  What a sporty city!

Beside Running I got to see many new places and watched many events like athletics, Beach volleyball, Gymnastics, swimming...I really had a blast! 

Despite the weather conditions in Rio, my sister ran a great race. It was not her PR but that was to be expected with this kind of heat and humid on that day in Rio

Sneek Marathon 2015

Have you ever run a marathon purely for the fun? No time stress, no goals...just run and enjoy every km of this beautiful 42,195m marathon called Sneek Marathon.

What is so special about Sneek Marathon?
Sneek marathon 2015 is the second edition of the evening marathon which took place on the longest day of the year which was on June 20st. The longest day because the sun disappears around 22:30. Since the start is at 19:00 basically you don't need any light while running if you are planning to finish within the 3.30 hours.

This year marathon was on Saturday 20th of June. On a beautiful saturday I headed with my hubby to Sneek where we got to spend the night at Stadsherberg hotel a few min walking distance from the start. We stayed there with Wolf Family, Ruigendijk Family and Sander.

Rotterdam marathon 2015

This is my first Rotterdam marathon. I heard so many positive feedbacks of how amazing is to Run in Rotterdam. I signed up for the race within the first minutes after the registration was open and booked a hotel together with some firends

My last few weeks of training after Utrecht marathon felt good but somehow my right calf was annoying me after every training. With some foam rolling I kept going with my training without taking the good time to recover.
6 days  before Rotterdam marathon I run De loop van de haar a fast 10 km and I finished on the podium.

My goal for Rotterdam marathon is to run a personal best and that is a sub3hours6min. Ruben my running mate, agreed to pace me to a PR. Ruben have paced me in the past so I am used to his way of pacing, somehow he knows when I need to slow down or go faster and that make him a perfect pacer for me. He sets the pace and I follow! How simple is that! ( not really :) ).

One day before the race I went on my last run to end up coming home with tears because of a severe pain in my calf. I honestly knew at that moment that Rotterdam marathon won't be a smooth run.
I went to the expo picked my startnumber and got my foot/calf tapped, hopping It will relieve the pain.

In the evening we had dinner at the Hilton and I got the pleasure to be surrounded with all the elite runners! It gave me extra motivation and made me more excited for the race. Of course I Had to take a picture with the trio sisters from Iceland.

Utrecht Marathon 2015

Since Chicago Marathon back in October, I haven't found the peace and the time to keep up with my blog. After Chicago marathon I had a pneumonia and I was not feeling fit until the begining of this year.
Starting this year with the goal to run Rotterdam marathon on April 12th under the sub 3 hours. I knew that was a very ambitious goal, Between cold winter, work, family and kids, it left me with too little energy to focus seriously on that goal. At the begining of the Year I had such a hard time to step out of the door to go on a run after I have layed my kids in bed. With a little bit of disipline I still made it oud there but I could feel that it is no more fun especially when it comes to Intervals training. /
I sat down with my trainer and decided to exclude those short intervals from my training...At that moment I started enjoying running again. It is true you don't get faster without Interval training and hard work but you have to keep your eyes on what is the most important for you, is it running fast without pleasure or enjoying every run and speed will eventually come?
I chose to go for the 2nd option, sub3 for Rotterdam is not my goal anymore, I am far from that level but eventually one day this goal will be reached.

Chicago Marathon 2014

12-10-2014

Each marathon has been incredibly special in its own way, and No. 6 proved to be more emotionally and mentally powerful than I even imagined.

I flew to Chicago on Wednesday to stay with my sister who lives there. First night I was terribly jet lagged and went on a run at 4 am. It was just a peaceful and beautiful run! I was so excited to be there and hardly could wait to be at the start of the marathon! Throughout the day I felt I was coming down with something… My sweet sister went straight away and got me all kind of medicine to fight the flu.

Sneek Mar-athon 2014

On the shortest day of the year 21 dec 2013 just like a little kid I was waiting to sign up for the 1st edition of Sneek Marathon which will take place in the evening of the longest day of the year which is 21st of June.
When I was filling up my registration form... I was drinking coffee with cookies, 15 kg heavier with a 7 months baby in my belly...At that point I made a joke saying that I can always give my start number away because deep in my heart I couldn't imagine I could run another marathon only 4 months after giving birth...

Time flew by and before I knew it, it was few days before the big day! Honestly I was freaking out! I only did 2 long runs, my body is far from being ready to run 42.2 kms but still I wanted to run it! I had no pressure of finishing in any specific time. Christine my running mate has in mind to run a sub3 hours30 min and beat her Personal Best. I agreed to join her and help her if needed without being commited. @RunningRonald also accepted to pace Christine who is also not in top shape... but we all thought we start together and see how it goes....

On Saturday 21st of June I woke up without any stress as if I wasn't going to race! I started cleaning the house and finishing the laundry until my hubby said shouldnt you be resting?  Shortly after we packed we headed towards Sneek. The start wasn't until 19:00 and the nice thing that we were going to spend the night there.
Once we arrived and checked into our hotel, we headed to town to have a drink with Cis and Pascal.

Just before 19:00 we headed to the meet and greet point. It is always nice to see everyone else again!
Christine Ronald and myself dropped our bags and headed to the start. I was a little nervous just because I still have to run for at least 3 hours and my body is not used to it.

Start took off on time, a small group was formed made of Christine, Ronald, Raymond, km after km we were cruising at 5'/km. I had so much fun, joking and talking and without even noticing we were already around 25 km. From 25 km you feel that everyone is getting tired and the joking modus got switched to a more focused modus.

 At 30 km Ronald had to stop, Christine, Raymond and myself continued at the same pace. Between 30km and 40 km I enjoyed a beautiful sunset in the horizon. I should admit that the last 10 kms were not easy anymore, I speeded up a little bit because I just wanted to finish. I left Christine and Raymond and headed toward the finish line.

 Once the finish line was insight , a group of people on both side of the road was formed and at that moment I couldn't but just have a big smile on my face and all I could repeat is

HELL YEAH I DID IT!!!

To my great surprise, I crossed the finish line as 2nd in my Category and 6th overall in the female catgorie! Mar-athon rond Sneek en meer was super nice!! Next year I will be back on the start line and this time going for the 1st lady :)
Thanks to the wonderful organisation and all the volunteers who made this event succesful!

See you in 2015!

12 weeks PostPregnancy

Wow! Time flies and I haven't found the time to blog!

Today my little princess turned 12 weeks!! Yes 3 months old!

I am sitting here going back to 12 weeks ago when I went on a 7 km run at 37 weeks pregnant.

 I was already on maternity leave. I still remember I had a great run! I didn't stop I felt strong. 

The Journey of a Pregnant Runner

Pregnancy has been an interesting journey for this ambitious runner!

Just before I knew I was pregnant I was training so hard for Berlin Marathon. Early morning runs, good diet and dedication. When I knew that We are expecting again, my first reaction was combined with mixed feelings! I didn't expect that it will all happen so soon especially that I was at the peek of my running. Knowing that I have a little heart beat in my belly changed my goals and running became less priority but this didn't mean that I would stop running or stop running one of the biggest marathon in the world.


My 1st trimester:
I was hit by nausea and extreme fatigue but whenever I had a chance to tight those running shoe laces and go on a run I never said NO. It was in the middle of the summer so I used the opportunity to go run as early as 5 am before my head and body realize what I was doing and also this gave me the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed evening in the garden after a busy day at work.
Stats:
June :300 km
July :350km
August :300km


My 2nd trimester:

My nausea was almost gone and I was ready to run Berlin Marathon at 4 months Pregnant. Before Berlin I run a 30 km race " 30 van North Amsterdam" I also Run the " Dam tot Dam Loop  " a 10 Em race. Berlin Marathon was very exciting but also hard mentally. In my heart I was still wishing I am going for the time and wanted to run my fastest marathon and beat my Boston Marathon time of 3:06:28 but realistically that was not possible "Baby comes first".

4 months Pregnant

I tried to enjoy the amazing crowd and the beautiful city of Berlin  while running but unfortunately It turned out less pleasant.  From the 1st km my knee started to hurt but as stubborn as I am  "Giving up was not an option" and "Pain is just temporary" I wanted so bad to finish the marathon and feel that sense of pride. Every km passed by, the pain was getting sharper to the point I couldn't bend my knee anymore but still made it to the finish line and that feeling of accomplishing something you want so bad is not describable!!! Crossing the finish line while having a baby in my belly made me almost forget those 42 painful kms! I was just proud!

Squating at 4 months Pregnant

The consequences were big because this race left me injured almost the whole month of October and most of November.
Being injured didn't stop me from working out! I went weekly to the gym did my squats and exercises as well as Aqua jogging. I started building up my running on the AlterG where I could control my weight.



Toward the end of November I run 2 races: 8 km of the Lintloop and 15km of Zevenheuvelenloop.

Stats:
October: 15km
November: 87km
December :145 Km

My 3rd trimester:

Result of Hardloopspel

Kick off of a new Year also kick off of Hardloopspel made January  quiet exciting!

Between 30 and 34 weeks pregnant I felt quiet fit and energetic despite the 13 kg extra on my 56 kg body frame.
January left me with 245 pregnant kms!!!

February started with less energy. The first 20 min of every run my calves were cramping and after the 20 min I was experiencing a " Pubic Pain"
I went to see a special physiotherapist and her advice was to stop running, she was not supportive at all. Talking to my doctor and other running coaches they advised me to keep running but less kms and that is how I am managing my runs these days. Anything between 3km to 5 km makes me happy, painfree and energetic. Anything more than 5 kms becomes painful and no fun and that is not what running is all about. I will keep running as long as my body keeps allowing it!

37 weeks Pregnant

Today I am 37 weeks Pregnant, the excitement of meeting my little baby Girl is becoming Huge. I just honestly can't wait! I am already on maternity leave, I am trying to relax and enjoy my Me time before my life turns to a busy one! Not sure how running is going to fit in my schedule but "when there is a will there is a way"! What I also know that "1 hour of working out is 4 % of my day" so there is NO EXCUSES!!!

I am planning to Breastfeed for 6 months so this is going to be quiet challenging to combine  baby, family, work, Running and social life, 

but this mommy is ready for it! 

The countdown has begun!!! Baby Girl I am eager to meet you

so please come soon!!!

Hardloopspel

Who will become the running King (or Queen) of the Netherlands? 

Hexagonal tile

Hardloopspel.nl is the first running game where runners can compete on an interactive map with the number of kilometers they run. The Netherlands is divided into 3000 hexagonal tiles and each tile has its own ranking list.

How does it work?

Tiles, Position and Points are displayed on the screen

Looptijden.nl is a free app where runners can manage almost everything they need from training to planning races to statistics and much more. It is possible to become a member PLUS by paying a small fee and this gives advantage to the runner to have a custom training depending on what is his next goal. If you are a runner and don’t have an account yet it's time to make one, I really recommend it.

To make running more fun, exciting and encourage people to run more looptijden.nl since january 2014 has linked the running game (Hardloopspel.nl) to their app. This means whenever you run with any GPS device and you import your route to looptijden.nl, the running game will automatically calculate and display the tiles and the kms as well as the ranking of every tile you run over.

Each tile has its own ranking and for every km run, it counts for 1 point. The male/female runner of every tile is crowned as King/Queen of that tile. At the end of every month all scores from points to tiles to rankings are being reset in order to give every runner a new chance to be crowned King or Queen on a tile.

“ As per January I started playing the running game, I was 30 weeks pregnant, I became hooked and wanted not only be the Queen of the tile but also lead the overall ranking of 2 tiles where I usually run, despite being pregnant. I got all enthusiastic and I surely reached my goal” 

You want to be part of a fun challenge and be crowned the King or Queen of 1 or more tiles or piss off your neighbor or friend and steal the crown from them?

Go lace those shoes up and hit the road !!

Happy New Year 2014

So here I am 30 weeks pregnant and about to start a new year! This is my absolute favorite time of the year.  It is the perfect time for reflection and processing of one year and setting intentions for the next.  I love fresh starts and the chance to start anew.  I get excited about what lies ahead and hopeful that I will continue to grow into the person I strive to be.  That sounds so cheesy, but it's so true!

2013 has been a good year and hopefully 2014 will be even better!  I have so much I want to accomplish in 2014, personally and professionally, and I intend to do everything in my power to make it happen.

One of the most exciting event is the birth of my little girl!!! 70 days to go till delivery and I just can't wait to have her in my arms!!!

My last race in 2013 was on November 17th in Nijmegen, Zevenheuvelenloop! A beautiful 15 km at 6 months Pregnant where I still managed to run at 5'/km and finish with a time of 1:15 I was freaking impressed!!
 
My knee injury became better and since then I kept trying to run at least 3 times a week and it is going well! The weights is packing on me, I dont feel like a runner anymore but still, going out on a run makes me happy even if it is getting really slow! I am thankful that I can keep doing what I love to do! It is so strange to see your body changing like that! I keep reminding myself that I will get back the body I want after I deliver my beautiful baby! Now I shouldn't worry so much about getting huge ;) I try to enjoy my pregnancy as much as possible!

Pregnancy & Running

I can't believe I am 23 weeks pregnant! Time flew by but at the same time when I think that I still have 17 weeks to go it looks like so far far away!
Pregnancy in general is going well, I am a little more energetic than in my first trimester but I am still getting sick if I go more than 2 hours without Food!

Few weeks back I had my 20 weeks echo to know that I am pregnant with a GIRL!!!! we are going to have a little princess at home ;-) we are thrilled!!

Baby Girl and Me

Berlin Marathon--Mission Accomplished at 4 months pregnant

“This is it! I did it!, We did it” I was laughing out loud, smiling big, so proud of me. 2 medals are placed around my neck, crossing the line at 4 months pregnant made it worthwhile and made me forget the painful 42.195 km.

Dam Tot DamLoop 2013

For 4 years in a row I take part of this amazing event Called Dam tot Damloop. A 10 EM run from Amsterdam to Zaandam! I love this race just because of its crowds and the atmosphere along the way. Just like the other years I run in the business team of McDonald's.

This year is a special one, I am 16 weeks pregnant which means 4 months Pregnant! My goal is to run for the fun and not give it all. I will run as long as long as it feels good!

Just a week before the race it was confirmed that Ron who is a big fan of McDonald's can also join the team. Ron had a goal to run around 1:15 or maybe just a little faster to beat his personal best. As for me I was thinking more around 1:20 knowing my circumstances. Ron asked me if I will manage to keep up with his pace which is around 4'35/km . Knowing me I can't "Refuse" so I decided to give it a shot. We will start together and see how it goes, if I feel any discomfort I will slow down or stop if needed.

30K of North Amsterdam

For the First time I stand on the start of the 30 km of North Amsterdam. This time not alone but with a little heart beat in my belly.

How do you run a race knowing that?

Running races while pregnant is considerably different than running when you’re not pregnant.  It can be more challenging in some ways and more enjoyable in others. Here’s how I’ve found it is different:

Mindset:The first thing to recognize is that it is NOT a RACE. It’s important to set aside all the competitive instincts that make me want to run faster to beat a PR or another person. I didn't cancel any race since I knew I was pregnant just for the camaraderie and fun of running, it feels good to run with others. It’s important to let go of expectations when running while pregnant and just enjoy the moment: the scenery, the runners around you, the spectators. It can be a lot of fun and a break from competitive running, where my focus is mainly on the clock and my pace and the people I want to beat.

A Pleasant Surprise....And My 1st Trail!

July 28th, 2013 :

I am in love with the Dutch weather!! I go to bed early to wake up early and enjoy sunrise runs, Or I wait for the evenings to cool down and hit the road for another few kms. I have been hitting my highest mileage ever. 100km !!! I never reached 80km in the past! Every km has been a joy, every run has been unique, every run has made me feel stronger and every run has been closer to the race of the year Berlin Marathon! Magic is going to happen there in Berlin,  I am giving it all, my time, my dedication my everything because my goal is to run a sub3hours. I am officially now at my lowest weight ever and still 10 weeks to go. I feel stronger than ever and nothing is about to stop me BUT sometimes life surprises you. The Big surprise is that I am officially pregnant with my 2^nd Baby! Yes I am PREGNANT!! I am going to be a Mommy again!!

Baby#2

Podium at Vechtloop Half Marathon

Christine, Me & Wies

Shall you get disappointed if you go to a race with one intention but you end up with a different one?

Since Boston marathon my body feels broken. I did few races since then and something just does not feel right! My knee pain comes and goes. I still go to the physiotherapist every other week to be sure I don't end up where I was a year ago, on the bench with IT band syndrome. But still this is not stopping me from signing up to races, which partially I am addicted to. It feels as if I can't say NO to a race!

Gala in Amsterdam!

For the "Vechtloop" Half Marathon race, I went with the intention to run my fastest time! Of course to run your top race you have to rest, eat good and take it easy the night before! Since I am a Girl on the Go what do I do the night before?

Being Invited to a gala in Amsterdam, I couldn't refuse not to go but instead I put on my high heals, dressed to impress and here I go...
I had a lot of fun but in the other hand this comes with consequences.  The next day your body is tired and dehydrated!! Lucky me, the next day turned out to be one of the warmest day, which it doesn't help at all!


On Sunday I arrived to Weesp a beautiful little town, I have never been there before but It definitely left a big impression on me!  I met with my running friend Christine who is also there with a goal to run her best race.

We picked our start number where we also received a cute jar of honey! I thought it was so cute! We went on a warm up and there already we realized how warm it is going to be!  At noon, while the sun is shinning just above our heads, the start gunshot took off . This time I wanted to start slower than what I usually start and save the best for the last. Just as planned the first kilometers went smooth, the course was nice it goes along the river in some part in other parts it goes through the bushes and in another part it goes on a bike track middle of nowhere just out of town surrounded with greens and farms. A very peacful run!

I felt great until 14 km, I kept trying to stay hydrated even though this is always a struggle for me. From 14 and onward it was a battle. At 14 km a supporter shout  to me "Go First lady!"  I had no clue I was first since the 5k, 10k, 15k all started together. I couldn't notice who has finished and who is still running... Bref, When I hit the 14 km point it was time to turn back and to run back toward the finish.... I got to see Christine who was the 2nd lady but there was some good distance  between us. Was that too comforting and made me lazy the last few kms?
The last 5 kms were the longest and the hardest, the wind was blowing in my face pushing me
backward, the heat was not helping me to find my strength, I felt somehow weak. I was just running all alone no sight of runners around me beside a volunteer on the bike telling people to cheer up for me because I am the "First Lady" I thought it was funny!! Knowing also that I am ahead and leading the race I didn't bother much to fight my way up to the finish. I just hobbled the last kms.

Just before the finish I see my boys and I hear PeuterD shooting "Mama renne renne renne"! With a big smile I crossed the finish in 1:33:30

Christine, Me and Wies

30 year old Milestone & Colours By the Sea

Wow what time flies! A small update ... On Sunday June 9th I turned 30. YES I just hit the 30 year old milestone!! This number scares me! It sounds Old!! But after an awesome holiday with my family where I got to celebrate almost every night, I came back home on my birthday all refreshed! I feel younger,  wiser and happier than ever! I can't ask for any better start!

So bring it on! I am ready to Rock n Roll my 30's!!

The Colours by the Sea

The Crazy four: Ronald, Merit, Me and Andrea

Have you heard of this most fun run of the year? The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality ...

The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. The fun continues at the finish line with a gigantic “Color Festival,” using more colored powder to create happiness and lasting memories.

We Own the Night!

The evening of Sunday 19^th of may, I run “ We own the Night” a 10km women’s run organized by Nike In Westerpark Amsterdam. I was offered a Nike start packet  by Leonie, together with my friend Laura and she promised that It will be an amazing evening.

As promised, an after-hours run like no other. A10 kilometers of light, sound and the unexpected, together with 2000 women to celebrate the young, the female and the fabulous city of Amsterdam.  The after run party is held at the Gashouder with a performance by Eva Simons.

At 19:00 I picked up my start packet which included an orange Tshirt  and a nice bracelet and of course my start number. The Nike stand displayed cool outfit and shoes, a must have!! 

Before the start I got to chit chat with the ultra runner Leonie who was there being sure that the evening turns out to an unforgettable experience. I also got to meet with Francien and Fieke the coolest Nike chicks.

With @GirlsLove2Run

De Loop Van LeidscheRijn

Foto: Wendy

De loop van Leidscherijn is a race of 15 km with a theme “The Romans” The start/finish are located at the Roman village a few minutes walking distance from my house. A Roman village with an Xpo is built with catering, stage with live music, terrace, changing facilities and stands filled by various local associations. I was planning to run the 15km but few months back I saw messages from @Loopmaatjes that if he manages to have 20 relay teams     (2 (1x5 kms and 1x10 kms) or 3 (3 x 5 km) runners) he will become a sponsor of the event.

Of course I got all excited to support Mr @Loopmaatjes to reach his goal. I decided at that point to form my own relay Team and the first person I asked was my running mate @RunningRonald. All enthusiastic he started thinking of a team name and fun ideas which always makes me laugh! In meanwhile I was trying to figure out who should be the 3rd runner in order to run the 3x5km.
I was specifically looking for a fast runner I wanted to win the relay event.(Duh?) At the end I managed to convince @sportsjunkie my fast neighbor who was doubting if he should run the whole 15 km or join the ThunderTrio team which is the name that Ronald came up with for our fast Team.

ThunderTrio