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