Category Archives: Running

BA Marathon 2011

By cate | Published October 9, 2011

I didn’t run the Buenos Aires marathon this year. I feel kind of sad about that actually. Watching the runners go by me at kilometer 37, some struggling, others trotting by tall and confident. I can’t explain the energy that comes from being in a herd of runners. It is energy all aimed at the same goal. The Finish. Time is rather inconsequential for most. The goal is the finish. It is simply amazing because I know of no other ‘thing’ that focuses so much energy on one collective goal. I wish I knew how to keep that feeling present in my daily work. It is too easy to get lost on the course then. I need to be surrounded by marathon runners, right.

Getting to 42k is different for each person. My little sister, for example, can cruise most of the course, but I can’t imagine what it takes her to finish as fast as she does (she smokes it). What mind games she plays. I know my own though. I was trying to figure out one day how to explain what it feels like toward the end of a marathon. When you’re close enough, but still far enough and there is nothing but a head game left. So today when I was out waiting for the lead woman to pass us at kilometer 37, I shot the photo below. This is what kilometer 37 feels like: lots of road. Still 5k to go, 37k down. A race in a race and the only race that matter is the one between your feet and your head.

Hmmmm, Chicago 2012? Sounds good. And my respect and congratulations to all of the runners.

The long road. Running 42k

The Long Road

Evil stairs

By cate | Published October 12, 2010
my overall time for the Buenos Aires Marathon October 10, 2010

Buenos Aires Marathon, 10.10.10

Not stares. I really mean stairs. Two days after a marathon and stairs are the enemy. Ufa, my quads hurt and it is an adventure stepping down from the bus to the pavement, because I’m not quite sure until the moment my foot hits the pavement if I’ll have muscle control or not. But hey, the price for 42K.

I posted this on FB before the race and wanted to post it here as well. Math for marathon runners: 98 days + 674 kilometers [-15 lazy Sundays, - 1 toe nail, left foot, second metatarsal] + (∞ibuprofen) = 42. Amazing how things add up.

The final time? 4 hours, 19 minutes, 1 second. I’m good with that. But there is always something to improve on for the next one, eh? I think I’ll wait until I can at least navigate the stairs before I start looking.

Keep running.

4 days to go!

By cate | Published October 6, 2010

stretching in living room. Lit with flashes.

Playing with the flashes while stretching. Grain added.

Four more days until the Buenos Aires Marathon 2010! That is 10/10/10. Although that is the coolest race day it was not the reason I signed on to run this one. I like marathons. They are as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Both you need to train. So, with four days to go I am excited. I have been training for three months and as with every race I have this anxious need to get moving. Running the distance isn’t the grand problem. Starting is! My stomach plays havoc with me until I’m in motion, then the body feels a bit more at home and I can start concentrating on other things; like the four consecutive 10k’s (+2k) I will be running. This is fun right?