27/10/2025
Amsterdam Marathon 🏁
The first half felt smooth — controlled, calm, and right where I wanted to be
(albeit a little faster than planned).
Then the second half arrived, as it always does, and things started to get tougher.
I wasn’t sure what would happen after 30km — I’ve never run two marathons this close together —
but I stayed in it mentally, held my form, and kept pushing.
That alone felt like a win.
It’s been a busy stretch — Berlin only a few weeks ago,
a full season of work and racing,
and training through the Dubai summer where most runs happen before sunrise or on a treadmill.
This block looked different:
less run volume, more bike intensity, and a big focus on quality over quantity.
I didn’t know how it would all come together on the day,
but it reminded me that performance doesn’t always need the “perfect” build.
Sometimes it’s about adapting, listening to your body,
and trusting the work in different forms.
Finishing close to a PB after a big year feels like proof that consistency really is everything.
The last time I was near this time, I was deep in a very run-focused block —
and I’d always wondered if I could do it again.
What I’m most proud of this time is the fight.
There were moments in the second half where my mind whispered,
“you could ease off and still go sub-3:30.”
But something stronger pushed back —
and that’s a feeling I haven’t had in a long while.
Huge thanks to Wez for the belief, the guidance,
and for constantly pushing me to do things I don’t always think I’m capable of.
Don’t get me wrong — I still want to go faster over this distance —
but for the first time in a long time, I truly believe that’s possible 💫
Grateful for the race, the people on course,
and such a solid group to share the weekend with —
everyone out there had their own story and effort to be proud of.
