My first try at a Marathon

I found out that the Berlin Marathon has a short version that anyone can run in, no cost with a free Breakfast at the finish line. Well, that isn't quite enough to get me to run 6km but the prospect of the finish line being in the 1936 Olympic stadium where Jesse Owens claimed his fame, that's a gimme.

  Despite the fervent coaxing of a few friends I got no takers and a few semi-believable excuses for not joining in. Oh sure, 24 hours notice is plenty of time to prepare :) Fine, read on and see what you missed.

 It started at 9.30 outside Schloss Charlottenburg:

A quick picture before we got to the start line.

 This was my first try with running since high school so I was there in regular shorts and canvas runners, the usual equipment. I had a knack for running back then and it seems I still do. I had a back pack with the camera, water, chocolate (never leave home with out it), and clothes. A bit more than most to carry but despite this I found it surprisingly easy. I only slowed to a walk when the crowd bottle necked at one corner. When we got to the stadium gate there was a big slow down which was bad as I was really into a good stride. Not speedy but consistent. And then it hit me. I think this is what runners call a runners high, all of a sudden I was full of energy with no room to use it until I cleared that gate. It felt like adrenaline but without any negatives, amazing.

 

  I was amazed that the stadium was in sight after just 20 minutes. I had no idea how long it would take to finish this but it was ending too soon.

The subterranean entrance. We traveled left to right down there with the historic marching grounds and bell tower in the background.

Traveling through the Marathon entrance to the stadium.

Entering historic grounds. at this point no one was running, just walking and taking pictures.

To the left are the people ahead of me and centre and right were those behind.

Still more coming in.

A bell with quite a story. The Nazi symbol is somewhat obscured.

Everyone sat outside the stadium to have breakfast and next to us was this original bell from the 1936 bell tower. Apparently the original tower was blown up after the war and the bell crashed to the ground. Later the tower was rebuilt and a new bell was placed up there. This one was put on display in the 60's with a slight change to remove but not eradicate the political history of its creation.

 So there I was in this stadium where dictators bellowed and athletes lunged and I was ready for another 6km. And I wasn't at the back either, loads of people in front and back of me so I think that's fairly good for a first try with one days notice and 6 hours sleep. I think it was about 35 minutes to do the 6km but it would be much less without the slow downs for traffic :)

  So, to all my Berlin friends, you have one years notice, expect a call in September 2013 for your turn.

  Funny thing is I have another connection to this stadium. Four years ago I was working on a CG model of it for the UEFA Euro 2008 XBox video game and today I ran a lap of it. Didn't see that coming. If this trend follows, I'll be driving like James Bond through Hong Kong or digging up an emperors tomb full of mercury... :)

Karneval der Kulturen 2012

My second year at the Karneval der Kulturen in Berlin back in May. Amazing time again and loads of good music, friendly people and great food. Last year I missed the Jamaican jerk chicken, not this year. REALLY good, best thing to come out of an oil drum ever.  And a few strange folks dressed up for the occasion, see below:

This guy was not part of any parade. He was just sitting on a bench in the middle of a park with the Karneval all around. An example of the bizarre side of Berlin. He was holding a bike pump handle and pumping it which seemed to be inflating his helmet....? Gas mask, webbed flippers and not a word said to anyone. I doubt anyone would get away with this kind of outfit in this situation in the UK or USA.

All over for another year...
Andy