I finished the Copenhagen Marathon in 4:24:28. This is a new personal record.

This race constitutes a substantial personal victory for me. I had a plan, and I executed it. When I was in trouble, I adapted.

My goal: to cross the starting line
My hope: to enjoy the race and finish
My pipe dream: to beat my personal record (4:38:25)

Today, I feel very good. Proud and grateful. No sore legs. I might even go for a run...

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub #Cph42

16/16

When you turn the last corner of the Copenhagen Marathon, it’s about 0.5km to the finish line. You can see it coming closer, and the support from the crowd is massive.

On the homestretch, I couldn’t help but celebrate. Picking up the pace, cheering the crowd, being completely in control.

This was a victorious, emotional, and almost transcendent moment for me.

Every roads I had run on dark and cold mornings had led me here.

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub #Cph42

15/x

At around 40.5km, as I turned the corner to Østerbrogade and the final stage of the race, I regained control and ran the race I wanted to. Tired, yes, but also energized by the crowd and the fact that I was almost there.

With less that 2km left, I knew I could do this; it’s just the distance from home to my local bakery. I steadily picked up pace, visualizing the final strides, knowing now that I would finish #Cph42 strong.

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

14/x

At around 35km, my stomach began to hurt. Drinking water was a struggle, and energy gels were out of the picture. At some point, I even contemplated “tactical vomiting” to clear my stomach – but I also quickly rejected this horrible idea. For the next kms, I would alternate between #running very slowly and walking. I still knew I would finish, but I was under pressure now.

Things got better. Experience and my mental approach helped me.

#MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub #Cph42

13/x

Around 30km in, I had to pee. Until now, everything had been smooth sailing, but of course my legs and feet started feeling sore. Still, the execution of my initial race-plan worked A+.

Finally, by the Royal Theater at 33km, there was a toilet. The logistics of getting to it behind a fence were a bit complicated, however, and this took more time than it should have.

Still, I had a good feeling about everything.

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub #Cph42

12/x

Around 5km, my colleague Liisa and her fiancé cheered.

At 24km, someone yelled my name – and there was my wife and daughter!! I knew they would come to Copenhagen to support me, but I didn’t expect them this early. What a wonderful surprise. I got a hug, a kiss, and a peeled orange. It was glorious.

At 28km, they were there again. And again at 34km, where they had a peeled banana ready for me (pic is earlier in the thread).

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub #Cph42

11/x

The first half of #Cph42 was a celebration. The crowd was amazing. Thank you, Copenhagen!

At 19km, a little girl high-fived me and yelled: “I hope you will win!” Now that is the kind of support you dream of, and it gave me a boost.

Only seconds later, I heard her yell the exact same message at another runner. What has the world come to if you cannot trust little girls cheering at marathons? Still, all was good. Steady pace. Onwards.

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

10/x

For the first long stretch of #Cph42, my #running was just as it should be. Disciplined, my pace on point (6 min/km), my energy intake ran like a clockwork. All according to plan. One stride after another, one song after another in my headphones, one km after another celebrated.

The first 11km, I ran with the 4:20 pacers. But I felt very good and strong (physically and mentally), so I slowly progressed from this group and into the next one.

#MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

9/x

I would actively pursue enjoying it and having fun through #Cph42. Long runs are hard, but a positive attitude goes a long way as for the mental game.

So whenever a kid held out her/his hand, I would high-five it. I would fist-bump and celebrate every km passed. I would thank the volunteers who handed out water. I would salute the people in the crowds. I would smile and laugh.

All of this came naturally. I had a blast out there.

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

8/x

Yesterday, I ran the Copenhagen Marathon, #Cph42.

It was my third marathon (after #running two last year). I knew I could do this.

My race-plan was to aim for a consistent pace of around 6min/km, knowing I would likely not be able to keep it up through the entire race. But I would go as far as I could, then take it from there. I would stock up on energy with a gel every 5km and have water or an energy drink at each depot.

#MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

7/x

BOOM!! Copenhagen Marathon done and conquered!

The short story: almost all of the race, I was in full control and executed my plan A+; then I had some kms with stomach issues that obviously slowed me down and they were hard; then I overcame it and finished strong. Overall, I truly enjoyed it, and I am most happy, content, and proud of what I just achieved.

I also set a new PR: 4:26:28.

The longer story comes later.

#Cph42 #running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

6/x

Here we go.

#Cph42 #running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

5/x

Q: What did it take to get to the starting line of #Cph42?
A: Showing up consistently and a support system.

First, according to the statistics of the #NikeRunClub app, I have covered 546 km in around 55 hours since I started my 18-weeks training plan. I was in fair shape before that.

Second, I have received an insane amount of support, not least from my patient family and from the #running community here. You know who you are. Thank. You. So. Much!!!

#MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose

4/x

#Cph42 is of course a good occasion for mentioning that this month, I run to raise awareness and funding for the Danish Mulitple Sclerosis Society and research into the illness.

https://stoet.scleroseforeningen.dk/indsamlinger/aske-loeber-19146-km-for-sclerose-forskning (in Danish, but everyone can donate)

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose #NikeRunClub

3/x

For the nerds, here is (some of) my gear and stuff for #Cph42.

Shoes: Nike Pegasus 41
Watch: Casio F-91W
Headphones: Shockz OpenPro Run
Energy: a High5 gel every 5k (mainly citrus and berry flavored)
Guidance: @coachbennett's Marathon Race guided run in the #NikeRunClub app
Music: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6CFyV5lLYoYQEEnmvGlUuY?si=boCDtVBwTqmyCBmlgZyRGQ - The War on Drugs "Nothing to Find" and "Red Eyes" (both studio and live) are instant boosts of energy :-)

#running #MastoRunDK #EveryRunHasAPurpose

2/x