It is “spring” in Berlin, a time where we normally get together for social long runs and powerful Track-Tuesday sessions to prepare for the Berlin Half Marathon. A time where our running season kicks off and people (re)unite for the love of doing sports together. Yeah, normally there is also our Homies Half weekend. But since there are no events anymore, we move on without too much complaining and find positive ways of staying busy and motivating each other. Welcome our very own virtual Berlin Half Marathon.
For eight weeks, we trained all by ourselves or connected through Zoom for workout sessions and social gatherings. Thirty runners getting physically and mentally ready for a very unusual and lonely virtual Berlin Half Marathon. On Sunday the 11th of April, it was time to crush the 21K we individually trained for. At 15-minutes intervals, runners started their individual runs.
Today we highlight the first seven runners and ask them how they experienced the lonely route towards the start and their emotional mindset directly after the finish. Big thanks to everybody supporting this journey. We appreciate all of you, fam!
WHO ARE YOU? AND HOW DO YOU FEEL? AND WHAT IS YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE?
Hi, I am Diane aka The Frenchie – Putain! I feel proud, relieved, and actually super fresh although I just finished my first half-marathon ever sub 1h40.
Might sound cheesy but I see every run as a new challenge! Although the Berlin Half-Marathon in August is the next “big” one – I was supposed to run it last year but it got canceled and then postponed. That will be my first “official” one, and 1h30 is the goal this time!
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART ABOUT TRAINING IN LOCKDOWN?
It was actually easier for me! Fewer distractions, no parties, also since I was working from home I was able to manage my schedule the way I wanted and could train anytime during the day. Would not have been possible in “normal times”
DID YOU JOIN OUR ZOOM WORK-OUTS?
I didn’t. I’m just not a fan of the “ZOOM” format in general. I am working with screens and phone all day long, so I try to avoid them when I’m not working!
HOW ARE THE NEW OAKLEY GLASSES?
They are amazingly amazing! Look like a pro, run like a pro. Thanks, Oakley!
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA THAT YOU KEEP TELLING YOURSELF WHILE RUNNING?
Hate it now, love it later, it’s all about the mind, Diane.
SHOUT OUT TO WHO?
Shout out to everyone involved in the preparation of this project, and Jansen, who managed to keep me motivated even when it was -16 degrees outside. And to Hauke for his good vibes and pacing me today, you are a legend.
And most importantly Tanguy, who told me about the incredible Berlin Braves family months ago.
HI JANSEN, Describe your “State Of Mind” after this race in a few words
Exhausted, elated. This was my third Half-Marathon but it was my favorite.
What distance Did you run and what was your time?
21.1k – 01h22, which is my new personal best.
What’s your favorite running shoe?
The Blue ones – Nike Vaporfly 2%.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA THAT YOU KEEP TELLING YOURSELF WHILE RUNNING:
Slow down, you Idiot! Slow down!
Who are you? Please introduce yourself.
My name is Emo Rugene aka the Big Boss Man and I am here for the vibes.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA THAT YOU KEEP TELLING YOURSELF WHILE RUNNING:
The more you run, the better you become. Keep at it, you are doing good.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART ABOUT TRAINING IN LOCKDOWN?
Most definitely staying motivated and going out alone in bad weather. My emotions were all over the place and I missed my Braves family. They make running so much more bearable.
What’s your next challenge?
Doing a triathlon with the Berlin Braves.
WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU FEEL AFTER THE RACE?
My name Lenni Boekstegers aka Lenni Boai and I feel beautifully exhausted.
HOW MANY HALF-MARATHONS did YOU RUN SO FAR?
This is my seventh half-marathon and also the coziest one. I miss our big cheer zone. My favorite half marathon was in Amsterdam.
What’s your next challenge?
Training hard and finishing my first triathlon.
Your final word AND SHOUT-OUTS?
More love, more running, and shout-out to God, who is my strength.
WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU FEEL AFTER THE RACE?
I am Afterparty Anna aka El Presidente aka Daisy the Disruptor.
I feel overwhelmed to have completed the 21K. As my last race was in 2019, I am happy, exhausted, and tired.
HOW MANY HALF-MARATHONS DID YOU RUN SO FAR?
So far twelve. The Soweto half marathon in Johannesburg (2015) was the most touching and challenging for me.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA THAT YOU KEEP TELLING YOURSELF WHILE RUNNING:
I was really struggling around 18K, For the last 3K I really had to activate all hinds of strengths, but I had it in me. My legs felt strong. I kept telling myself to push harder, and that the finish line is reachable. And eventually, it was reached.
WHAT’S YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE?
Integrating running into my workout routine and getting back on track. (literally and figuratively)
YOUR FINAL WORD AND SHOUT-OUTS?
To all my lovers, but also to my haters. Couldn’t have done it without any of you.
In the end, it was another long run on a Sunday morning! That’s a Bit Beefy quote btw, lol.
HI PHIL, INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND DESCRIBE YOUR “STATE OF MIND” AFTER THIS RACE IN A FEW WORDS?
I am Phil aka Phil Jackson aka Uncle Phil and I feel pretty juicy and pumped. Just ran 1h42, not my fastest, not my slowest but I feel sunshine everywhere.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART ABOUT TRAINING IN LOCKDOWN?
Getting in the stretches, recovery, and warm-ups without the coaches. I didn’t do so many zoom workouts, I went swimming instead and tried to focus on myself with meditation in the cold.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MARATHON SHOE?
Flyknit Racer Forever (RIP)
WHAT’S YOUR next challenge?
Just like everybody else, get through the pandemic. Stay Corona negative and run a PB in September. Let’s hope the marathon continues.
YOUR FINAL WORD AND SHOUT-OUTS?
S/O to Seb and Lena for pushing us. And all the homies for the extra motivation.
To be continued and much love.
WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU FEEL AFTER THE RACE?
Hi, I am Amali Traoré aka A.T aka the Youngest OG aka the one and only. I feel overwhelmed, energetic, proud, and happy.
HOW MANY HALF-MARATHONS DID YOU RUN SO FAR AND WHICH ONE WAS YOUR FAVOURITE?
I ran in total 4 half marathons and I enjoyed the Hackney Half in London the most because of the energy of all the people there.
DID YOU JOIN OUR ZOOM WORK-OUTS?
I didn’t because honestly, I was just lazy! Sorry about that, all love.
HOW ARE THE NEW OAKLEY GLASSES?
Super fire, and comfortable af.
Any Shout-outs and final words?
S/O to myself for pushing through. All love and Nuthin’ But A G Thang baby, GANG GANG GANG!
Much fun as this was, let’s hope it’s the one and only virtual Berlin Half Marathon. Nothing beats being there in person.