No time to think of consequences

One day in mid Feb, just after I've returned from my backpacking trip I've signed for the BMW Berlin Marathon 2011. That should not be a problem to come back to some reasonable level of stamina. I had more than 7 months for that, as marathon is in the end of September. But what you think is usually different than the reality. As the reality was that even though I was doing my best to train there was still something happening and I was not able to push to the limit.

First of all I've bumped into the climbing wall with my foot and although it was not broken it hurt and I was not able to run for some time. And from time to time I was having pains and my foot was getting a little bit numb after longer runs.

Secondly during one of the trainings I've injured the tendon in the front of my hip. It was getting very tense and it was causing pain then I was moving. This probably developed into some back problems, where my right leg was getting numb up to the toes and I could not sleep sometimes.

Thirdly when during one of the flights in August I got ear inflammation I was never able to cure it properly and I still struggle with it. I still get fevers, runny nose, sore throat and for two months with every swallowing of saliva I hear a 'click' in my right ear.

And lastly in Dubai it was pain in the ass, as running on the tread mill is completely different that running outdoors. I was not able to do more than 10k each time as it was getting soooooo boring and running outdoors was impossible with the heat up to 45 C degrees (even in the evening).

Now that I've stated all my excuses, I can say that instead of running the fastest Marathon course well prepared and breaking my personal record I've almost failed and did not reach the finish line. But of course if you pay 100e for the entry fee (or maybe even more), 60e for the train tickets, 90e for the hostel you want to run. No matter what. No matter that you might be suffering during and after the run.

On Friday morning with Kinga we've caught train from Warsaw to Berlin, got there shortly after noon, got to Grand Hostel Berlin (we took a bus and I've asked bus driver for the tickets, I guess he was quite surprised, although I'm not sure what's surprised him, that he said that in fact these are only three or four bus stops, so we can go for free).

We did some sightseeing, collected participants documents and merchandise on the Marathon expo in the Tempelhof Airport, spend some money on Adidas pullover, ate Flammkuchen and walked back home where we've had some shandy. In Berlin apparently no one knows what Radler or Russer is. I guess this could be the reason why I'd prefer Munich. Although I cannot decide yet. At least they too have Aperol Spritz.

Our room in Gran Hostel Berlin. It's a great place if you want to stay in a cosy place close to the city center when let's say you come for a marathon and need to rest and relax, but don't expect good party there. It does not have this vibe.

There is some kind of election going on so everywhere different parties expose their agenda

Squat like building in Berlin

There is an exhibition in Berlin going on now - 1000 years of Polish-German art

Piece of the Berlin Wall. But what was Gajowy doing there?

Berlin Wall

Berlin Wall

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Actually it was forbidden to step over, but we've found out about it just after this picture was taken

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Brandenburger Gate

Potsdamer Platz

West Berlin/East Berlin

You are leaving the American sector/You are entering the American sector. Carrying weapons off duty forbidden. Obey traffic rules.

Piece of Berlin Wall "decorated" with chewing gum

Berlin Tempelhof Airport - BMW Berlin Marathon 2011 Expo took place here. Participants come here to collect bibs, get a massage, do the shopping (hundreds of exhibitors, any imaginable brand of running clothes), enjoy the atmosphere, get somthing to eat and of course drink a beer (not only non-alcoholic).

BMW Luftballon

Berlin Tempelhof Airport

Flammkuchen

On Saturday we've hanged around a little bit more, with some lads that we know back home. Overall it was fun. Berlin itself is fun it's got many artistic, bohemian and student districts which provide the city with pleasant groove.

Potsdamer Platz

Flashing bikes at the Potsdamer Platz (unfortunately not during the day)

Potzdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz

LEGO Giraffe

Potsdamer Platz

Linden

Reichstag

Reichstag from the front

Television Tower

Along the canal

German nation queueing to see Polish owned Lady with an Ermine by Leonadro da Vinci

This guy could play any song on his water-glass piano

Berliner Dom

Forfiter. Gonna give'm a Cziken

Gallery at the Berlin Wall

Gallery at the Berlin Wall. Original painting was 'updated' by the black and white stencil like poster.

Gallery at the Berlin Wall. People river.

Gallery at the Berlin Wall. Trabi.

Gallery at the Berlin Wall. La Buerlinica - it was definitely inspired by the Guernica by Pablo Picasso.

Gallery at the Berlin Wall. Catch the Spider ;-)

Another student district.

Frog kissing.

This is self explaining picture

Cannabis Normal! Another election propaganda.

Getting ready for the race on Sunday

 

 



Sunday morning we got up early enough to get breakfast (complete dining place was full of people in running clothes) and slowly walk to the starting area, deposit the clothes, take some pictures and move to the starting block.



Right from the morning I had problems with stomach, it was heavy, too heavy. And I could not help it. Maybe the reason was behind some pain killers which I took as otherwise I would not be able to run at all. Foot was not hurting very much, but it was annoying and I knew that after some time it would certainly start to hurt a lot.



That was incredible feeling. With every minute there were more and more people coming from different directions. Like some kind of flesh mob.



Where's Wally?



Runners under linden.

Brandenburger Gate. We'll be back in 41,195k

That's the plan for the future. Big five: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and NY

Brandenburger Gate

People in the starting area processing to the deposit to leave their stuff

 Till 20k it was pretty much ok, after that distance things's started to get worse with each k. I was walking more than running as stomach was bothering me too much. With every heavy movement I was getting sick. Of course legs were hearting too - sore muscles on the front part of tights (like from walking downhill for very long time), although that is something that you can overcome. But you cannot overcome sick stomach. Especially if you are not bulimic type and pushing even the whole palm into throat does not cause throwing up. So in the end I've been walking most of the second half and I've almost managed to vomit under the Brandenburger Gate. Unfortunately except spitting with watery saliva nothing happened and I've reached the finish line after 5h 24 mins.

Note: below pics come from Dominik S. 

 

And what?

Hyyyyy, hyyyyyyyyy



Getting into better mood



Accenture advert

And another one

Annoying thing was that I could not enjoy the atmosphere after the run (not only due to being sick and weak, as I could just lay down on the grass and that'd be the best thing ever) but mainly due to the fast that at 19.05 I had a flight to Munich from Tegel and I had to catch it. This was very stupid of me to agree to take this flight and honestly I've been regretting it a lot. After I've picked up my stuff, found Kinga and our pals it was already after 4 p.m. and in fact I had to rush home to pack, take shower and a cab to the airport. And rushing anywhere was the last thing in the world that i was wishing that time. Shit happens.

 

At least Kinga was carrying my goodies bag and I was crawling behind her on the way to the hostel and  at the airport there were many people with medals on their necks and so was I. I was wearing it all the way to Dubai.

 

But there is also one surprising thing. After walking like robocop whole Monday I feel almost perfect on Tuesday. Foot hurts just a little bit, I have slightly sore muscles and still walk funny when I go downstairs, but otherwise it's good. Even better that before.... Maybe this was the crucial moment and now I'll be only successful.

Jak coś się dzieli to tylko Forty Forty

There cannot be worst thing than on the way back home, on the plane you start feeling sick. This is what happened to me on the way from Dubai to Warsaw. Landing in Frankfurt was a nightmare, the same as landing in Warsaw. Ache in the left ear up to the neck.
That was only beginning, and the effect was one week in bed without any progress in getting better. Even now I still struggle and wish for the weekend that's just passed to last.
Anyways esterday I could not stand doing nothing for another day, especially that there is so many places in Warsaw worth visiting. Exhibitions, new places to go out or just to go for a coffee or lunch or fresh juice which you can enjoy in the garden chair on the grass and summer (even this rainy summer) is the only time when you can do that.
I went to Forty Bema to check Forty Forty Project. It's a street art  gallery opened 24h/7 in the old military fortification in Bemowo district created by polish independent street/urban art artists. It had to be approved by the conservator as those fortifications are historic and under the guardianship, but apparently it was achieved.

Fish by Maniac

I was not able to guess who was the artist here. Anyways big like.

Chazme718

Roem. To me it looks like paintings in the children room

Follow the signs

Szyman SC,

Otecki

Gruz and Felto

Gruz, Felto and Tomek

Felto

Forty Forty Project

I was also having my "artistic" time. These pictures are taken via kaleidoscope mirrors during the assembly of the kaleidoscope which I've brought from Dubai. Great fun, even for adults ;-)

Just don't sit down 'cause I've moved your chair

During the summer days there is not much to do in Dubai. It’s basically too hot to go outside (unless there is a breeze from the water and you are in a shade and preferably water in the pool is cooled down, which unfortunately is impossible for the sea), stupid to stay in the mall go shopping whole weekend, claustrophobic to spend your time in the hotel room and exhausting to work out in the gym all day.
I really try to keep myself occupy and I’m not finding easy excuses and I’m not trying to complaint about Dubai in the summer time, but the heat here is just unmanageable. After 5 minutes of walking you are sweating and your head starts spinning from dehydration. Yes I miss European summer.

To make things better and to keep ourselves busy and sporty during the weekend we’ve drove to Abu Dhabi to Al Forsan resort to learn wakeboarding. They have there cablepark with three cable systems, starting form the beginners to the advanced. Maybe it’s not the cheapest experience, but at least it’s fun and challenging and even after three days you feel that you are alive as every inch of your body aches.

First we had some issues to get there as we were not able to rent a car, cause all three of us left our passports with the guy who takes care about residence visas for us. Obviously to rent a car in Dubai you need your pass. So after the whole trip to the airport on Friday to get a car we had to give up and we went to the beach. But wasn’t it for three consulting company employees who we are that we come up with another idea. There is that private driver who drives us sometimes back to the hotel from the office (especially on Thursdays). He offered one day that even with waiting time in Abu Dhabi it’d only cost us 400 Dh to go there and back. Fair enough. We booked him for Saturday.

Saturday was as hot as every other day and by the time we got to Al Forsan I was shattered already, even though I was only sitting in the car, not even driving.

First you pay entrance fee which is 55 Dh (25 of that is a voucher which you can spend for any of the sports), than you pay 230 Dh for 4 hours of wakeboarding. At least it includes swimming vest, helmet and basic board. You can also rent obstacle board for 40 Dh which when you are doing it for the first time is unnecessary.

I’ve spent first hour trying to start up, falling to the water, swimming to the shore and trying to start again. And to our luck/unluck only advanced cable was on, so we had to learn on the fastest cable system there (38 kph). But the crew there was very helpful, especially some guys from Philippines and Myanmar who were saying the same things all over trying to explain things and holding the board for me in the right position each time I was giving a try.

At last after an hour or so, I’ve started to get it and I’ve managed to start up and do quarter of the lap. I’ve fallen to the water on the curve which I did not know how to deal with. But after some time I was already able to do 1,5 laps. From the riding perspective I could probably do more, but my hands were too weak to hold the handle that long and to be pulled that long so I was basically letting it go and falling to the water.

After some time and after I was managing it easily to ride one of the employees there told me to change my easy start up board to the pro one which is narrower and you put your feet into shoe thingy and not only into straps. Why not?

Jacek was having a break and nice obstacle board so I took it from him. What a difference. So much easier to ride, but indeed more difficult to start with. Too heavy to hold it in the starting position. Again I’d be unable to start up without the help of the crew. The guy was holding the board each time I was starting up.

Unfortunately after 2 rides I had to give back the wakeboard to Jacek and I took one of the pro boards which were for free. But they were with fins, which I realised I don’t like, so I had to sweet talk the guy to unscrew them. And guess what? He did. I had fun on the slippery board (this is how they call it).

After a while I got annoyed that I was not able to hold the board by myself at the start up (I’ve realised just now why my hip hurts that much, it’s not from keeping my balance on the rear leg when I was riding, it’s trying to start) so I’ve decided to go one level up and learn to start form the standing position from the elevated ledge which involved jumping with the board.

And again I was trying to jump, falling into the water, swimming to the shore, getting out and trying. In the end I’ve managed and I was so satisfied with myself almost like after finishing the marathon run. What’s more everyone was trying to help me when I was learning, they were giving me tips, asking how I’m doing and telling ‘Now’ to give me a sign when I should jump. But no wonder. I was the only girl there who got so involved.

By the end of the day I was not able to walk, talk, move or do anything. I’ve just wanted to get some food and go to bed to get some rest.

It is insane how exhausted you can get after 4 hours, but it was one of the best things so far that I’ve done in Emirates. The only drawback now is that I again have problems with my hip which on the other hand has impact on my running trainings and preparation to the Berlin Marathon.

Cable park in Abu Dhabi - Al Forsan. Beginners cable.

With the lame - easy start up board

Progress - obstacle board

During the ride

Jacek and Michal

Start up

Start up by me - was it successful one or not.....

........guess.......

..........unfortunatelly water was not refreshing at all

Floating.

I'm getting pro here ;-). Am I really or is it just a fake start up and I'll end up in the water anyways?

No fakes ;-)

Truly majestic

As usually I’ve found out that I’m flying to Dubai only couples of days before it was supposed to take place. Nothing changes here.
But before I’ve left, I’ve spent lovely weekend with friends doing sports (running, playing badminton, riding a bike), singing, doing BBQ, having fun, listening to the old vinyl records.
On Friday night first we cycled through Warsaw to reach the Vistula River and old barge called Herbatnik, where they’ve been playing funny document movies. Unfortunately we’ve managed only to see the end, but anyways it’s very interesting place.

Being thirsty we went further down the river to Cud nad Wisla. Lovely place, situated at the river bank just near the Centrum Nauki Kopernik. It is very……, let’s call it, raw. They set it up only for the summer season; skits are used there as sits and tables, here and there, there are blankets and pillows to make the place more comfy. Portable public toilets, bar and DJ stand in container boxes.

Even though (or more due to that, and the location of course) place is usually full and visited by relaxed people. Friday evening was not the best what you can expect in the mid July (chilly and wet) but still it was pretty full.

After two beers we went to check UFO at the Rozbrat, which was completely dead. Nothing going on there. Nothing at all. So in the end we went to Indeks. Not very fancy place, but music was not bad. Secondary school Bravo type place.

On the way back we were stopped by the police. At first my idea was that it’s due to my back light, actually due to the lack of it. Next idea that came to my mind was that they want to check how sober/drunk we are. That would have been even worse than the missing light. We had 2 and half beer each. Not much, but still. Losing your driving license because of that would be the Mistrz.

And what was the reason? Basically they’ve wanted to check serial numbers of our bikes, as recently there are a lot of thefts. Of course they’ve asked for our ids, which I did not have, but they’ve mentioned that it’s not mandatory to carry it around with you.

Coming back to the serial numbers, of course they could not find them on our old cycles and after a comment on Tomek’s family name (spiders, blah) they let us free. In the end we reached home after 3 in the morning. But tomorrow is Saturday!
On Sat we took a ride to Piaseczno to visit a friend, actually to do some BBQ there, spend a night, meet with some other friends (who even carried our things, so that we didn’t need to be bothered). On the way through Ursynow, Kabaty, Kierszek, Mysiadlo and Piaseczno most of the time we've spent in Las Kabacki relaxing and lying down on the grass. I don't remember when was the last time that I could so airy and carefree spend my time. Gimme more!

Bike

Shoes

What the hell was going on there?

Tomek

Go faster!

In Piaseczno it was even better. I was not expected at all such a warm welcome, I was not expecting most of what was going on there. Tomek and his wife - Karolina gave us the most welcoming and most honest and hearty hosts that I had since very long time. Hospitality is definitely their number one. I don't know what skills these exactly are, but they were able to make us feel like home. We were going around, cooking, using their facilities. Lovely people, with lovely kids.
 
Saturday evening/night it was eating, drinking, dancing and listening to vinyl records. Sunday was a sporty day with light breakfast only and almost 22km in the rain. I was rather in a good shape, last two kilometers I was even to speed up a little bit. If I had to I could go run further, but actually time was running away and as I was flying to Dubai at 19 I had to start getting ready, taking shower, having dinner and so one.
 
In the end my flight to Munich was delayed due to the very bad weather conditions in Europe and I would not be able to catch flight to Dubai, so I've changed my ticket to fly on Monday and I've spent one more day and night in Warsaw. That was a gift from above. Finally I was able to finish watching "Breakfast on Pluto" and on my flight from Munich to Dubai I got an upgrade to business class. So sweet. The only thing that I regret is that I was not able to try their food as I've been sleeping on the valium all the time, but at least the seat was very comfy.

Everybody

Adas and Jasiek

Jasiek

Usually cats don't like me. This one must be weird as it come to me on its own

Tomek the DJ and Franek Kimono rulezzzzz

Runner from the 80s

Kinga, Doris and Marta in the rain

Doris, Mati, Marta and Tomek

Tomek presents what his ostre kolo - fixie can do

Myself, Marta, Kinga, Doris, Tomek, Tomek - rainy runners