Im stuck. No flights back to europe!

Aer Lingus Disruption Information for Tuesday 20 April 2010

The plume of volcanic ash emanating from Iceland has lead to the continued closure of Irish airspace. As a result all Aer Lingus flights have been cancelled today, Tuesday 20th April.

The service between Washington and Madrid is scheduled to operate.

We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our customers by this action, which is entirely beyond Aer Lingus’ control. This information will be updated as the situation progresses.

It was tough, very tough for me. Watching the race from the sideline was not easy.

Boston is not known for the best weather conditions on race day but this year the weather was just phenomenal.

Uli went out early for his long run and when i woke up and had a look out of the window i saw that the weather was just perfect. A bit windy but i could not judge the direction. It was a tailwind blowing in from the Hopinkton direction as i found out later on. Together with the sun raceday weather was just perfect.

We watched the first 45 minutes of the race from home and then made our way towards the mile 21 mark shortly after the famous heartbreak hill. The course was so busy and loud. I would have loved to run here, no doubt. The crowd, the weather just everything was perfect for “Marathon Monday”.

As the leaders flew buy and the crowds arrived i swore myself that i have to come back one day. It is a class race with a exiting atmosphere.

It was early in the morning when i left our B&B in Brookline. The 5K race was on in the city centre and Uli was racing it. The tram was busy as 5.000 people had to get to the startline. A good idea by the B.A.A. to set this event up a day prior to the main race.

After the race i visited the Dublin Marathon crew at the expo and helped out for a bit as it got fairly busy. Had a walk around the city and enjoyed beer, coffee and some spells of sun and a bit of rain. The weather is irish here – no doubt.

At the moment it looks like i have severe problems getting back to Dublin. My flight for monday night is cancelled and the next available flight is heading out of Boston would be on Saturday…

And i scored a flashy pair of lunarracer 1 at city sports. The colour is wicked!

Still cold and rainy here in New England. The weather forecast for Marathon monday looks dry but windy. But that does not bother me as a spectator.

Went out for a little walk around Brookline after breakfast and then collected Uli who came up with the “China Bus” from NYC.

The city is still very quite despite the big weekend. Uli picked up his number for the 5K on sunday and i collected my startnumber (which i dont need…) and we had a walk around the very busy expo.

It seems to be the same everytime. Busy and crowded everywhere. Marathon Expos, love it or hate it…

There is not much movement in europe at the moment. Not much movement in irish airspace aswell. Three flights went out of sunny Dublin today. One of those three was the aircraft going to Boston. Lucky me, as i had a seat booked in exactly this one.

Havent seen Dublin airport so quite. Beautiful – for me. The only rush in the building was in front of the Aer Lingus Information desk. No rush for me. Checked in in seconds and at the gate in a minute. Love it!

Same secenario in Boston. People tried to get spaces on the trans atlantic flights. The few that went out. I met Martin Fagan who was just in the middle of a little airport odyssey. Coming from Flagstaff he tried to get to Dublin for the 10k on Sunday in Phoenix Park. After several stops across the US he was lucky with a seat in the plane that left Boston for Dublin. One of the few that actually went today.

Weather in Boston is shit. Trademark irish weather in the states. Rain and wind. Dont like it at all. The city is nice and im looking forward to get a bit of the Marathon spirit despite not running in it.

Went to a Red Sox game tonight and left after 1,5 hours due to the lack of exitment. What a sport. Unbelivable.

This decision was not easy.

I will not run the 114th Boston Marathon this coming Monday.

Just came back from my Physio and there is no improvement in my ankle and calf. Still inflamed and sore it does not make sense to get on the start-line in Hopkinton. The Physio taped the ankle to give it a bit of protection and stability.

I have to be honest to myself and listen to my body. It is not an easy decision as my training and preparation was leading up to this main goal of my 2010 season. To say i was keen on the race would be understate.

What now? I really do not know at the moment. I would love to run a marathon but do not want to damage my foot or muscles. That mysterious thing in my ankle needs to be 100 percent pain free before i start thinking about another shot on the 42k distance. Numerous races are around so that is not the problem.

Next week i see a doctor and try to get a scan of the foot. I want to be sure that it is not a stress fracture or any other damage to the bones.

In the meanwhile the swimming pool and the bike will be the playground for me.

Just 6 days and 13 hours to go! I still hope my calf gets loose. Cant wait to get to Hopkinton!

It seems to be the standard for my spring marathon – calf problems!

again, like last year before the rotterdam marathon, i have problems with my calf. the pain started when i was in kenya. i had to stop training as the pressure was too much. haven’t done a long run in the last 2 weeks is not the ideal preperation for boston.

last friday i saw the physiotherapist. she gave me extensive treatment for the calf and after that session the tightness is gone a bit. the problem is still there but it does not affect me that much anymore. despite that i do not run. stretching and swiming keeps me busy the next few days. there is nothing i can do despite that at the moment.

let´s hope it gets better and i will have loose calves on the 19th – barely needed!