So many things are already written and will be. When i heard the news this morning i was deeply shocked and could not believed what had happen. Throughout the day it became pretty obvious and the news-feed in Facebook and twitter never stopped – Samuel Kamau Wanjiru is dead.

His tragic accident was the latest addition to several non-running related news surrounding the outstanding racer. Sammy was probably one of the most talented runners at his distance. With 24 years his best race would just have been ahead of him.

Rest in Piece Sammy!

Sometimes it is weird how i loose interest in shoes and then suddenly feel the love again. One prime example is this 2 year old pair of Nike Zoom Streak XC. I bought it as a 30$ bargain at the Expo of the Gate River Run in Jacksonville. I forgot my pair of racing flats at home while training in Florida and had to get a fast and cheap solution to run the 15k.

Since the race i haven’t really used the pair that much but after a couple of outings in the gym i really liked them again. Some runs later i have to say that i am really amazed. The plain shoe is fun on and off road.

Our love with last forever, true love
True love never dies!
We’ll always be together.
True love.

I’m just in the door after a 3 day excursion to striking Catalonia. What was meant to be an escape from irish weather was only a change of scenery with nearly the same conditions. We basically brought the weather with us.

Overall it was not too bad and we got a solid amount of miles in. Cycling around our base between El Perelló and L’Ametlla de Mar was brilliant. The roads are quite and in great condition. Used to irish roads it felt so easy and smooth.

Nearly nobody seems to be driving or cycling in that area so it was even more enjoyable to go out and enjoy the scenic climbs. All the little towns with their typical cafes and bars made the rides even more enjoyable. Probably the first training where I come back heavier as I went.

It is not easy to assess the situation. Excuses are easy to make and do not help anyone.

Yes – It was hot. Yes – I did not feel great. Yes – I drank to much and Yes – my head was not up for a marathon in they way i wanted it to be. At the end i have to be honest to myself. At the moment i am not up for a marathon. I am not up to take the pain that i need to for 42k – that’s it.

I wanted to get a good time in a race i really love, on a course that is fast and fair. I made it to the startline well prepared. The training could have been a bit better but overall i thought i am fit enough to break the 2:45. Just from the start i was running in a good group. Some dutch elite women had a really good pacer and i enjoyed the freedom of that well paced group. Just after the half marathon mark when i had a little low my head gave in and stopped my legs. I never question the situation and gave up.

The lady at the aid station gave me one of the Pacer Water bottles and i jogged back to the Erasmus bridge where my dad was waiting anxiously. I was empty and disappointed. The pressure i put on myself was too high and i forgot to enjoy what i love to do – Running.