Running the BMW BERLIN MARATHON

Race Log: 

 I arrived at the Start Line at the Brandenburg Gate for the 2024 Berlin Marathon still pretty sick, but determined, especially as I walked by the Monument for Murdered Jews…felt urgent to remember those who are no longer with us. First 10k, not bad, but at seven miles, when I normally turn up the gas, I started to tank. Light-headed, unsteady, it might have been wise to exit, but I was determined to find my cheering crew, who were strangely absent. As I passed the half marathon mark, I needed to stop and was getting pissed off that I couldn’t find my people, Tina and Rob, so I called them. We all yelled, “where the hell are you?” at the same time. Apparently, they followed my live tracking via the marathon app all over the city, which wasn’t actually tracking me! 🤯

After a few tears, laughs, some grub, and a shower, we headed back to the Brandenburg Gate to cheer on the final finishers. What was weird…I wasn’t the slightest bit bummed about missing my big finish, realizing that the finish line is such a small part of my marathon journey. What seemed far more important was the fact that this community raised crucial funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering via Fred's Team to kick cancer’s ass with cutting-edge research and honor my big bro. Then there were the hundreds of early morning miles, witnessing many a stunning sunrise, whipping me into killer shape. I’m so proud to have shown up for myself in such a powerful way, doing the hard work! 💪🏽 And, finally, there is nothing more nourishing to this soul than spending quality time with dear old friends in my favorite European cities. Having perspective is pretty beautiful, isn’t it? Especially when so much of our lives is just plain out of our hands. Thank again for all the overwhelming support!

Until the next start line, peeps! Xoxo

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Cheers, Michelle