December 2013 — Tor on Marathon

And a Happy New Year to you too !

I eagerly look forward to 2014 and to hopefully a much better running year than this past 2013, which turned out to be a bit of a nightmare for me personally. My left foot was in pain for most of the year, actually I have not been able to perform a proper “run stride” since August 2012 ! So I really beg for a miracle to happen to bring me back into the game, I miss the daily training and I miss to “try my best” at the marathons. Performing a sub-4 hour marathon again in 2014 would be a dream come true !

H.C. Andersen Marathon

There are a number of events that I look forward to in 2014. Obviously, participating in the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen will be a unique experience. Shy of two months later I will celebrate my marathon 10-years anniversary in the annual NYKREDIT Copenhagen Marathon, as you know one of my favorite events. And in the autumn I hope to revisit Odense and the H.C. Andersen Marathon, the second-largest marathon in Denmark and a class act for sure !

You will find other classy races in my list for 2014, and only class events will appear on my list ! I sincerly hope that 2014 will be the year where people realize that quality is essential to, yes, everything, also running events. I think the current trend towards e.g. trail and natural running are proofs hereof . See you out there !

The City of Florence
As you might know, the author Dan Brown choose Florence as the main city in which to unfold his plot in the thriller “Inferno”.

The choice is probably not accidential when you consider the historical importance and reputation of Florence, not to mention the divene “sons” of the city, the renaissance artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. So surely, having a marathon in this beautiful city is a must, and such has in fact existed now for 30 years ! Below you find my entire race report, however, let’s start with a few impressions of the city of Florence.

The Art in Florenze
The biggest attraction in Florence must be the incredible David statue by Michelangelo. You have to stand before this 4 meter high masterpiece in marble to understand why. It is simply beyond words, yes, beyond this world ! Add the fact that it was finished in the year 1504 B.C. and you’re left with one of the most incredible pieces of art you will ever see.

A trip to Florence is justified alone by seeing David, but once there you’d obviously pay visits to the Duomo Church and to the Accademia and the Uffizi Galleries (amongst other attractions).

Firenze Marathon 2013
Ok, the race itself, Firenze Marathon was a very nice experience ! The route was extremely scenic, the event was well organized, and the weather turned out just perfect this late Sunday in November 2013.

In conclusion, it’s pretty easy to recommend a visit to both Florence and it’s marathon race. When I re-visit the marathon through my pictures here, I’m not one second in doubt: Firenze Marathon was my best this year 2013 !