Yesterday, Angel and I ran in the Asics Grand 10K.
7,000 of us lined up at Schloss Charlottenburg to charge 10 kilometers around the West of Berlin. Our cheering section, Logan, Scott and PC gave us much appreciated support. This was Angel’s first race, and my last. After my myriad ACL reconstructions, MCL sprains, LCL sprains, and meniscus breakdowns you’d think I’d have known that pounding along on my lack of cartilage wasn’t a great idea. Apparently, I’m an idiot.
After a trip to the Dr. here (who incidentally knows my Doc from back home…small small world) it was decided that I’d retire from my running exploits after this race. So, I popped a day’s worth of Alleve, and off we went.
Having seen the dire prospect of rain splashed across the forecast all week, you can imagine the elation felt at seeing a sunny sky. We got into position, Gangnam style was pumpin’-oddly I didn’t see a single person bustin out the moves, and we were off.
The world record holder raced with us. He finished in just over 27 minutes. Jeebus.
The entire course was littered with well wishers, including somebody’s very enthusiastic granny whom I wish I could bring home with me.
In the last 100 meters, I caught sight of PC and the our cheering section. Then I really had to sprint. How lame would this all be without a sprint finish?
There were drums, cheerleaders and beers waiting at the finish. If it wasn’t like a freakin’ rescue mission trying to meet back up with everyone, I could have really enjoyed it. Nothing’s more irritating than running really hard on a jacked up knee, then walking around confused for ten minutes, sweaty and ready to punch whoever caused me to spill precious drops of my beer. Luckily, I finally found the group, and all was well.
So Auf Wiedersehen to running…
I’m now trying to figure what my next venture will be. I know I should swim, but in the words of Demetri Martin, “Swimming is a confusing sport, because sometimes you do it for fun, and other times you do it to not die. And when I’m swimming, sometimes I’m not sure which one it is.”
Casa Incognita 
Love this!! You seriously are amazing! Your determination had me in tears 🙂
Congratulations Angel on finishing your first race and Erin Congratulations on
finishing your running career in such a ‘Grand Way’ !
I love the pictures.
I may have to steal that swimming quote! Maybe next time your back, we can go swimming and try not to die together 🙂