Just back from my first International race – Jackie and Margaret’s second, having previously run in Dublin. The subtle smell of sulphur, the taste of the sweetest lamb (eschewed the puffin – cost not sentimentality), relaxing in “hot-pots” and the amazing landscape has eclipsed, for me, the race. Just a few hours before start there was no sign of any preparation so in the morning it was a surprise to find such a well ordered but incredibly laid back race site. Fiona28, you would have been proud of us – we seemed to be the only ones partaking in the warm up which we kind of improvised loosely based on your routines
. Fellow runners looked on indulgently. I think it’s fair to say that after the city centre start beside the lake the course was not particularly scenic following the coast road for most of the way with a loop back through the suburbs including a rather bleak dockland area. Good points – pretty much flat, good pb potential as long as its not windy, loads of running room even at the start, excellent craic although you need to initiate the conversation. We were lucky with the weather – about 13 C, bit of drizzly rain, and very little wind. J and M had excellent runs. I took it slowly (leg still bothering me) and created a new pw which I’m gradually learning to live with! Excellent post race celebrations all over Reykjavik – “Culture Night” – street theatre, bands, roundabouts and fireworks that were just like Gandalf’s – they came shooting towards you just like in the Lord of the Rings movie
. Would I do it again? – yes. And if I ever get around to doing a full marathon this would be a serious contender. And I’ve just found out that a week later (last weekend in August) Greenland stages its half marathon – anyone interested in a trip to Nuuk in 2010
?