The Story about running the Zurich Marathon started 3 years ago with the visit of my best friend from Switzerland. She looked great and I asked for the recipe. “Easy”, she answered: “RUNNING!” 

 

I quit smoking two months before her arrival and had to watch my weight. We came up with the idea of training for one year on separate continents and then do a Marathon somewhere in the world together. The first set-back came just two days after Ursula left. I fell and fractured a bone in my right foot! However, six weeks later an ad in the North Shore News about a NSA Running Clinic caught my attention. I still remember how nervous I was signing up for the 12 weeks walk/run program! After the first session with NSA, I was hooked on running….

 

Nothing could stop me from achieving the goal of completing a Marathon. Not even when Ursula gave me bad news about six month into the training: Her knees developed fluid (cysts) after every long run and the doctor suggested not to run 42.2km.

 

Okay, I needed someone else to work with, I needed a new victim. Annette (please forgive me), was in the same running group and we became friends. I talked her into doing the first Marathon together -- which we did last year in Vancouver. Talking about being hooked or as a friend said trading in my smoking addiction: While training for Vancouver, Ruedi & I decided to run the Chicago Marathon in the fall. AND while training for the Chicago Marathon it became clear that the next race will take place in Europe in the spring.

 

It was a no brainer when the opportunity came up to run the Zurich Marathon on April 11^th while in Europe. Finally I could team up with my friend who opened the door for me on this journey. We did the last training run together and she volunteered at the Aid Station. When I crossed the finish line I handed her the medal to put around my neck plus she was the first one who gave me a big hug. How did I get the medal? Well, here is my race report!

 

The race starts at 8:30 AM. That's good news. Finally a Marathon where you don’t have to get up in the middle of the night! Turns out I was so nervous the night before, by 5:00 AM  I was ready to run. The morning was cold but dry. I’m sure all 5000 runners were pleased about the conditions.

 

Arriving at the Start all my confidence disappeared. Most of the runners were extremely fit and you could feel the competitiveness. Marathon running in Switzerland is not a public sport. It is something you do to proof that you are better than anyone around you. Whatever, I certainly enjoy those perfectly shaped ‘behinds’ on the run!

 

Eating all that Swiss chocolate or tasting the fantastic cheeses with different types of bread together with a glass (or two) of red wine prior to the race made me even more nervous. Do I have it in me?  I got a blank look from Ruedi when I position myself next to the 4:30 pace bunny. 

 

Hearing the beeps of the timing chip reader when I crossed the starting line brought back the “you can do it” attitude. I started to enjoy the race while running along the Lake Zurich. When I told people that I will run the Zurich Marathon, their comments usually were ‘must be very hilly’. It was not. The course is mostly flat with some slightly rolling hills. The scenery is fantastic. Marvelous views across the lake to the Alps. Tulips and bushes are in full bloom. Along the way ancient trees providing privacy for the beautiful villas from the last century.

 

Proudly wearing that Canada shirt I’m passing the 4:30 and later the 4:15 pace bunnies. There were not many spectators on the course. When they noticed the shirt, some commented on the great Winter Olympic games.  

 

About two miles into the run I was greeted with “hey, fellow Canadian”. Eight people from Canada signed up for the race; three of them from North Vancouver. By chance, I bumped into Geoffrey Bell from Waterloo Ontario. We had a connection immediately. Listening to each other's stories while the miles passed by made the race even more enjoyable. 14 miles into the run and about one mile before the turn around, I spotted Sylvia who was heading back. Shortly after, I high-fived Ruedi. They both looked great.

 

Near the turn-around, about 16 miles into the race, more spectators were on the course but the stretch ahead of us was my least favorite part. Running uphill on cobblestone through narrow streets with a sharp corner to turn around made me use the F – word for the first time. I remembered Jenn Mar’s words “if it gets tough just think of all the hard training you have done.” That, plus being on the home stretch, helped.

 

Passing mile 19, Geoffrey’s form and smile were still perfect but I felt I started to shrug my shoulders. I could hear Laura’s voice “head up, shoulders back”. For some reason running through the Wall gave me new energy. “Only” 6 miles to go! Around mile 23 my quads were screaming. IT HURT! Geoffrey who still had the perfect form was talking to me. Honestly, I don’t remember what he tried to tell me. By now, gusty head winds picked up and my mantra was ‘Suck it up princess” (thanks Laura!). We hit Bahnhofstrasse –  the world famous shopping Street – at mile 25. It was brutal. No sunlight came through the buildings. No spectators on the course. The stretch seemed to be endless. I’m sure without Geoffrey’s positive energy I would have stopped and walked but he kept me going.

 

Finally we could hear loud noises, the finish line came into sight. I grabbed Geoffrey’s hand holding it up in the air. For the second time today I received a blank look, this time from my Mom. Who is that man she is holding hands with? My new friend I just spend 4hr:13min with.

 

Surrounded by family & friends I was so proud of my accomplishment. My first 3 Marathons in one calendar year plus a PB by 20 minutes, what else do I want? Oh, yeah, I almost forgot: There's that blue jacket that says “Boston” on it. I need to shave off 8 more minutes to get there. Maybe that's what the next clinic will help me to accomplish...

 

Irene Aschwanden