Warsaw Marathon Preparation - Part 1

Last summer I used to plan my running routes along the metro line. Starting in Natolin, I would head straight to Metro Ursynów, then swing into Park Kozlowskiego and over to Puławska so as to get to Słuzew, Wilanowska, Wierżbno and Racławicka before making my way back. It was a bit over 12kms. I wondered what length the metro line from Kabaty to Młociny would be - when I measured it on mapmyrun it turned out to be 46.1kms, a little more than the 42.195kms of a marathon. Actually, from my starting point at Natolin the distance to and from Młociny is almost exactly the same as the marathon stretch. I use mapmyrun to work out the distance and routes I wanna go on.
I've been half thinking for a while about doing the Warsaw marathon on September 25th this year. My bro. did the marathon in Ireland a few years ago and I'm not sure whether he has ever run since, so I was a little wary of pushing myself too much too early. Training during the piping hot Polish summer with Warsaw's urban heat and exhaust fumes en route have made me hesitate. I've found some nice routes to do 7-10kms in the Ursynów area. They are semi-lit and adjacent to lots of greenery to get your head out of the urban zone.

Given that the recent sunny Polish weather has been taking it's toll (If your stuck in a fanless classroom all day you feel so drained when you come home), I realised there is only one solution - more exercise). Having a little girl dictates the time of departure and length of my runs. I find 11pm is a good time as she is usually fast asleep, there is little traffic, the temperature is quite good and I like running in semi-darkness listening to the classical radio station while mulling over my thoughts.

Since the temperatures began to rise though I've felt so exhausted after each run. I went jogging late on Wednesday night, when I thought the worst of the storm had passed, although little did I know it was only getting started. So drenched wet from sweat and heavy showers I wobbled by a massive concert at SSGW and into the shower to try and cool off. There is nothing like the feeling of a cold water beating against you after running yourself into the ground.



The Warsaw marathon has 4,000 places for participants so if you are interested then sign up asap. Entrance fee is 100 zł and all the details can be found at the above link. Fundacja Maraton Warszawski page can be found here so all the latest news and preparation runs will be posted on their wall.