Yesterday I ran a 16k race with Aniol and Avorado (both from
Spain.) I’ve been running a few times to stay in shape, but not with any
elevation gain. Most runs are in the 5-7k range on level ground. My last
training run was at Mathildenhohe. I did repeats by running from the bottom of
the park to the top and used the way down as recovery. It’s the closest hill
around and I did put in some good effort. The Frankenstein Lauf was 16 km up a
mountain with 398 meters (1,276 feet) of elevation gain. We started the first
couple kilometers together, but I slowly pulled ahead.
Aniol and Avorado have been training too. Avorado more than
both Aniol and I. I think I just push it harder and can’t resist going fast
when it’s race time. I was never sure if I wanted to stick with them no matter
the pace, or do my own thing and race. I ended up only 4 minutes ahead of
Avorado and 9 minutes in front of Aniol. I wasn’t sure how far back they were
by the end, but I knew they weren’t far behind at the half way point when I saw
them just after the turn-around point. I had a blast. It was a big effort, and
the scenery was awesome. Running on trails and a short section of single track made
for a very enjoyable race; even though I was running past my comfort zone. With
each marker of the completed distance, I was fueled even more. With 4 km left,
I was really wishing I had brought some gels. The water stations were nice, but
I was putting out more effort than water could replace. They had a sports
drink, but it’s unwise to drink it without knowing how your body will react. I
did drink a little of it at the first aid station to test it, but I passed it
up for the remainder of the race.
Post-race I had more than my share of half bananas and a
couple apples. I was really hoping from some bread or other carbs, but the only
other options were the baked goods and sausage sandwiches for purchase near the
spectator hangout. Luckily I had brought some KIND bars, Cashew Clusters, and
Powerberries from home. During the awards ceremony, I knew I hadn’t won, but I
couldn’t help but anticipate my name being called. No matter what, I am always
hoping to hear my name called. 8th place isn’t bad, but I want to
win stuff. I’m competitive. I can’t help it. None of us won in the raffle
either.
Johnny Flesh and the Redneck Zombies
After running 16k that afternoon, I wasn’t sure I was really
feeling like a late night on my feet. Hell, I’m only here for a few months, so
I better make the best of it! (That attitude doesn’t always survive my blue
moods. That’s another story.) The ticket was only 6€, and the bike ride is
super easy. I arrived on time, but the show didn’t start for another hour. It
was at a bar that hosts live music weekly in the main bar area, but also has
two other rooms for concerts.
While waiting, I just watched what few people were there
mill about drinking bear and playing on their phones. I was tempted to play
solitaire, but I held back. I wanted to keep my eyes up and watch the scene. I
sent Aniol a message to see if he wanted to join me. I sat around, walked
around, and went pee. Just as the show was about to start, Aniol showed up.
Yahoo! A buddy.
The music was good. It was nice to see local bands even if
the crowd was small. The bands must have had friends in the crowd, because
there were a couple hecklers, but it was all in good fun. The bands had fun,
and even joked a bit when they made mistakes. Starting a song over a couple
times may frustrate other people, but I enjoy those moments. It shows some
personality by how they handle it. The crowd didn’t care either. One guy yelled
something, then the band got going again like it was no big deal.
The second band, King Moron, had a member from Boston. The
singer mistakenly said, “Moscow” which turned into a running joke between
songs. Now he’s from “Boscow.” They sounded really good, I recognized a few
cover songs. They played a song I know from Lars Frederiksen and The Bastards.
Blitzkrieg Pop by The Ramones was played really fast with the usual
rock-a-billy style. I bobbed around and really got into it. Aniol seemed to
enjoy it too.
Johnny Flesh played last. Someone joked about them being
called “Johnny Fleisch.” Fleisch, pronounced fl-eye-sh, means meat in German.
They were dressed like hillbillies, the stand-up bass reminded me of The General
Lee from Dukes of Hazard with the stars and bars painted on it. Their lyrics
were about getting drunk and went along with the hillbilly vibe. Aniol didn’t
know what that term meant, and I tried to explain it. I told him a hillbilly is
one who is less educated, likes beer, big trucks, mud, flannel shirts, old rock
n roll, and had a thick southern accent. Try explaining a hillbilly to someone
from Spain. It was harder than I thought.
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