Berlin and too much excitement

Woddle

I just thought I would start this thread for people like me, that is any person who's partner is sick to death listening to them rabit on about pace and splits.
I can't wait its worse than Longford where I couldn't sleep the night before and stayed up watching the olympic marathon, I already had a crap sleep last night thinking about Berlin, how many runs will I squeeze in before my 6 am flight Friday morning.
Anyway mainly hoping to get around and hopefully in a time similar to Longford 3:55, on the way to the physio now hopefully with good news but the leg IT band area is feeling a little fatigued after the 1/2 in the park.
Feel free to post your own excitement and the weather today in Berlin and up till Thursday is sunny and 19C
And finally best of luck to everyone doing it, I know racing flat and Abhainn are going and hoping for some good times so bring it on

hunnymonster

best of luck in Berlin Woddle. Berlin is my favourite city in the world. No matter how often I go there I find new things to do and love the atmosphere. I loved the marathon as well. When I did it, I tripped and banged my head. Blood everywhere. Doc came along on a bike, had a look at me, wanted me to stop but when I wouldn't he cycled along side me for a couple of km's until he got a more urgent call. Don't spend too much at the expo (another hot topic of debate with spouses!)

lizanne83

Hi Woddle,

Oh my god I’m totally with you. I was awake all last night thinking of Berlin marathon….nightmare was awful - mixing Berlin dates up with the Dublin marathon and missing flight Friday to Berlin and none available on Sat!
Also, I can absolutely relate to the mile splits! I made out one of those mile-split wrist bands over the wknd (runnersworld.com) and was going through the various mile split times for a 3:20 finish in Berlin (7:3 min/mile) and my friend was just like “is she ever going to shut-up about Berlin”. Everything evolves around it. Was my Birthday this weekend…. Not a chance of touching alcohol. Dinner out and that’s it, celebrations can wait till post-Berlin!

Berlin has taken over these past few wks particularly because of the effort of traveling over, the expenses, one of the biggest marathons etc, it brings much more anxiety and nerves than I felt before Dublin last year.
I’m in work here… suppose to be doing 'real work' but mainly just researching further tips…. Taper, mental strategies (affirmation words), pacing etc. I didn’t do the half-marathon on Sat unfortunately and now am jealous listening to people in work here comparing their times! I think a half marathon the week before full marathon is contradictory to ‘taper’ I must admit. I did 8 miles Sat morn (very warm) at near race pace (7.5 min/mile) and that’s it now. Nothing bar relaxing swim yesterday and nothing at all today. Then only 4 mile Tues (easy), Wed (7.3 min/mile), Thurs (easy)… nothing Fri just straight to airport…. Then 2 miler Sat in Berlin (for the head only!) as all the schedules advise…… then Sunday morning… bring-it-on!!
As long as I don't experience anything in Berlin like poor HunnyMonster. What a story to tell the grandchildren though

Abhainn

I had a habit of missing flights sometimes a few a year (always never my fault!). So I am a little bit edgy about any last minute surprises.

I also haven't been to Berlin before so I'm not familar with the city
We don't arrive into Berlin on Sat till 3.30 and then will have to head directly to the Expo.
Does anyone know how far it is from Berlin Airport?

Clum

The 'missed the start' nightmares have started early for me. Have had three since Thursday night. I've also had about 4 phantom injuries in the last 24 hours....while I like the rest and recover part of taper the idleness and over-thinking drives me nuts.

Looking forward to Sunday though. Don't think I've done enough to go sub 3 but I'll give it a go, I'm not far off it.

thirtyfoot

hunnymonster wrote: »

. Berlin is my favourite city in the world.

Off-topic but here is another reason to make Berlin your favourite city (and this would apply for any runner). My sister and brother-in-law lived there for a fair few years a while back and in the Tiergarten you can buy a chip (like the race chips) that will pick you up going around the park through various set checkpoints in the park which you can then access when you get home on your PC to see your times etc. This is all year round and not just at marathon time. Not sure if its still around but probably is. Genius idea.

hunnymonster

Abhainn, Berlin has a few airports. Which one are you flying into?

Euchrid

I presume Abhainn is on the Aer Lingus flight to Schoenefeld. I'm on the same flight so any advice on how best to get to the expo appreciated. Don't know what I was thinking booking a flight so close to expo close time!

Any flight delays and it will be a weekend on the beer!

hunnymonster

Euchrid wrote: »

I presume Abhainn is on the Aer Lingus flight to Schoenefeld. I'm on the same flight so any advice on how best to get to the expo appreciated. Don't know what I was thinking booking a flight so close to expo close time!

Any flight delays and it will be a weekend on the beer!

... you lot would pick the airport that's on the complete opposite side of the city.

Ok, 3 options, all should take about the same length of time (but my guess is option 1 will be most straightforward
for each option you'll need a ticket for 3 zones

1.
From the airport follow signs for train station (about 400m), get 171 (or X7 or N71) bus to Rudow U-bahn station. Get the U7 line (blue line direction (Richtung) Rathhaus Spandau and get off at the 4th last station Paulsternstrasse. There are shuttle buses running from Paulsternstasse to the expo

2.
From the airport follow signs for train station (about 400m), get s9 (purple line) direction Spandau. Get off at Charlottenburg/Wilmersdorfer strasse and change to the U7 direction rathaus Spandau and get off at the 4th last station Paulsternstrasse. There are shuttle buses running from Paulsternstasse to the expo

3.
From the airport follow signs for train station (about 400m), get s9 (purple line) direction Spandau. Follow this to the end and then change at Rathaus Spandau to the u7 and go the 4 stops backwards on the u7 (direction Rudow this time) as far as Paulsternstrasse. There are shuttle buses running from Paulsternstasse to the expo.

I've attached a u-bahn map.

lizanne83

There is a group of us from Sports Tours International all getting the same flight (11.30am aer lingus Fri morn) where we will be meeting in the departures lounge (have not met any of them yet!) From the airport we'll making the way into our hotel in the city together... the over ground / underground transport details for this are in my itinerary details at home so will forward to you when get home this evening

Euchrid

Thanks for the Berlin info girls...Much appreciated.

Hunnymonster - Any chance of a rough estimate at what that journey would take? And if time was to get tight, is a taxi the best option or go with one of your suggestions?

lizanne83

Just saw that hunnymonster has already provided transport details.... Here's what I have, which is slightly different:
The U-Bahn is underground and the S-Bahn is over-ground. (Map of both networks here: www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/index/folder/670/ and go to More Information, Downloads, Network Map.....

For those arriving at Berlin Schoenefeld (aer lingus and ryan air), take the airport express train to the city (RE7 / RB14) Leaves twice in an hour. Train station just outside airport building. Journey time is approx 28 minutes. For us, we get off at ZOO station (Bahnhol Zoologischer Garten) as this is beside the hotel. You can purchase tickets at shops everywhere. If your flying into Tegel airport (unlikely, if not with aer lingus or ryan air) you can get to the city centre from aiport within 19 mins by bus (Bus 109 and the X9 connect from Tegel to Zoo train station)

hunnymonster

very rough guess is about 90 minutes. The disadvantage of such an extensive public transport network is so many stops. A taxi would probably be slightly faster and not much more expensive if it is full. I've not been to Berlin for over 2 years so I'm not entirely trusting my guesses. I could ring the expo centre tomorrow to get a better idea if that would help? (I lived in Germany for years so speak the lingo)

Euchrid

Thanks again to both of you. I'm leaning towards a taxi at this point.. At least then I won't be relying on my abillity to not get lost on the public transport system. I'm guessing that with German efficiency and all that, the expo will close at spot on 6pm, so if there is any flight delays at all, it will be very tight.

If we can fill a taxi at the airport, even better. If anyone on here is on the same flight and interested in getting together for the last minute dash, get in touch. There will be 2 or 3 of us (Although 3rd looks doubtful) so room in a taxi for probably 2 more.

Abhainn

Euchrid wrote: »

Thanks again to both of you. I'm leaning towards a taxi at this point.. At least then I won't be relying on my abillity to not get lost on the public transport system. I'm guessing that with German efficiency and all that, the expo will close at spot on 6pm, so if there is any flight delays at all, it will be very tight.

If we can fill a taxi at the airport, even better. If anyone on here is on the same flight and interested in getting together for the last minute dash, get in touch. There will be 2 or 3 of us (Although 3rd looks doubtful) so room in a taxi for probably 2 more.

Agree Euchrid taxi seems best option. It would be the least stressful and "Joe le Taxi" will know where he is going. There are two of me going so we could share. Let me know.

On an earlier point regarding choice of flights at time of booking : Well for me getting Ryanair 6.30am flight day before marathon was always unlikely. Been on many of those early morning flights, never missed one, but you really feel like crap not that day but the next.

Ladies information was most appreciated, thank you

Euchrid

Abhainn, I'll PM you my details later and we can meet up at check-in and arrange to share taxi.

The early Ryanair flight wasn't really a goer for me either, but I would have opted for the Friday Aer Lingus, but got convinced to leave it until Saturday by a friend who has since backed out. He'll be paying my expenses if it all goes wrong...

Woddle

Good news from the physio, the it band is improving and she mainly concentrated on the bottom part round the knee and she reckons she's rubbed it out so hopefully.
I also have booked with sports travel but organised my own flights, 6 ish Friday morning so I'll have Sat to take it easy and recover from such an early flight but my wife wants to go shopping and exploring the city and I did get her here under the false pretenses of wedding annerversary, so will have to indulge

hunnymonster

Woddle, just give your wife your atm card and send her to Kaufhaus des Westens. You need to stay off your feet on Saturday!

cfitz

hunnymonster wrote: »

Woddle, just give your wife your atm card and send her to Kaufhaus des Westens. You need to stay off your feet on Saturday!

Yeah coz he'll need to beat Haile to pay off the credit card bill

Abhainn

Euchrid wrote: »

Abhainn, I'll PM you my details later and we can meet up at check-in and arrange to share taxi.

The early Ryanair flight wasn't really a goer for me either, but I would have opted for the Friday Aer Lingus, but got convinced to leave it until Saturday by a friend who has since backed out. He'll be paying my expenses if it all goes wrong...

Good stuff Euchrid. Lets go with that then

Racing Flat

NB - the expo is apparently at a new location. I don't know if the directions given above were for the new or the old one - but here are the details re the new one...






2. BERLIN VITAL Expo at a new location/Race numbers
The BERLIN VITAL Expo is off in a new direction and has been relocated to a new venue. The historically protected former Siemens cable factory Kabelwerk on Gartenfelder Straße offers both exhibitors and visitors many new opportunities. Everything else, though, will be conducted as usual: You can pick up your race number at the expo between Thursday and Saturday, where you will also find a unique selection of information, news and products for all endurance athletes.
There is ample parking provided. Regular shuttle bus service will be available between the subway station Paulsternstrasse and the expo (approx. 1 km).
Opening Hours:
Thursday, September 25, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, September 26, 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday, September 27, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

www.berlin-vital.de

hunnymonster

Racing Flat, I'm disappointed at your lack of faith in me, of course they're for the new one

hunnymonster

I can't remember being asked for ID when collecting my number so might it be worth having a plan B to have someone arriving on Friday pick up numbers in case the Aer Lingus Flight of Doom is delayed on saturday afternoon. If the Germans say 6pm, they mean 6pm.

Woddle

Anybody received their info pack from the Berlin marathon yet. Sports travel told me if I don't get it by the 24th to give them a ring, just wondering did you get yours

lizanne83

Hi Woddle,
I'm the same, I said I would give it until today (as advised by Sports Tours Int) to receive my registration pack... but don't think it has come yet... well I'm in work here since 8am and was hoping to get a neighbour to pop in at home and see if it has arrived before ringing Sports Tours to tell them.... I should know by after lunch and let you know. I assume if I haven't yet received, neither have you!

Woddle

My postman came with no joy so I rang Collete and she gave me my number 33194 and a link to a download for runners http://www.real-berlin-marathon.com/events/berlin_marathon/2008/letzte_infos.en.php

lizanne83

I was chatting with Colette too, she's disappointed that none of us have received our reg packs yet! I'm bib F9782 Do you know what starting time category you are in yet woddle?

Woddle

I don't know but when filling in the application I put down 3:25 which was according to Mcmillan but after Longford 3:55 this is very optimistic, my plan anyway is to start off at 3:42 pace(8:29) which is roughly what I did in Longford before the IT band went at mile 18 leaving me with a final 65 mins for the last 10K, but my approach for Berlin is all positive( what injury ).
I've put on another 4 lbs so now at 11st11, I knew I shouldn't have looked at the scales last night

Woddle

Whats your prediction Lizanne

Euchrid

Re the starting slots. I can't remember if we submitted a previous time or not when entering and I can find no reference to what slot I should be in. Any idea how we can find out? I'd hate to be stuck at the back of the pack in such a big field. (Although if I don't shake this cold I've picked up, I might as well..)

hunnymonster

Berlin is quite well organised and you will have to go to the slot you put down. They can tell you at the expo if you don't remember.

lizanne83

Woddle, if it’s any consolation I’ve gone up half a stone! Going from 50-55 miles/week then taking the 4 week taper very seriously, I should have reduced food intake but that’s so hard for me, I love my food! I was over a stone lighter too for the Dublin marathon last year. I do feel the extra stone when running now I have to say. This week was Saturday 8 mile. Sunday & Monday = Total Rest. Tues morn 4 miles at MP, Wed morn 4 mile easy. Thurs morn 2 miles easy. Fri – Rest. Saturday 2 mile easy jog in Berlin.

Indeed Euchrid there was no time indication for starting position but I asked sports tours international about this months ago to make sure I could get reserved in the 3:00-3:30 slot. They said should be ok but I don’t know… I asked Colette on phone earlier and she said there’s no indication of starting categories that can be viewed anywhere but we can look into this at the expo Fri/Sat. I really want to get into the 3:00 slot as feeling confident and on target for sub 3:20 (7.3 min/mile) (half marathon 1:34) But let’s see how feel on the day I guess!

Abhainn

Euchrid wrote: »

Re the starting slots. I can't remember if we submitted a previous time or not when entering and I can find no reference to what slot I should be in. Any idea how we can find out? I'd hate to be stuck at the back of the pack in such a big field. (Although if I don't shake this cold I've picked up, I might as well..)

Well from the Info 08 doc it states that "all runners who are participating in their first marathon will be in the last block" so you shouldn't have to worry about been there.
I recall on my application way back in February on the Berlin marathon site you had to enter the time of your previous marathon - mine was 3:14 so I am assuming and now hoping! I'll be in block D which is 3-3:15hr.

Woddle

Ah crap well that will put me at the back as I had no marathon time to give as to ashamed of 4:3? in 2002 so I just put a prediction down

Abhainn

Folks too many negative thoughts here. Time to re-focus.

Euchrid

I had a friend submit my entry for this and I've no idea what he put down regarding previous times/predictions. I've an awful feeling I'm going to end up at the back of the pack!

Interesting to see how strict they are regarding pens, Barcelona this year were strict and they had made an error with my previous times so I was in a later pen. Covering my number and a fit of coughing as I went into the sub-3 pen got me in though. Might just have to try the same trick..

Woddle

Heres my refocus ,consistantly hitting each mile marker at 8:29 in an effort to catch racing flat abhainn and Lizann, I stroll over the line in 3:35, with the luck of a top model with a great smile for the awaiting media ,with the thoughts running through my head that ain't so hard, wheres the pub so I can go celebrate, then getting happily locked on a pint and a half and waking early the next morning to catch my flight, land in Dublin airport and not walking down the steps backwards while exiting the plane and then going sub 20 for the Rathfarnham 5K

Clum

Woddle wrote: »

wheres the pub so I can go celebrate

Speaking of which, anybody going to the "party marathon" on Sunday night?

A P

Things have probably changed from when I did it 4 years ago but this was my experience of the race organisation. I went with Sports Travel as well - there were only 2 other Irish competitors going with them so we flew to Heathrow and met up with about 20 English runners. There was a bus to pick us up at the airport (Schonefeld I think) and it took us to the hotel (Excelsior). There was a guide to show us around and solve any problems we had. On the Saturday morning a bus took us to the 6km fun run. Some of us didn't feel like running that far the day before the race so the bus took us to the Olympic Stadium to watch the finish. We then made our way to registration - everything went pretty smoothly there.
On the Sunday morning we were left to make our own way to the start. It was straightforward enough. I remember dropping my baggage off around 8.30am (as late as possible to stay warm as it was cold and damp) and then making my way down to the start. This was the messiest part of the whole experience for me - there was a bit of pandemonium from what I remember - I had to scale a fence at one stage with a load of other runners (I can't remember why now but it made sense at the time!). I arrived at the start with less than 10 mins to spare - perfect really. I had run 3.14 in Dublin the year before so was in the 3:00-3:15 sector but I was aiming to break 3 so I was easily able to shuffle up into the 2:45-3:00 zone. The atmosphere was electric at the start - looking back at about 25000 heads is pretty cool! "The Final Countdown" was booming out of the speakers. Hairs standing on the back of my neck as the minutes counted down to the start. Lots of people were given big white balloons and we let them go as the race started - it looked great! I think there may have been 2 separate starts - from 2-4hrs let off first and then 4hrs + let off shortly afterwards.
The course itself is pretty much flat as a pancake. The water and Gatorade stops were fine. There were cold showers at certain parts of the course to cool people down but they weren't necessary since it was drizzling for most of it. The spectators were fantastic - it was a superb atmosphere. Post-race massage facilities were good without major queues. Everyone was given a medal, and there was the chance to get them engraved with your name and time after the race. You could also get a printout of your race splits shortly after the race if you produced your race number.
All in all it was a wonderful experience. Going the Sports Travel route is quite expensive but it was well worth it - I met some great people, some of whom I'm still in touch with.
If all goes well you will be sharing in a historic day if Haile can break the world record again. Best of luck to everyone taking part - I hope ye all exceed expectations. I'm looking forward to reading about how it goes next week.

Woddle

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0050
Hope it stays like this

Woddle

Just read amadeus marathon review of Berlin, his top tip was not to wear gps watches as he and others lost reception and were slightly messed up as result. Anyone else have this problem last year.

Peckham

Guess many of you Berliners will be packing up and heading off shortly, so just wanted to wish you all the best. It's been great reading your excitement this week, and has picked up my motivation for Dublin which was flagging a bit.

Just remember - you can't run the first mile too slow (within reason!), and whilst pain is temporary, pride will last forever.

Enjoy the moment as you run under Brandenburg Gate - I'm sure it will be some feeling. Look forward to hearing the race reports next week.

Krusty_Clown

Peckham wrote: »

...so just wanted to wish you all the best..

+1.

Racing Flat

Trying to sneak off work early now to get last run in (easy 4-5miles), followed by massage. Can't believe it's here! Can't wait!

Woddle

Went down to Mick Dowlings to pick up a knee bandage as the one I bought last week kept rolling down my leg( a cheapy pharmacy job).
but it gave me a chance to have a waffle to the man about Berlin, which was great, he told me he brought sportsworld over 3 years ago and its just an amazing setup, can't wait getting very anxious

Krusty_Clown

A running buddy was heading over this morning, and he was showing me the various maps and facilities yesterday. It's an incredible setup.

During his race, the system will automatically send me back his split times via text message. We compete against each other in a number of races so I'm really looking forward to getting those texts!

Definitely going to plan on doing this one next year..

lizanne83

Damn, I see that the course is marked by KM only (42km) but I have worked out all my splits, pacing, strategies etc by mile and watch distancing by mile.... can anyone tell me if there will also be mile markers? can't find info for this anywhere.... it appears to be marked in KM's only NOOO!

Racing Flat

lizanne83 wrote: »

Damn, I see that the course is marked by KM only (42km) but I have worked out all my splits, pacing, strategies etc by mile and watch distancing by mile.... can anyone tell me if there will also be mile markers? can't find info for this anywhere.... it appears to be marked in KM's only NOOO!

No mile markers AFAIK

Racing Flat

Fiancee Hunnymonster - your expertise in all things Berlin and Berlin marathon may be needed here. Had planned on wearing my usual racing shorts but want to carry 3 gels and the pocket is too small, pinning them on isn't working out. Will I be able to get shorts with the key pocket and front and zip pocket at back at the expo?
Thanks,
RF.

lizanne83

RF, I would say stick with your own shorts.... but just get a fluid/hydration belt as these have pockets u can carry gels in. I''ll be carrying bottles in belt with gels already mixed with H20 but putting 2-3 extra gel packs into belt pouch too 'just incase'. I'm sure u could get one easily at expo....
Actually got my Registration pack in post today! and it appears i'm in the 3:00:00 category thank god! (block D) so quicker escape hopefully... even though will be very lucky to even get 3.15 (miracle prob)... on target for 3:20 at best.
Yep i'm almost 100% that there'll be no mile markers on course. So just have to rely on watch for splits... despite Peckham previously advising not to rely on GPS at Berlin marathon..... eEeek

Woddle

Still didn't get my pack
Reckon I'll be in the last slot 4:15 + & no time, crap