Hamburgers and Running

It was lovely to get back training after God knows how many months today. Someone the other night mentioned 'lets do an Ironman in 2013' and I still haven't completed one after getting the flu before Ironman Austria, (an Ironman_70.3 doesn't count) so finally I have some kind of goal.

I know it's only a marathon in the running part (rather than an Ultra) but the good thing about Ironman, and Triathlon in general is that it's a more balanced race. Rather than being a skinny whippet of an Ultra - man, with otherworldly stamina - in an Ironman since you also have to swim 3.86km as well as cycle a little bit (180.25km), you tend to 'bulk up' a bit and look like a balanced person, albeit with a crazed look in your eye (and quite possibly a silly ironman tattoo)

Why there are no fat people in Hamburg

My training epiphany happened in lovely Hamburg. They are lucky enough to have a big lake at the edge of the city centre which, according to my nike ipod is exactly 10km round, and as usual Metallica whipped me round in a (for an out of shape me) astonishing 47mins. I must confess though, Hamburg has more than it's fair share of pretty girls, and of course runner girls are the cream of the crop, so, as most guys do (don't deny it!) speed up when there are hotties nearby, therein lies the explanation. But its a nice speed to keep beating, now i'm back started training. 

Anyway... A little bit about the running track round Hamburg lake.

1. Parking - there's plenty parking all round the lake, but especially on the west side, where the centre is. Its about 1 euro an hour before 6pm and free after that.

2. The track - the track is soft gravel/earth, although there is a paved portion and pavement if you want it. A section at the top, you have to go round the streets for about 750m, as the houses go straight onto the lake. But there are so many runners you'll see where to go (use your common sense!)

3. Supplies - the lake is surrounded by little cafes so you can use their toilets and fill up afterwards. You'd best to buy your other things elsewhere though- depends how many circuits you intend to do (the man runs once in a year and he's already talking about circuits?!!!)

Sorry, there is no connection here at all with hamburgers, except that i'm sitting writing this in Macdonalds (thankyou Hamburg, for having no internet anywhere else, least of all my hotel)

Happy running guys!