This was my 2nd time running Berlin. First time was back in 2000. Back then it wasn't as big and definitely wasn't a lottery to get into. My favorite part was the Start corrals..so much energy and then running through the Brandenburg gate!! Expo-The expo was one of my top 3. A lot of energy and variety of vendors. FYI, It got very crowded right away. I went an hour after opening on Friday. Shirt/medal--race premium. I didn't read the fine print when I registered in that you p

First Timer Freak Out! It has been 22 years since I was a first time marathoner and 14 years since I was a first time Ironman. I have since replaced those initial memories of angst, fear, "one and doner" and self doubt with drive, grit, accomplishment and mind over mileage attitude after successfully completing 77 marathons and 2 Ironmans. For the past 6 years, I have been coaching first time marathoners and half marathoners. Since so much time has passed since I had been i