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Großbottwar is a town in the district of Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is situated 13 km northeast of Ludwigsburg, and 16 km southeast of Heilbronn. According to the town's local history the area was populated since the stone age. There are at least three ruins date back to the Roman Empire time frame, between 150 and 260 a. d. In 1525 the town was one of the centers of the Farmers War that raged through this part of Germany. In 1693 the French raged through the town stealing the valuables and setting most of the town on fire. Fortunately, the town remained relatively unscathed during the second world war, and many of the beautiful timber frame houses can be seen throughout the original village. The region is a wine growing region and the marathon route offered spectacular views of vineyards that cover the hillside.

While running with Conny and a few of our friends a month or two ago I was introduced to a new member of our running club, D. who is the daughter of one of our veteran runners. D. had just finished running her second half-marathon, in Karlsruhe, and was training for another half-marathon in October. After a week or two of running with her I remarked to Conny that D. was in super shape and could probably run a marathon in October. As it turned out D. was actually thinking about this and with our encouragement decided to do just this.

Conny and I offered her lots of tips and a few weeks ago I casually mentioned that if I have time maybe I could run with her. I kept this thought in the back of my mind as I began my swim course and started renovating our kitchen at home, I really wasn't sure if I would have time, let alone be in shape for a marathon. But this past week I managed to finish all the preparations in the kitchen so that we can start wallpapering the following weekend when the plaster was dry. So it became clear by Thursday that I would have some time on Sunday to run. I contacted D. and offer to accompany her and early Sunday morning she picked me up and we drove to Großbottwar for her first marathon!

It was cold 6°C (43°F) and rainy when we arrived about an hour later in Großbottwar. We found a parking lot about 7-8 minutes from the Start and I registered for the race while D. picked up her race packet. After collecting mine we dropped off our bags at the drop point and found a cup of coffee and a warm place to sit. We chatted for awhile then went for a last bathroom break before lining up for the 10:00 a.m. start.

D. was a bit nervous as we lined up, normal for a first marathon, but I reassured her that she would be fine. I was actually more worried about me, I had done only one long run in the past 4 weeks and then only 16 miles. I knew I was not prepared, particularly for the pace that D. wanted to run, she was hoping to finish in around 4:15! I tried not to think about it as the starting cannon went off.

I suggested that we start running at a pace of just under 6:00/km (9:30/mi.), which would bring us over the finish line in time. As we progressed over the first several kilometers we ended a bit faster, around a 5:45/km (9:15/mi.) pace, I decided this would work so suggested we continue at this pace.

The first half of the race followed a northern loop, through several small towns, along a valley encased in vineyards on the hillsides. The foliage was wearing its fall clothing, the rained had stopped before the start and the air was cool and crispy. We wound our way around the loop, chatting away, enjoying the sights and sounds of the race. There were lots of spectators along the way, the most in the towns and more accessible points along the way. In contrast to Karlsruhe the most were energetic in their support, they really fired us up as we passed by!

We passed the 10K marker in around 57 minutes and the half-way point in almost exactly two hours. D. mentioned later that her legs were already feeling tired by this point, but she tried to ignore this. The halfway point was back at the start, we passed over the timing mat and continued on over the southern loop. The southern loop was an out and back that, for the most part, followed the same route.

By kilometer 26 (16 miles) my legs were already feeling less than friendly, I knew I was in for a hard time. I encouraged D. and we were able keep our pace going. We passed the 30 km (18.6 mi.) point in just under 3:03, but by this time D. had started to walk the short uphill sections that we encountered. I had no problem with this, my legs were complaining about the pace so were only too willing to slow down. The wind had picked up and by kilometer 32 (20 miles) we were running against it, chilling us to the bone and sapping our energy.

I mentioned to D. that I couldn't keep up the pace that we had been running and she should run on ahead if she thinks she can run faster. But by this time she was also losing steam and we stayed together.

The cold wind continued to batter us, despite my long running pants my legs were cold and stiff. We continued on running for awhile, then taking short walk breaks when a hill or aid station appeared. I switched to drinking coke, hoping the sugar and caffeine would provide me with a second wind.

With 5K to go D. was still looking pretty strong, but she said she was fighting to keep moving. I was a bit worried that I was holding her back, so mentioned again that she could go on ahead, I'll be along shortly. I managed to stay with her until about 2 km before the finish when she started slowly moving ahead. I caught her again when she walked a small hill and we stayed together until a few hundred meters before the finish. Here her youth (15 years younger) and enthusiasm that she was about to finish her first marathon gave her a burst of energy.

The last curve right before the finish was uphill and she had to walk again, I dug deep and ran up the hill catching up to her and pushed her on and we ran over the finish line together! I am overjoyed that D. finisher her first marathon. With only minimal training she managed to finish in 4:19:46!

We walked it out and looked for something to eat and drink, eventually finding both hidden behind the sport hall. After relaxing a bit, we headed back to Stutensee - as we drove I noticed D. was still proudly wearing her finisher medal - a new marathon runner is born, way to go D. !!!

On Sunday I picked up RB and we made our way to Karlsruhe for the annual Baden Marathon. I had picked up our race packets the Wednesday before when I volunteered, so we didn't need to arrive quite as early.

The air was cool, around 14°C (57°F), but the sun was beginning to warm things up as we walked from RB's work where we had parked, to the sports center. We met some friends from our running club on the way and again in the sports arena. We chilled out for awhile until about 15 minutes before the start, then headed over to the Start. There were roughly 9,000 runners signed up for the full or half-marathon, so it took awhile to make our way through the crowd to our starting block.

We met Conny, Birgit and several other as we lined up, Birgit was running the full marathon, the other the half. We chatted for awhile until the starting pistol went off at 9:00 a.m., than chatted some more as we waited for the crowd to surge forward. After 6-7 minutes we finally could start walking towards the start mat and were able to start jogging just as we crossed over. I heard the familiar "peep" as I crossed over the mat, reassuring me that my chip was functioning.

RB was planning was running the half-marathon and didn't really have any specific goal in mind; she didn't train for a fast marathon, so thought somewhere around 2:05 would do. We decided to stay with the two-hour pace setters for awhile. The weather started warming up quickly as we ran through the streets of Karlsruhe. Luckily we had both decided to run in short sleeve shirts and shorts.

The first couple kilometers clicked away quickly as we fell into our groove. As usual I chatted away with whatever crossed my mind; RB is used to this and lets me rattle on. I remarked that there seemed to be fewer spectators as usual and, as seem to be typical for this city, the spectators that were there weren't exactly enthusiastic - come on folks, give us some encouragement!

We continued on through Karlsruhe, eventually turning towards Durlach, passing through the aid station at kilometer 5. We stopped quick to get something to drink, then headed over the bridge traversing Autobahn 5 into Durlach. As we entered the town, the course turned to the right and here was a large crowd assembled, the most awake and clapping or yelling encouragement, way to go!

From Durlach we headed out of town, eventually crossing under the Autobahn again and into the Oberwald Forest. At some point we crossed over the 10 km timing mat, my Garmin indicated 58:08, about what we planned.

The asphalt bicycle path through the forest was narrow and it was hard to maintain our pace due to the crowd, but after awhile we popped out the other side and could move on. We passed over a section of fields, then back into town where the cheering crowds were intense and helped spur us on. RB was maintaining a good pace, but admitted that she was glad that the finish line for the half-marathon was not far away.

Finally, with about 500 meters to go for the half-marathon, I had to bid farewell to my running partner as she turned towards the stadium. As usual it was a pleasure to run with RB, I feel very fortunate to have been able to accompany her during the first half of my marathon! I wished her well as we parted, then made my way down the marathon course, I was only half-way home and my legs were already tired.

The course thinned out considerably as I headed out on the second half of the course. I passed over the halfway point in 2:03:03, about what I expected. Before the marathon I had said to Birgit that I would try to catch up to her after the half-way point, and I adjusted my speed to accomplish this.

I had no idea where Birgit was, so kept moving as fast as my tired legs would allow. The kilometers clicked by and as I passed kilometer 25 (mile 15.5) and still no Birgit, I knew I couldn't keep the pace up for much longer. I decided to run another kilometer or two, then slow down if I didn't find her - I was wearing myself out too early!

Finally, around kilometer 26 (mile 16) I saw Birgit's red tank top with our running club logo up ahead. I tried to spur ahead, but was too whipped, it took nearly 3 kilometers (2 miles) to finally close the gap. We ran together for awhile, but I was struggling to stay with her, she was still running good and I had already given out my last penny. Eventually I had to tell her to run on ahead, no need for her to slow down on my account.

I stopped at the next aid station and tried to revive myself with a piece of banana and a glass of sports drink. It was quite warm out, I guessed around 80-85°F (27-29°C), in any case a drastic increase since the beginning of the race. I managed to stay a few paces behind Birgit until around kilometer 35 (mile 22), but then I hit the wall hard and knew I was done for the day - from here on it would be all about maintaining forward motion, speed retired for the day.

I fought to keep running, my mind was telling me to stop and take a walk, but I knew this would be a big mistake, I kept moving. The course had reentered Karlsruhe and circled around the palace gardens near the market square. I walked through the aid station and slightly beyond and tried to regroup. I managed to run again, but my pace was greatly reduced, but at least I was moving - I kept going.

The course entered the main shopping area of Karlsruhe and circled around some of the streets, there were a lot of spectators along here and their support was quite welcome. I heard my name several times as I ran through the city, the organizers published our first name on the race bibs, a good idea.

I tried to relax as I made my way over the last 5 kilometers, I had no time goal for the race, I just wanted to finish. Time slipped by oh so slowly as I wound my way through the city streets towards the finish line. Every time we had to take a bridge over a street I walked, the bridges had become mountains, I walk up mountains.

Finally I heard the cheering crowds at the finish line and made my way over the last mile. The course joined back onto the course near where I had left RB before, I rememberd what she had said, she was doing okay but was glad that the race was almost over - oh how I could relate to that at this point.

I plodded up the small hill leading towards the stadium, normally the finish was right around the corner...but starting this year we had to run past the sports hall, across the parking lot and into the stadium, a trip around the world at this point. I made my way past the cheering fans, and finally spotted RB waving. Just past her I heard someone yell my name, some friends from the town where I live, it was great to see familiar faces!
Finally I made my way passed the parking lot and into the stadium, only half a lap to go. Half of an eternity later I made it over the finish line and received my finishers medal, finished in 4:13:36 (chip time)!

I was a bit dizzy as I walked over to get something to drink, it was hot out and the sun was bright. I found Birgit and sat down, placing my head between my legs for a couple minutes. I looked for some coke, but there wasn't any - I needed something sweet. Birgit managed to find some dried apricots, and I drank a few sips from a Radler (beer and sweetened water). After a few minutes I was fine and we walked over to the school to pick up my drop bag. From here Birgit headed home and I went over to the sports hall to meet RB and another friend that I was driving home.

Overall it was a good day, the weather was good, only a bit too hot over the last hour. I have run the Baden Marathon several times and it is not my favorite course, but at least I could run the first half and part of the second with friends.

My performance was about what I expected, I had just run a hilly marathon the weekend before and my fastest ever marathon on August 30th, so knew that the day would not be easy. I think if I hadn't raced ahead to catch Birgit after the half that I would have had a better time over the last 10 kilometers, but it worked out okay. In any case I finished my 20th marathon, a nice finish for the season, now it's time to rest and relax.

After spending every available free minute for over a week removing wallpaper, scraping paint and other tasks in the kitchen at home I was ready for some fresh air. I had been contemplating running the Pfälzerwaldmarathon (Pfalz Forest Marathon) in Pirmasens for a couple weeks, so decided this would be some good therapy.

I left the house on Sunday morning around 7:30, and drove over an hour to Pirmasens in the Rhineland-Pfalz. The town is set on a hill surrounded by forests, a beautiful area for a run. I arrived at the convention center where the finish line was set up and picked up my race number. The group sponsoring the race was selling cake and coffee, so I sat and enjoyed a second breakfast - I had an hour and half to wait until the 10:30 start. I chatted with Friedrich, a 69 year old that I visited with before the Hornisgrinde Marathon in July. He was from the area and gave me a good description of the trail, warning me not to hammer the hills because they hit back.

About a half hour before the race I visited the bathroom for the last time, and then headed to my car to drop off my jacket and long pants. The start of the race was about a 10 minute walk away, in the center of the town. I shivered as I walked over to the start, the sun was shining, but it was only about 13°C (55°F) outside, a little chilly for shorts and short-sleeve running shirt.

I found a sunny spot and watched the other runners as I waited. There were reportedly around 150 runners doing the full marathon, 350 running the half and around 60 marathon relay teams. With two minutes to go the announcer called us to line up, I took my place towards the front, we wore no chips, so every second counted. I really didn't have a time goal for the race, but I though 4:15-4:30 would be about right.

We counted down the last five seconds and were off down the streets of Pirmasens, past the convention center and out of town into the forest. I knew from running the race in 2006 that the first 5K were pretty much downhill, so I hammered the pace a bit averaging around 5:00/km (8:00/mi.). I wasn't too concerned about the pace because I knew that right after this a hill would smack me in the face.

The first climb came sooner than expected and I heeded the wise words of Friedrich, switching to short steps and backing off on the pace. We climbed and climbed, for almost 3 km (2 miles), parts were steep, others friendlier. I kept running, adjusting my pace based on the severity of the climb. Just as my quads became heated we popped over the ridge and began to fly down a rugged single-track, quad-busting, downhill trail. It was scary and exhilarating, one wrong step and I would have tumbled down the hill!

At the bottom we broke out of the forest and came upon the first aid station. I sampled the isotonic drink and grabbed some water, then headed up the next slope. The climbed was more gradual and gave my quads a chance to regroup. I passed the 10K point in roughly 55:00, pretty fast for this course.

The next 10-12 km were not eventful, a consistent pace was out of the question for this race, so I concentrated on easing up the hills and hammering down the other side. I past the half-way point in around 1:53:00, an average pace of 5:21/km (8:37/mi.), about a minute slower than in 2006.

Around kilometer 23 (mile 14), we started climbing the next major hill of the day. It was warmer outside and my quads held onto the memory of the first climb, I felt I like I was moving much slower. And like the first major climb, the downhill dropped fast, at least this time the trail was in better shape.

The trail continued through the woods, over several rolling hills. I could feel that my quads where hammered, but tried to keep moving the best that I could. With 20 miles (32 km) behind me my stomach started complaining, somehow the isotonic drink wasn't setting well. I switched to coke at the next aid station and eventually it settled down again. Around kilometer 34 (mile 21) I began the last major climb of the day. The trail climbed on endlessly, "the Wall" came in the form of a 2 mile climb! I was pretty whipped as I made it to the top, I tried to settle back into a decent pace as it leveled out, but my speed had retired for the day.

The last 5K became all about maintaining forward motion, I ran, but at a weakened pace. I knew I was still within earshot of a sub-4 hour finish, but had trouble finding a good reason to do so. I plodded on and tried not to think about, I was way ahead of my planned race time, I tried to enjoy the beautiful forest around me.

Finally with around a mile to go I started up a small hill (that felt like Mt. Everest at the time) that would bring me to the finish line. I glanced at my watch and spurred myself on over the last few hundred yards and into the conference center and the finish line. I finished in 3:58:27, a very respectable time for me for this marathon course, and 31+ minutes faster than the first time I ran the course in 2006!

My quads tried to seize up as a pretty gal placed a finisher medallion over my head. I wobbled over to the refreshment stand and ate a banana and drank some water. I walked around the conference center for a bit, than hit the showers. I was very satisfied with my time, only a bit worried that it was too fast - I have another marathon this coming Sunday!

The marathon course is one of the most beautiful that I have run in Germany. The course has some good climbs, beautiful wooded sections with fantastic views, and is about 85% logging or single-track trails. I found the organization very good, the fans enthusiastic and the overall experience well worth the drive to get there. It only got a little lonely out there, I guess I have been spoiled running so much with my running club this year...next year I'll have to try to talk a few friends into running with me :-)

Egelsbach, home of the Koberstaedt Marathon, is nestled between Darmstadt and Frankfurt, Germany. The area is highly developed, being only about 10 minutes away from one of the busiest airports in Germany, not your typical setting for a forest marathon.

The Koberstaedt Marathon was scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, my wife and I arrived around an hour before the race. I went about my business picking up the race packet while my wife looked for a cup of coffee. A school friend who lived in the area was going to meet her at 8:15 and give her a short tour of Darmstadt while I was running.

It was a sunny, but cool 11°C/52°F, as I lined up at the Start a few minutes before the race began. Due to technical difficulties the organizers postponed the start time by 10 minutes, so I had time to reflect on my race plan. I run at least 7-8 marathons/ultras a year, whereas I run most of the marathons either as training runs, or just for fun. Once a year though I try to stretch out my legs and run a marathon for time - Sunday was the day. I felt rather ill prepared for a fast marathon; I hadn't done any speed training other than some intervals the week before. I did have 3000 kilometers (1900 miles) of running from the last 8 months behind me, I had the base to get the job done, but did I have the fortitude?

My plan was to set out at around a 5:15/km (8:27/mi.) pace and try to hold it for 32 km (20 miles), which would leave me plenty of time to make it to the finish line under my old 3:57:14 personal best time. I more or less accomplished this with my last marathon in July, the only reason it didn't work for me then was because the last 15 km (9 miles) were uphill (I finished in 4:00:25)!

As the announcer gave the one minute warning I lined up roughly in the middle of the pack of 200+ marathon runners. In 2 hours roughly 1050 half-marathon runners would join us on the course, but until then the forest trails would remain ours. We all wore chips, so when the starting pistol went off the most let the front clear a bit before running over the starting mat.

I quickly picked up speed to what felt like my race pace as I made my way over the streets of Egelsbach and towards the forest beyond. There were several dozen supporters along the way, not bad for so early on a Sunday morning. I passed the first kilometer marker about 10 seconds slower than my planned pace, so pressed on a little faster. We left the edge of town and headed out over some fields, crossing a bridge over the local highway (B3) just past the second kilometer. I checked my Garmin and was pleased to see that I was running 5:08/km, slightly faster than my planned pace.

Just past the bridge three men ran slowly by and I decided to try to hang with them for awhile. As we ran by the 3 km marker I noticed that we were running a 4:58/km (8:00/mi.) pace, and a warning light went off in my head, but the pace felt good, I decided to stay with them for awhile longer.

We cruised on for a couple kilometers more, the three that I was following were chatting away and staying around 5:00/km (8:00/mi.) or slightly under. I paused at the first aid station at the 5 km point and sampled the isotonic drink, phooey - it tasted like bitter cough medicine. I downed a water and caught up to the three that I had been following.

The three seemed to be speeding up as we continued; I started to worry about burning myself out too soon by hanging with them. My Garmin kept showing sub-5 minute kilometers, but I continued to shadow the three, deciding to take the risk - either I was going to blow up my personal best, or my quads trying!

The kilometers flew by, I passed the 10 km maker in 50:28, and grabbed a cup of water at the aid station there. I caught up to the three again and hung with them like a shadow. We continued through the woods, until finally one of the three dropped back for a chat. It turns out he belonged to the group sponsoring the run and was responsible for the online registration. I mentioned my name and my running club and he recognized it. We chatted away for a couple kilometers, until the next aid station. Here the group broke up, whereas the one I was talking to speeded on ahead and the other two eventually fell behind.

I continued on kilometer for kilometer, trying to maintain the pace. I passed the halfway point in around 1:46:00, an average pace of 5:01/km (8:05/mi.), well ahead of my expectations. By this time the aid stations were offering a second isotonic drink, one that I could at least get down without gagging. For the rest of the race I mixed this with water at each aid station where they offered the drink and could at least get some of it down.

I dared not think of anything but the next kilometer marker as I continued on at this pace. My legs were working hard, I felt it in my quads, and it was getting continuously harder to maintain the pace. I kept telling myself that today would never happen again, I needed to keep moving.

Around kilometer 24 (mile 15) the course circled back and we began the second loop. I knew that soon the half-marathon runners would be joining us. After another kilometer or so, two bicycles flew by announcing the approach of the lead half-marathon runners. As the runners surged by I tried to hang a couple steps with each of them, a fertile effort at first, but gradually the pace of the passing runners decreased and I was able to play this game.

The distance clicked by fast as I tried to hang with the passing half-marathon runners, it was difficult, but at least my pace didn't decrease. Eventually I passed by kilometer 32 (mile 20), my time was around 2:40:00, at this point I knew I had my new personal best - I only had to keep running.

I continued on, concentrating on maintaining my speed over the next kilometer, only the next kilometer...

By kilometer 35 (mile 22) I felt light-headed, I knew I needed some quick energy, I downed two cokes at the aid station there, and ate a piece of banana. After a few minutes my head cleared and I felt better, well almost, I felt like I was wearing lead-filled shoes, it took great effort to keep my feet moving.

The little voice in my head kept trying to tell me that I could slow down, I could run easy and still have my personal best. I resisted this temptation, rolling over and over in my mind that this moment, this race is only going to happen once, I need to give it all I had.

Despite my best efforts my pace decreased, but I fought to keep it from falling too fast. At the last aid station I again drank coke and sucked down a gel walking for the first time through the aid station, which was reflected in my pace for the kilometer (5:51/km, 9:25/mi.). With just over 5 km left, this perturbed me and I concentrated on stretching out my step again. I strained, my pace gradually grew faster.

Finally, with just over 3 km (2 miles) to go the trail looped around again and I turned back towards Egelsbach and the finish line. I knew I was going to reach the finish in under 3:45:00, but I wanted more. As I ran over the bridge traversing the local highway I was again on a 5:00/km (8:00/mi.) pace, I didn't have time to think about how impossible it was to do this at the time, I was on a mission!

I passed over the last fields and broke onto the streets of Egelsbach. My heart was pounding, my legs strained, my quads burned...but I heard the people in the sports stadium before me, I kept pushing. After an eternity I rounded a corner and could see the stadium ahead. I passed runners who had already finished, cheering fans, several runners and finally the gate into the stadium. I burst onto the track, only a few hundred meters now.

I attempted to sprint around the track, but I couldn't get my feed to move any faster...but then I saw the runner in front of me falter, my competitive genes shot out a last bit of adrenaline, I caught him at the finish line!

I was again light-headed, the sun was now beating down, the sudden stop left my body wondering what to do. I wobbled over to the drink stand and grabbed two cokes, I knew my blood pressure was low, I needed a boost. I walked around the stadium, then grabbed some banana pieces and water, then kept walking. After a couple minutes I felt fine and walked over to the tent and picked up my finisher shirt.

My legs began to stiffen as I walked to the car to get my shower bag, I paused to stretch a little, and quietly gave thanks to my maker for the happiness that I was feeling. Everything came together on this day, my training, the weather, my fueling and the race pace. I took a risk with the faster pace, but it paid off. I finished in 3:36:13, a personal best by over 21 minutes. And unlike the first marathon that I ran in 2005, I was fit enough to enjoy the rest of the day with my wife afterward!

The organizers in Egelsbach but on a great event, it was well-organized, the aid stations well stocked and course shady, well-marked and interesting. The facilities at the stadium were also adequate from my viewpoint, well organized, with adequate parking for all. The only complaint that I can come up with is the sport drink - they really need to find a new sponsor for this article.

On the edge of the Lusshardt Forest, between calm meadows and fields lies the peaceful town of Hambruecken. The intact nature around Hambruecken offers a formative experience for runners that partake in the annual Lusshardtlauf races. Hambrucken is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Heidelberg and Speyer. The flat course is well laid out, fast and offers a bit of shade and scenery for those that need a little more time. This year there were three race disciplines offered, a 5K, a 10K and a half-marathon - as well as a 9.3K Walking event.

On Sunday morning I picked up RB around 8:00 a.m. and we drove to Hambruecken, about 15 minutes away. We picked up our race numbers and joined some friends from our running club, the most also running the half-marathon. About 20 minutes before the race we deposited our jackets that we had been wearing in the car and made a final pit stop in the sports hall. It was still a bit brisk out as we lined up with the roughly 500 runners, but the sun warmed us we waited.

After a few minutes the announcer counted down and sent us off, the mass slowly moved forward, down the street and out over the fieldway on the edge of town. I let RB set the pace, I had no goal, other than just enjoying the run with my friend. The sun and our activity quickly warmed us and we chatted away as we flowed with the crowd over the first few kilometers.

Eventually the 5K and 10K runners turned off and the course opened up, but by this time the faster runners were already well ahead and those left were no longer passing. RB and I chatted the kilometers away as we circled the course. There was a good combination of fields, forest, asphalt and dirt throughout the course. RB had missed a couple weeks of training last month, so wasn't in any hurry, so we maintained a steady pace and enjoyed the changing scenery and each others company.

It grew warm towards the end of our race, but not fitfully hot like it had been earlier in the week. After about two hours and eight minutes we crossed the finish line, fast enough for us. We headed over and tried to make a dent in the pile of watermelon that was offered at the finish line, what a treat!

After cooling down we joined friends from our running club in the sports hall for some food. We stayed through the awards ceremony, not one placed from our club, but we could at least cheer those that did! Afterward we made our way back home, another great morning with friends!

The sports club in Hambruecken presented a well organized and scenic race, one reason that so many keep coming back!

It was shortly before 6 a.m. on Sunday when I quietly left the house and made the hour drive to Hundseck, near Bühlertal, Germany in the Black Forest. My objective was to break my course record, and perhaps even set a new personal best, at the Hornisgrinde Marathon.

The air was cool (9°C/48°F) and fresh when I arrived at Hundseck, a ski resort in the winter and a hiking paradise in the summer. As I parked my car and walked the 50 feet to pick up my start number, I paused and looked out over the valley - it had rained earlier and a mist was rising from the forest beds below. I have run both the half-marathon and marathon twice in the past and was well aware of the beauty of the area, as well as the challenge I was up against - this is not a marathon for someone with weak knees or a weak will.

I picked up my start number and sat and drank a cup of coffee in the festival tent near the start. As I waited, it started to rain...I quietly hoped that it would subside before the start of the race. I chatted with an older gentleman (69) that I have often seen at races in the area, he said he was running his 231st marathon that morning, and hoped to finish under 4 hours!

Inspired, I took my place at the starting line shortly before the 8:15 a.m. start. After a few minutes the starting pistol went off and I advanced forward with the approx. 270 marathon runners. We headed over the parking lot, passing by the fest tent, and onto a dirt & gravel logging trail.

The first few miles of this trail are pretty much downhill, but the trail was narrow and the runners were bunched together for the first 5-10 minutes.

Eventually the group started breaking up as the fast runners left us and the slower fell behind. Soon I was able to pick up the tempo to my desired pace, around 5:15/km (8:30/mi.).

I ran on pausing briefly at the 5 km aid station to test the sports drink, it tasted good, I would be able to use it during the course of the race. The course continued, flattening out, and then some more downhill. The air was cool and fresh from the earlier rainfall, occasionally I caught a glimpse of the foggy mist that was hanging over sections of the valley towards France - this really is a beautiful course, that's why I keep coming back.

I passed the 10 km point in 52:34, right on pace and feeling strong. The course continued gradually downhill, then level, then down some more. I drank at every aid station, usually mixing a half cup of water with a half cup of isotonic sports drink. I passed by the half-marathon point in 1:51:02, still right on pace, and still feeling good. I knew that if I could hold the pace I would have a good race, but I also knew the tough part was ahead.

Shortly after the halfway point the trail took the first climb of the day to Wegscheide (translated: fork in the road), it wasn't too steep so I was able to continue to run, albeit slower.

After a kilometer or two the trail started going down again until we reached the Stausee, a lake seemingly hidden in the middle of the forest.

Here began a roughly 15 minute out and back along one shore of the lake, pretty, but I personally don't care for out and back's.

I retraced my steps on the out and back and headed off on another trail that I knew would be heading upwards shortly. I wasn't disappointed, after around the 27 km (17 mi.) mark the trail started heading upward, and more or less continued to do so until the finish line!

I chugged along up a seemingly endless uphill climb, runnable, but taxing. I eventually passed the 32 km (20 mi.) mark, in 2:51:02. With 10 km to go I knew I still had a chance of breaking my 3:57:14 personal marathon best, I put the blinders on and pushed on - the hardest was yet to come.

The trail leveled slightly and I managed a couple more kilometers near my starting pace, but after 36 km (22 mi.), the trail began an uphill climb that would indeed continue until the finish line. My quads were burning by this time, but I kept the pace up as best I could. After 5-10 minutes of climbing my Garmin was telling the story, my pace was dropping off and I couldn't seem to get my legs moving again.

I struggled to keep the pace going, to at least not slow down any further - I could still shave a couple minutes off my personal best if I kept moving. I knew from previous years that the last 1200 meters was up the side of a ski slope, a quad-buster to say the least. When this stretch didn't appear at around 41 km (25.5 miles), I quickly realized that my Garmin was not showing the correct distance, it was at least a kilometer to far ahead - this spurred me on faster for a few hundred meters, I would be hard pressed for that personal best now...

I finally reached the asphalt road at the bottom of the hill that I had been dreading, and I only had four minutes to get to the finish line (1200 meters) if I wanted that PB - I knew there was no way, not with the climb that I had before me - not even if it was downhill for that matter.

Disappointed I climbed up the hill as best I could, maybe I could still break 4 hours. I passed several runners who stopped to walk - it was that steep, but I kept moving. My breathing was redlining, my quads burned, the hill didn't end. I hummed my favorite hill climb song (Stranglehold - Ted Nugent) and kept plowing forward. Finally I passed the clubhouse where the showers were and could see the last turn up ahead, about 300 meters until the finish line.

I reached the turn and scrambled up the steep bank that would bring me by the ski lift and the finish line.

I did my best to "sprint" the last 50 meters to the finish line, but it was almost laughable...I was just so glad to be done! I collected my race T-Shirt and walked it out, my quads were throbbing - the muscles were twitching. I finished in 4:00:25, three minutes shy of a personal best, a half minute shy of a sub-4:00, but 14 minutes faster than my previous best time for this course (2007).

I'm totally satisfied with the way I ran the race, I was much stronger than I was in previous years, despite doing only a third of the normal hill training compared to previous years. Next year I may spend some more time running my hilly route, the last climb of the race got the best of me, maybe next year I can take it back!

On Saturday I ran the 80 km Fidelitas Nachtlauf for the fourth year in a row. According to ultra-friend Joe Kolbel, who writes for the German race website www.marathon4you.de, Fidelitas means fidelity, reliability. And as Joe stated in his race report for this race, this race has faithfully taken place for the last 31 years and has not disappointed its fans!

The 50 mile race begins in Karlsruhe-Rüppurr, and winds northward past Karlsruhe and heads east over the foothills of the Black Forest, circling back down through Ettlingen to the south back to Rüppurr.

Having just run my first 100 km race in Ulm two weeks before, I thought some additional motivation would be in order, so I put the call out for volunteers to fill a relay team willing to accompany me during my hours of agony. The call was heard and friends Sabine, Uli, Vera and Conny responded.

Friend Conny, who is really an angel in disguise, collected Sabine, Vera and I and through her prowess managed to find a parking place almost across from the stadium where the race was to start. Sabine and I collected our start numbers and chip, and being an experienced ultra-runner, I promptly found a place to sit down. About this time I spied the before mentioned Joe and chatted with him briefly. He had his "Reporter" hat on and was snapping pictures. His report (in German) and pictures can be viewed at:

http://www.marathon4you.de/laufberichte/fidelitas-nachtlauf/fidelitas-der-kleine-bieler-bruder/983

Soon Joe was off to talk to the Ultra Elite, so Sabine and I joined Conny and Vera, as well as Walter who was also running the entire distance. The fourth member of the relay team, Uli, had arranged to meet us at the first exchange station in Grötzingen later on. We took a seat in the shade near the start of the race and chatted until it was time to line up.

Shortly before the 5:00 p.m. start we headed over towards the start. About this time my wife called Conny on her cell phone and said it was pouring down rain in Stutensee, the direction we would be running! I debated whether I should run to the car to get my rain jacket, but the time was too short, and besides it was still warm (26°C/79°F) and very humid.

Sabine and I headed towards the back of the pack and soon after we were off, making our way amidst a cheering crowd beyond the stadium and into the cool forest. We wound our way through the woods, occasionally passing people as we went. I had planned on running around a 6:30/km (10:30/mi.) pace, but I felt good and we were soon running well under that. Sabine was okay with the pace and I didn't feel like I was working too hard to maintain it so we kept moving.

We stopped quickly for some water at the first aid station, and soon after we left the forested section and turned east towards the town of Durlach. As we ran the sky grew darker and the wind picked up, but miraculously it only sprinkled lightly - the heavy rain passed us by.

We entered the outskirts of Durlach and weaved our way to the train station and the next aid station. Conny and Vera met us there and asked if we needed anything, we stopped for water and a piece of fruit, but I was fresh and eager to continue.

We left Durlach and made our way over the flatlands towards Hagsfeld, crossing over or under several highways, then through the industry area and over the Autobahn towards Grötzingen. As we left the bridge we were rewarded with another aid station, we were sweating like pigs in the humidity and welcomed every chance to drink something. We passed Joe who stopped to tank and take some pictures, then ran on.

We entered a long stretch of open fields that weaved back and forth for several miles, traversing a railroad crossing and eventually heading to Grötzingen and the first relay exchange station. This part of the course offered no shade and can be downright ugly on a hot day, but on this day the temperature was bearable and there was a breeze blowing.

In Grötzingen I bid Sabine farewell and collected Ironman Uli for the next leg of my journey. Her friend Bernd elected to join us for some "hill training" and soon we left the town and were climbing our way up one of the harder climbs of the day. This is my hill, the one I use to train on and I chugged my way upwards until I noticed Uli was redlining. We were just about to the steepest part so we stopped and walked the rest of the way upwards, no sense expending a lot of energy so early in the race.

We reached the top of the first climb and we took off again, through the woods over a series of rolling hills. After about 10-15 minutes we left the woods and ran along a plateau of open fields and then down towards the town of Jöhlingen. This is an incredibly beautiful area and this day was no different.

We ran the streets through Jöhlingen, again meeting Conny and Vera along the way, as they checked on us. I knew the next aid station was on the edge of town, followed by a good climb, so we pressed on. We paused to refuel, then ran part of the way up the hill, and then walked to the top. We again entered the forest in the direction of Wöschbach, running and walking over two camel humps to the next aid station. We stopped at the next aid station at around the 30 km point (18.5 miles), a glance at my Garmin showed that we were just over three hours, about the same as last year.

We traversed some more open fields, up and over and through some more woods, most of the hills were runnable by this time. Finally we headed down a long downhill stretch to Singen. We made our way through town and paused at the aid station at the end of town. The next major climb of the day was before us and Bernd decided to run on ahead. Uli and I ran a short distance, but soon started walking, I knew from previous years that this hill can sap your strength. Once we reached the top we set out again, a bit stiffer than before, but with renewed energy.

We headed down an equally long downhill stretch into the town of Mutschelbach, where I traded a tired Uli for a fresh Vera. After fuelling at the aid station we started the gradual climb out of town. We ran along a bike path that paralleled a county road, and then headed into the woods and towards Langensteinbach. I glanced at my Garmin as we ran passed the marathon point, around 4:25, again about the same as last year.

By this time I could tell my pace was fading and my walking interval increasing. I think Vera sensed I was weakening and was doing a good job of keeping me occupied and moving. We walked some of the short hills through the town, finally arriving at the firehouse at the edge of town where the next aid station was located. I tried to eat a bit and drank some and we walked the steeper hill leading into the forest beyond.

The long shadows of the night were upon us, but it was still light enough to run without a light. The path headed downward and we ran on, but at what felt like a snail pace. I was fighting a low point in the race, but knew sooner or later it would get better. As we passed a highway crossing Uli and Bernd appeared and cheered us on, it was a nice boost.

We headed up through the woods towards the "Tornado Stone", passing the 50K point, just under 5 ½ hours - a bit faster than last year. We walked, we ran, we kept moving, by quads were complaining but I didn't listen, and soon we were reached the plateau overlooking Ittersbach and beyond. We enjoyed the cool night air and the view before us, it was dark but you could still make out the hills of the Black Forest in the distance.

We entered Itttersbach and plodded down a steep hill into the center of town, a few scattered spectators managed a clap or a cheer, but most were settled down for the night. We climbed back out of Ittersbach and ran a single-track section to the next aid station. I decided that I was too low on energy so drank some coke and ate a piece of dry cake as we walked up the last significant climb of the day.

At the top we started running again, on towards Langenalb and the next relay exchange point. In Langenalb I took a slightly longer break and put on a dry shirt and grabbed my running vest. It was still warm, but I knew we would soon be running in a longer stretch of forest. I again drank some coke and tried to eat a sports bar, but couldn't finish it. Conny replaced Vera and we walked the gentle hill out of town. From there on it was more or less downhill or flat, we headed off into the darkness.

We started downhill along a logging path on the edge of the forest, occasionally turning on our lights to look for the small trail that would eventually lead off to the right...I missed this turn the first year I ran this race. We found the turnoff without mishap, but right after we started down the trail I found the first root and promptly fell on my face, or actually my knees, managing to scrape away a layer of skin and pride. Luckily it was mostly my pride that was damaged, and after passing the scrutinizing inspection by Conny we continued, this time with both flashlights and walking. After a short distance we entered the forest and headed towards Marxzell, in the valley below.

For the next several kilometers we ran along a logging path that surely gave the Black Forest its name, without a flashlight you had no chance, it was black as coal! After carrying my flashlight for awhile Conny took over this task I and I concentrated on getting myself ready for the last quarter of the race, a flat section that was quite runnable.

After what seemed like hours, we finally reached Marxzell and the next aid station. Conny suggested that the medic look at my bleeding knees, so I let him clean them quick and spray some antiseptic, but declined any dressings, they would only slow me down. I drank some more coke and ate a piece of bread and thought about the next 20 kilometers - I knew we had enough time for a new personal best, but I knew it wouldn't be easy. With my ability to think clearly questionable, my numbed brain must have decided to go for it, because as we left we picked up the pace!

We ran a short distance without a light, but the logging trail grew rougher, so we elected to use a light. I set my eyes on the light of a runner that was in the distance before us and we moved on, stopping every 8-10 minutes for a quick walk, but then running on. Conny remarked that we were running much faster than what I had told her we would be running at this point. She asked if it wouldn't be better to try to run a bit slower and try not to walk as much. I was running on instinct by this time and knew I had to keep moving before I ran out of gas, we pushed on.

We passed a couple aid stations, walking though, but pushing on. After what seemed like an eternity we reached Ettlingen and the swimming pool. I didn't give Conny much slack as we moved by the aid station, I was fully concentrated and afraid of stopping too long.

We ran along the streets of Ettlingen, past the military Kaserne where I was stationed in the army, and down the familiar bike trails out of town towards Rüppurr. My legs hurt, I just wanted to be done. We passed the last aid station, around 3 miles left...over the Autobahn and back into the woods.

I remarked to Conny that we need to keep a close eye on the trail markings, I got lost through here last year, but this year Conny patiently led me through. The trail seem to go on and on and on...where was Rüppurr, I was seriously wondering if they moved it...but finally we turned off the trail and we passed a soccer stadium, I knew we were close, maybe another mile.

We passed by runners that had finished, where was the entrance to the stadium? More finishers, finally the stadium, we entered on the end and headed over a grassy area to the track - just a few hundred meters. I heard a voice, I think it was mine, that said "Conny, lets go" and I took off around the track leaving Conny in bewilderment behind me. She recomposed and almost caught me by the time I crossed the finish line. I surrendered my chip and collect my medallion and finishers shirt, then collapsed on the nearest bench, done!

Conny joined me and soon Vera, Uli and Bernd found us. I got up again and walked about, congratulated Joe as he came in, tried to drink some water, but soon found my seat again. We chatted a bit, Bernd found me something more fitting to drink and I tried to relax a bit. I was overwhelmed, not only did I share a great run with friends, I also crushed my personal best by almost 24 minutes, finishing in 9:02:05...I am blessed!

I can't not express how nice it was to be able to share this experience with the members of my running club: Sabine, Uli, Vera, Conny and Bernd - you guys are the best! Conny that goes for you double, without you we couldn't have done it!