7 Weeks to Amsterdam: Holiday runs and marathon dreams

Back from “Holidays”

I’m back from holidays – though to be honest, they didn’t really feel like holidays. I was still working, laptop in tow, but the change of scenery did wonders.

The highlight? Hitting the beach every day after work. Sunshine, warm water, good company – not a bad trade-off. The best part was spending quality time with family and friends.

The social side was busier than usual, which made it tricky to juggle work, social life, and training. But somehow, I didn’t miss a single run. Some sessions had to be adjusted, especially on days I wasn’t feeling 100%, but every box on the training plan got ticked.

Running itself was no easy ride. Most routes were hilly – not ideal for interval sessions – and on top of that, a heatwave pushed temperatures well above 30°C. It was brutal at times, but I like to think those challenges build resilience.

Now, with 7 weeks to go until the Amsterdam Marathon, the excitement is real. The next 5 weeks are the real “magic” phase of the plan. I’ve been steady at about 115 km a week, with double runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the long runs are getting serious:

• Last Sunday: 32 km
• Yesterday: almost 34 km, with 20 km at marathon pace

Tough, but confidence-boosting.

Yes, I feel the fatigue. But between strength training, recovery routines, and the occasional sauna session, I’m keeping myself in check. 🎯 The goal is clear: sub-3 hours in Amsterdam.

Of course, new shoes had to join the journey. I’m currently testing the Hoka Mach X2 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5. So far, so good – they might just replace my worn-out Boston 12s and Speed 4s.

It feels good to be back – sun, hills, heat and all. 🏃‍♂️ The road to Amsterdam continues.