The 37th TCS Amsterdam Marathon was held on Oct 21st, 01:00 PM. Over the recent years, there has increasing attention directed to half-marathons. These races are held alongside with marathons with only half the mileage required, though equally in need of physical and mental tenacity. Ever more participants gather to join such a sport in the hopes of conquering 21 kilometers in one setting! This year, Bianca Alexiuc from GEU, challenged, and completed, the Amsterdam half-marathon! G-Voice is honored to celebrate Bianca’s spiritual journey and delight with all Gamanians on this special occasion.
▲The event was held on Oct 21st, 01:00 PM
Bianca wasn’t a regular jogger in the past, nevertheless a year ago, she took on running as a hobby to live healthier and more positively. The exercise quickly became a daily habit. Bianca says that, now, she cannot imagine one day going by without a quick jog or long run. It has become part of her essential life. Jogging, for her, is now the “chicken soup for the soul”.
This year Bianca has set her foot down, literally, to challenge the half-marathon race! It is never an easy thing to take on a task one is not familiar to, let alone the fact that this is a professional race. It takes much more than just jogging in a park, or strolling after a hearty meal. During the half-marathon, Bianca and thousands of runners of different ages accomplish something they are equally passionate about together. This experience is very rewarding indeed. There would be a live band stationed at each checkpoint cheering the runners on. Even the by-standers starting shouting: “Come on Bianca, you can do it!” These encouragements meant the world to Bianca, and she was determined to finish the race by “jogging”, instead of “pacing”.
▲Bianca in training before the race.
Bianca and other Gamanians signed up to join the race, unfortunately Bianca was the only one that could attend on that day. She had on her Gamania hat throughout the entire race, as to represent, and run on behalf of all the others that could not come. This motivated her to keep moving forward and never giving up!
▲Bianca of GEU wears her Gamania hat during the race.
The total distance spans 21. 1 kilometers over various historical attractions of Amsterdam. In the afternoon of Oct 21st, Bianca completed her longest run to date. No words could describe her emotions when she crossed that finish line and receive a memorial trophy after 2 hours 34 minutes and 32 seconds. It was a true moment of triumph and glory. This experience has brought Bianca to the next level and truly made her aware of her potentials. She encourages all Gamanians to always actively take on challenges; as for herself, she is planning to join a full marathon (42 kilometers) next time.
▲The last stop of the race: Olympus Stadium, Amsterdam.
▲Bianca at the finish line.
▲Bianca’s marathon certificate. Time record: 2 hr. 34 min. 32 sec.
▲Bianca’s personal souvenir and proof of participation. It is the token of durability, will, and sportsmanship.
References:
http://www.tcsamsterdammarathon.nl/en/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/tcsamsterdammarathon