Brussels, Belgium

Fall races are wonderful.  There's even better in a foreign country and when you have a friend to run with.  I was lucky enough to have both of these things in Brussels and the great running weather was icing on the cake. 

I woke up so early that people were still returning home from the night before.  Oddly enough, this wasn't the first time I have seen drunk people in Dusseldorf on my way to a race (last time was the morning of the marathon in April).  Call me strange if you want, but whenever I see people chowing down on doner kebabs while I prepare for a race, it makes me feel even better about my life choices. 

The train ride from Dusseldorf to Brussels couldn't have been easier and I actually enjoyed the time to eat breakfast, listen to music, and mentally prepare for the run.  American race organizers need to take advice from the Europeans on scheduling later start times. 

I was lucky enough that my friend registered me earlier in the week, so all I had to do was show up at his apartment and pick up my number.  We chatted a little on our way to the race and, before I knew it, I was lined up and getting ready to start. 

The event started in beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire and, with over seven thousand runners in the half-marathon, it was a pretty big race.  I'm at the point where I don't even feel nervous anymore before the start of a run, even though I haven't run this long of a distance since April. 

Here's where the race started

I lined up near the front, thinking that I could push myself with a fast pace.  Perhaps not the best idea, considering how competitive I am about not wanting to be passed.  The first kilometer is never fun because I end up weaving my way through people and getting annoyed at the slow runners that serve as a roadblock and should have started further back, with all the other slow people.  

Before too long, the pack thinned out a bit and I was settling into my true pace group.  My biggest memory of the race will be the hills.  Jeez, who would have thought that Brussels is so hilly?!?  I am not too used to the elevation changes, after only running on treadmills for much of the past six months.  

Crowd support was pretty decent throughout the course and the homes - especially near the embassies - were really beautiful.  I forget that Brussels is an important political city for Europe and it's unfortunate that the city doesn't have more tourist attractions because it really is beautiful.  

The end of the race was one of the steepest descents of the entire race and my legs were just mindlessly propelling me down the street.  By this point, people around me were on an all-out sprint and I couldn't allow myself to slow down.  The last few turns in the old city really funneled us into narrow streets, which was even more exciting with all the crowds lining both sides.  

How can someone not absolutely love running through the old city centers in Europe?  I'd say my favorite example of this is in the Luxembourg marathon, but Brussels was pretty close.  The finish line was at Grand Place, which is arguably one of the most architecturally beautiful squares in the world.  

Here's the finish line from the race

I knew I would finish a little before Simon, so I decided to look for a race shirt to buy (without success).  It's surprising to me that they weren't selling shirts to all the people at the finish, but I need to remind myself that I'm not in America, where people will mindlessly buy anything that's for sale.  

After a quick shower at Simon's place, we went out for brunch and for a walk around the city.  The afternoon epitomized a relaxing European Sunday...walking, chatting, stop for an ice-cream, meet up with one of his friends, drink beer, walk some more, drink more beer at another bar.  In a country known for amazing beer, it would be a crime to not at least try a couple different brews...

Simon and I, enjoying the afternoon

Here's the second bar we stopped at...I love the classic decor

We took one more stroll through Grand Place so I could take some pictures.  By this point, all remnants of the race had disappeared except for this sign that directed finishers to the medal area.  

Corner of Grand Place

Another edge of the square

It's a shame that I'm such a poor photographer because these buildings are just beautiful.  And, I was a little surprised to learn that people actually live in them.  We saw a "for rent" sign in some of the windows.  I can only imagine what it's like to step out your front door and see this every morning.  (Although, I'm not going to lie - it's also fun to step out of a different front door every other week in a new city).  

Before heading back to Germany, we relaxed for a little while at Simon's awesome apartment.  This penthouse unit is one of those gems that doesn't even exist in most cities - with two levels, a really cool layout, and a great rooftop terrace.  I love my job, but there's always a slight feeling of jealousy when I see apartments like his.  

Overall, it was such a fun day.  I love the excitement of racing, the feeling of achievement once the event is over, and being able to spend an afternoon hanging out with fun people.  Plus, it had been over a decade since I visited Brussels and it's always nice to explore a city through events like a half-marathon.  I'll close this entry with one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Brussels: Manneken Pis. 

Yup.  Just like the name suggests.