as someone who has spent a lifetime in a climate that was arguably the most even and comfortable, Edinburgh flipped the script on what i knew as a runner. everything that came before was in a climate that i was used to but Edinburgh was totally different, the climate, the course & the atmosphere.

i reached there 3 days prior to the big race, just to get acclimatized to the weather and atmosphere, spending a couple of days walking around Edinburgh, trying to take in all the lavish scenery that was vastly different from where i came. it was the start of summer but that didn’t change the fact that it is was extremely cold in Edinburgh, with temperatures at an average of 12 degrees celsius. the sun set at around 9 in the evening, only to rise as early as 4 in the morning, which took a while to get used to. even though i was overwhelmed by the changes, i was nevertheless excited for the marathon simply because i was about to run in and around the breathtaking sights of Edinburgh.

on the day of the race, the temperature dropped as low as 9, and on top of that it was foggy, forcing me to layer myself even more, thus adding more weight which would prove to be challenging. i was among the 30,000 that showed up to the race, many of whom were not from Scotland, but all eager to run in this beautiful city. everyone gathered near the historical Edinburgh, lined up, ready for the sound of the pistol that would initiate the marathon. and just like that, i was off, but because of what seemed to be an infinite amount of people, it took me almost 20 minutes to cross the starting line.

i tried to keep a constant pace throughout, trying not to my push to the limits but instead i took it as more of a scenic experience and to savor in the spectacular landscapes of Edinburgh. five kilometers in i finally start to sweat, the sense of warmth finally coming to me. an all too familiar feeling no doubt.

throughout the entire race, i never felt alone, as i was constantly among peers. from first time amateurs, teams moving in a pack, people running to beat their personal clock, cancer survivors running to raise awareness and above all runners for charity, all of them kept me charged up and motivated to keep moving. people were gathered around the route, families and their children, giving their support, often cheering our names.

the route took me around the city of Scotland where I ran past the beautiful Edinburgh castle, the oldest golf course and the parliament house. i ran up and down the hills of the Scottish country with some flatlands along the way. the constant change of elevation didn’t bother me as much, as i spent most of the time with a big smile on my face reveling in the astounding sights and marveling the experience of something totally new to me.

it indeed was the first time i experienced the beautiful streets, the spectacular sights of a totally new city by running for a couple of hours. you get to meet people, talk to people, help them lift their spirits, be lifted through their words, and most importantly feel as if the residents of the city are excited and grateful to seeing you run in their beautiful city.

its definitely not the last, but certainly a memorable experience that will live in me for many years to come. if you have any specific questions on Edinburgh Marathon, just shoot out an email to me and I would be happy to respond with answers (shanns@radicalfitness.com)