Norway: Knarvik Half Marathon-2015

I really need to learn to write blog posts faster or maybe just keep them shorter! So here we go...

Because my Lake District accommodation fell through by accident, I had to quickly change our plans for Labor Day weekend. Robert was still in TX when all of this had to be planned. One night I ran into Robert's running friend who reminded me that there is that half-marathon in Bergen on Labor Day weekend and that a couple of his friends couldn't make it any more because of work. And THAT gave me an idea! Robert could take over his friend's spot in the race! I found cheap tickets to Bergen on Friday night (although out of Gatwick, so a bit longer drive) and great (expensive because it's Norway, of course) hotel (!) room and proposed the plan to Robert. He thought it was a brilliant idea and we went for it! 

On this map below you can see where Bergen is in regards to Oslo--right on the coast.

We arrived really--really late to Bergen and checked-in to our hotel after midnight. We stayed at Radisson Blue in a room that fit all five of us. It was incredible!:)) Kids couldn't believe that we were actually staying in a hotel, WITH a buffet breakfast and a pool. That breakfast was the best! Seriously--so good! It catered to all sorts of European nations, so it didn't just have cold cut meats or croissants or full English greasy breakfast--it had a great variety of fruits and fish and breads and cereal. I filled up on salmon and liver patte (I think) and fruits and pastries every morning! 

Okay, back to the reason we were in Bergen to begin with. Knarvik Half-Marathon!!! The race started at 13:00. We took a special free shuttle from the bus station all the way to Knarvik, about a 30 min ride. 

Arriving at the race venue and sign ups, we noticed that there was also a kid race during the half-marathon (it was kind of hard to figure out as everything was in Norwegian). The boys really--really wanted to sign up for the 1.8 km distance and we figured they were dressed for the occasion, so we let them do it (it was not cheap, but how many times will you be in Norway ever?).

The weather was so windy that day, it was horrendous! Robert was debating between running wearing a hat and a jacket and gloves and he ended up doing that but then wishing later he didn't have the jacket. 

We waited for a bit for the race to start. 

Katya and I were happy to just cheer for the boys today. 

Alex and Mark were very happy to have their hats...although I think they were the only kids wearing hats and possibly the only kids that were not Scandinavian. 

I just love this toothless grin, so I get to share it. 

And this "Dude" was really excited to run the race, as he considers himself a pro now with a few 5K races under his belt:)

 And then Robert was off...we knew we wouldn't see him for a couple of hours. This race is one of the toughest in terms of hills.

In the meantime, the kids were lined up to start their 1.8 km run. 

Look at all those blond-haired kids!:)) Mark was running with the kids of his age. 

Alex was running with the 5th graders, but we are not quite sure if he was in the right group:).

They let each class start in 5 minute intervals. So after Alex's group took off, Katya and I went to the other side of the track to where the finish line was as that's where all races would be finishing. 

Alex did great with all the hills. 

And he got his reward--ice cream and chocolate milk.

Little Mark did a fantastic job as well! Such a great way to spend the "waiting for dad" time. 

By the time the youngest group arrived, it was about 1 hr 15 min into the half-marathon, which meant that the first few finishers would be starting to arrive soon. It was quite exciting to be watching people run across the finish line, especially the ones that were actually competing for the best time. They were amazing! 

Frankly speaking, I was expecting Robert to arrive  any time after 1 hr 45 min or so...just because that was his race time in another half-marathon. But this one was tough. And Robert said he didn't feel as well and energetic this time around, so he finished in a little bit over 2 hours, which is still amazing for such a hard course! 

The best feeling ever! 

I am grateful for our able bodies to be able to do such things. It's also so fun to do races together, support and cheer for each other. Kids love it as well:).

Who is tired? 

Not us! Ready for another race soon!

We were happy and fulfilled coming home on the free shuttle around 16:00. The boys showered and and we were ready to go for a walk in the central part of Bergen for a bit, although it was freezing already:)).

Lyana.