Our Santé editors were invited to join Team Asics for the iconic Dam tot Damloop, but they declined. Marketing colleague Kelly, an avid occasional runner, stepped up to the challenge.
Kelly: 'My Santé colleagues recruited me for Team Asics—apparently, I'm the only one who runs regularly. I'm no elite athlete, but I lace up now and then.'
Ahead of the race, we attended a pre-event at the ASICS Flagship Store in Amsterdam with fellow Team ASICS members. We networked over healthy snacks and drinks, then got fully kitted out in ASICS gear: tights, shirts, socks, and brand-new running shoes.
Next came a core workout in the store's gym. With our abs activated, we jogged to the Runtoday store for a presentation on interval training and its impact on performance. We immediately applied it with a dynamic session in Amsterdam's Vondelpark to gear up for the Dam tot Damloop.
More than a week later, race day arrived...
My best friend and running buddy had to bail days earlier, leaving me to run solo. After a late Saturday night out until 1:30 a.m., I nearly skipped it—but I couldn't let myself down. Knowing the pride of finishing pushed me forward. I suited up, took the bus and ferry from Amsterdam North to Central Station, and realized I wouldn't be alone.
Surrounded by hundreds of runners, we headed to the start. At 11 a.m., the gun sounded. Adrenaline surged, but I paced myself in the first kilometer. By kilometer two, I felt strong and knew I'd enjoy the 16K. I cruised the first 12K effortlessly, then pushed the pace for a solid time—aiming for 1:20 to 1:30.
The final kilometer tested me as I surged faster than planned, but I crossed the finish in 1:27, hitting my goal! Spotting my parents and a VIP supporter gave me that extra boost. Next year—with my friend!—we're targeting 1:20-1:25. First up: the October 15 half marathon. Who's joining?
Team ASICS: Thank you!
By Kelly Veerman
