Kjersti Plätzer

Together with my family I stayed four days in Beijing after the Olympics. We went to the Silk Market, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City and the Beijing Zoo. Due to the earthquake in Kina earlier this year, all the Panda's in China were there.

All this sightseeing was very interesting for all of us, including my kids Sebastian and Kiara. The highlight was the Great Wall. It was a great experience to be there and walk on the wall. It was amazing to see what they were able to build with only their hands a long time ago.

Since I am back in Norway it have been very busy days for me. Among other things I went to a TV show, to a reception in the city of Bergen, had a photo shooting, talked to many journalist, I held some lectures, I was sick twice and I also traveled to Spain for a race in Guadix/ESP, the home city of Paquillo Fernandez. There we walked on a hilly 500m course in the middle of the city. A lot of spectators watched the event and it was well organized. I became second behind Susana Feitor/POR and I walked the 3km in 12:46, 13 seconds behind Susana. My fastest 3km this year :-) and that on very tired legs. Paquillo won the 5km Men's race.

After the race in Guadix my muscles were protesting. I had to take a three day race walking break and I had to train some running and aqua jogging. After that I got sick again :-(

I have been very tired physically and mentally since the Olympics, but now I have to try to get my body and head ready to compete in the IAAF Race Walk Challenge Final in Murcia/ESP tomorrow. I came to Murcia yesterday and it was very hot when I arrived!! It will be an interesting race tomorrow.

2008-09-20

Hilly at the Wall

The Great Wall

The summer Palace

A playing Panda in the Zoo