Yes, I know you shouldn’t seek validation from other people. You should validate yourself. Know you are good. But, I kind of needed this validation from one of the most respected runners in the business…
Bart Yasso tweeted me confirming that the Jerusalem Marathon is HARD! Thank you Bart, I needed that. It makes me feel better about how hard I thought the race was.
Plus, it’s pretty epic when a famous runner gives you a shout!!
![image_thumb[1]](https://runeatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/image_thumb1.png "image_thumb[1]")
What I Ate in Tel Aviv (post Jerusalem Marathon)
My last night in Israel was spent in Tel Aviv. We went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant.
Jerusalem Marathon – Traveling Back Home
Then, before I knew it I headed to the airport. This amazing trip and life experience was over. I was sad to go home. I wanted to see more of the country and stay in this special holy place longer. The flight back was direct from Tel Aviv to LAX. It was 15.5 hours long. Seriously. I was stressed I would go so bored I’d have a breakdown and get arrested or forced to parachute home or something.
But a good way to pass the time is obviously to read drink wine. Wine on international El Al flights is FREE. My friend met a new friend and we spent some time hanging out at the bar drinking (by ‘bar’ I mean the middle area of the plane people get water and stuff). Most people on the flight were asleep so it was just us sipping wine for the most part.
The only bad thing about getting buzzed on a flight…
I ended up buying stuff from the duty free shop. Seemed like a good idea at the time 
After 15 and a half hours on a plane I felt messed up. I was tired, but also full of adrenaline to get home, I smelled but was too tired to remember how to turn on the shower, I was hungry but also full (of wine).
I stopped at the store on the way home to get some healthy food for the week.
Today I ran and came back to stretch out in the front room. Vegas thought this was an invite to practice his claiming this territory…
Overall: It was a very very long flight and I did get bored towards the end of the flight. I’d suggest books, audio books, snacks, magazines, snacks, movies, snacks, eye mask, ear plugs, socks if you’re wearin sandles, more snacks… I slept the beginning of flight, that helped pass the time a lot!
The jetlag has hit me hard, I am drifting off sitting straight up. So tired. So so tired.
You are so cool. I love your blog and how rad you are. It makes me feel normal that I love running but still love having a good time, wine and food. You just make it fun. Rock on and well done for your AMAZEBaLLS marathon effort. Xx
Thank you! I really appreciate this 🙂
I spent a week in Israel 15 years ago. It was amazing and I loved your pics. Thanks for sharing!
wow that is awesome! its always a cool feeling when someone “famous” tweets or responds back to you. i’ve never flown an international airline only united to amsterdam so i dont know the bar area your talking about but a place to stand and talk to other people sounds like a good way to pass some time!
I get bored on a 5 hour flight let alone 15.5!! Wine does make most things better though! 😉
You are awesome! Running that ridiculously hard looking marathon is such an accomplishment.
I’m the first to admit, I struggle with self validation. I’ve just started training again, and I am finding myself getting better at it, and having more confidence in myself as I progress.
PS. Wine and snacks are always a good way to pass the time 🙂
My flight to and from Greece was quite long and I was not of drinking age to enjoy the wine on the way home! Ha!
Today, I do not think I am looking for validation. I will be running and getting stuff done at work and what not – but I think today I am feeling pretty great about myself and life.
As long as it doesn’t snow like it is supposed to – yeah, I guess that is where the rest of my energy is going – to fend of the snow from happening!
Hope the jet lag doesn’t last too long!!
I would need to be sedated for a flight that long. Wine sounds like a good idea.
I had a 4 hour flight to Mexico that I thought was long. I can’t imagine over 15 hours!!
You should see if Kristin S. (StuftMama) can hook you up with one of her “Flat Barts” that she takes on adventures with her. He could be your new Ben when Ben isn’t around. haha!
I’ve taken one 15 hour flight and the jet lag was mind-numbing and lasted a few days. I was waking up at 2 am full of energy and would find myself running in the middle of the night! Your trip has inspired me to look into visiting Israel. Thank you for sharing!
I try to sleep 8-10-12 hours on long haul flights. How much zzz did you manage on this sector? Was it harder to head west or east?
Long flights are hard! The marathon and trip looked amazing though, what a cool experience