07/03 - Carlingford Half Marathon @ 1h55:01

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/713178867

This weekend saw me racing my second half marathon for 2015 up in the beautiful Cooley Peninsula and Carlingford town. For the first time in nearly 5 years, I am once again a sub-2h00 half marathoner!!! I highly recommend this race for 2016 to anyone looking for a lovely setting, great organisation, lively vibe, and just some all-round fun. It's not too far a drive from Dublin, perfect for a day out.

My day started early, having elected to drive in on the day rather than stay over the night before. Predictions were for a lovely warm day (temperatures in the low to mid teens!), if a bit windy still. Thankfully, as I got further north, the wind gusts were not as strong as they were in and around Dublin. It was, however, very overcast in Carlingford, but still mild enough for comfortable running conditions. Ideal really - not hot, not cold: just right!

As is my custom by now, I started just shy of the very back of crowd, as my technique for starting out slow and easy and not running out of steam by halfway. 6:00 minutes per km felt easy and almost slow, and with the rolling hills over the first 5km of the course, I was quite comfortable sticking to this pace, enjoying the scenery, and feeling surprisingly light on my feet and very strong with every step. I'd almost explain the feeling as floating over the ground. I wasn't slowing too much on the climbs, rather I felt strong and was passing people up every incline. I'd glance at my Garmin periodically and adjust my pace to make sure I wasn't starting out too fast. And adjust I had to, all the time, as I just kept speeding up. But I was feeling good, and not after any particular time for this race, just an easy and enjoyable run somewhere below 2h15. 6 months ago this would've been a tough goal, over-ambitious perhaps even, but now this is my easy Half pace. What a difference a few months of solid training can make!

Eventually I noticed that 2 particular guys were running at around my target pace and decided to try to stick with them for a while. That seemed to work.

Route Profile

From 5km, the hills tapered off and I found my pace dropping significantly (and I left my pace-spotters behind), but I was feeling strong and taking advantage of the gentle downhills and much smaller occasional inclines, so I decided to see what I could make of this race and keep my pace down in the region of 5:30. The wind wasn't too bothersome either, mild gusts but nothing severe. I was still feeling strong and light on my feet and passing a good number of people along the way. Imagine my surprise when I looked at my Garmin again around 12km and noticed that I was dipping below 5:10 pace!!! Still I felt strong and kept going, realising at this point that my overall average pace was around 5:30 and that if I could keep my overall average here I'd be on track for a comfy sub-2h00 for the first time in nearly 5 years. I was still floating past those runners you always find at the races, generally the more inexperienced lads and ladies, who start out too fast and run out of steam later on (I've done this plenty of times myself, and have learnt that lesson by this point).

By 16km I started feeling decidedly less energetic - I'd not taken along any kind of energy gel as I was only planning on an easy run. Pushing myself, I usually take 1 gel at around the halfway mark of a Half Marathon, and that sees me comfortably through the distance. Easy pace I can do without any energy boost. I was starting to regret not taking the gel along as a backup... Nothing for it but to push on. I'm NOT giving up my sub-2h00!!! Somehow I still managed to maintain 5:30 and even 5:25 pace for the last few kms. I was looking at my watch a lot more often, counting down to the finish line, 1/2 km at a time. But I was able to keep moving, keep up my pace, and watched my average dip below 5:30 again. Somehow I found the energy to keep going.

Summary

To say I was having a good day would be the understatement of the century! I was on a total runner's high, floating above the ground despite my lack of energy. Smiling and laughing and singing along to my iPod (I rarely have music on the run, but decided for some reason to take it along this time). Still passing people as I went along. Somehow, around the 17km mark, I spotted a guy who'd left me in his dust at the starting line, having started immediately behind me and very quickly disappeared from sight ahead. Spotted him, caught him, passed him, didn't see him again! Wow!

By 20km I was going on sheer willpower. My stubborn streak comes in really handy at times like these - I refused to give up or even slow down. Instead, I targeted the girl who'd just breezed past me: put on a final burst of speed, counting down the remaining distance in 100m intervals (and taking note of the fact that the 20km mark on the road was 100m after my Garmin - so expect an extra 100m at the end, don't blast out the last bit of energy shy of the finish line!), blasted past her and steamed on to the finish line. 1h55:01 according to my Garmin. Official results don't see to be out yet, but I'm more than happy with my Garmin's time :) Not a PB (that honour belongs back in June 2010: 1h53:54), but close. And the first time since that glorious and sunny day that I've broken the 2h00 mark! And only the third time in my life that I've seen the underside of 2h00 on a Half.

Some PB's within the race!

To give an idea of how this race compared to my past PB's, here are some stats for my current PBs:
Enniscorthy 10K @ 52:56 @ 8th February 2015
Mamre 15K @ 1h24:00 @ 21st June 2008
Mullingar 10Mile @1h40:48 @ 27th July 2014
Robertson Miles of Smiles Half @ 1h53:54 @ 5th June 2010

Yes, I'm more than ecstatic at my race! :)

Race Report: Brackenfell Half Marathon 2010

Where do I start on this one?? Its one of those completely unremarkable races that has suddenly and completely unexpectedly taken on new meaning for me. A race to be remembered for a long time to come.

Not for the scenery - unless you enjoy running through industria. Not for the course - it is mostly flat with a few small hills towards the end. Not for weather extremes or record field. Not for the organisation - even though it was very good (and sadly one tends to remember the disasters and not the races that go off without a hitch, like this one, so well done to Brackenfell AC for a wonderfully incident-less event!)

Then why??

Well, why else does one remember a particular race?? Personal reasons! Usually a race where you feel particularly strong and good, one of those where you feel like you can run forever and ever! Or you reach a personal goal, break a PB, or break that pesky sub-x barrier that you've been dreaming of for so long but just haven't quite been able to reach...!!! You know what I'm talking about! For some it may be breaking sub-2h30 on a half marathon. Or sub-1h30 (for the faster runners out there). But an even bigger barrier, one that takes on legendary status in many average runners' minds, is the elusive sub-2h00 barrier.

That was what made this race so memorable for me: not only did I achieve a new PB, completely out of the blue and even more exciting as a result, but I also, finally, broke the fabled sub-2h00 half-marathon barrier!!! After 4 years of running. Of dreaming of running a half marathon in under 2 hours. Of trying again and again and again and again.... And missing out each time for various reasons (the course was too hilly, the field too big resulting in too slow a start, just not a good running day, under-trained, injured, the list goes on and on). After running my 2h01 2 years ago, and then taking a couple of BIG steps back with injury rehabilitation followed by a nasty bout of flu, I'd completely given up on even getting close to this fabled barrier. Especially since I was struggling to run 2h20 a mere 2 months ago!!

So imagine my surprise on this particular Saturday morning, 3 weeks after a surprising marathon PB, when I set out at a conversational pace with a somewhat faster buddy of mine, and then left him behind!!!! Okay, granted, he was taking it easy on a pre-Comrades training run, but still it felt pretty good! I felt strong, and knew I was running a little faster than normal, but still, surprisingly, very comfortable! Then I passed another buddy and checked my pace. Imagine my shock and surprise to find I was running at a pace of 5m30/km!! This kind of speed usually has me beat and broken after 5km, 10 on a good day! Here I was 6-7km into a half marathon, and still feeling fantastic!!! So why not see how long I can keep this up?? Worst case I run out of steam (hit the dreaded wall) and finish slow - I mean, its not like I was going for any particular time anyway, just time on my feet, mileage. Best case I might get a decent time out of this, possibly a post-injury PB even. Go for it!

So off I go, keeping a closer eye on my Garmin from now on, making a conscious effort to maintain a 5m30 pace and get my average pace down (slow start meant that I was still just barely making 6m00 average at 7km, already 1/3 done!).

By the time I hit the 10km mark, I'd managed to maintain my pace at roughly 5m30 per km, and my average pace was done to 5m51/km. 58m30 for 10km. A brilliant time, equivalent to the last 10km race I ran. Good enough to catch sight of my 21km PB but not break it. Still, much better than I'd hoped for at the starting line so I'll take it!! But I was starting to feel the effort now, still strong but the first signs of strain setting in. Last Gu was at 6km, next at 14km. Gotta last! But keep up this pace for as long as possible!!!

Somewhere around 15km these 2 guys caught up to me, and joked about how they'd been trying to catch me for the last 10km, wouldn't I slow down so that they could pass me??  By now my pace was still around 5m30, and my average down to 5m43. PB in sight!!! So I joked back, but also half-serious, that I was on track for a PB if I kept up my current pace, so no way was I slowing down!! "So what is your PB??" I replied around 2h01, though if I could break 2h00 for the first time ever I'd be the happiest person on earth!! I guess they saw this as a challenge, as the one guy (who turned out to be a trainer for his buddy who is running his first Comrades this year) turned to the other and said "Bob, take this lady through in sub-2h00." I thought they were joking, but Bob and [Derrick/Dennis - I'm horrible with names unfortunately] were serious! From this point till the finish line, they stuck with me like glue. Keeping up when I pulled ahead (once or twice), and pulling me along when I started to lag behind. Derrick/Dennis full of encouragement all they way while Bob set a blistering pace!!

Next thing I know we're touching 5m00 pace!! I'm definitely feeling it, but somehow managed to keep up and contribute a few words to the conversation. Average pace for km's 15 and 16: 5m11!!! Wow. Ouch.

Kms's 17 and 18 were 'the hill' of the race. A gentle yet constant uphill pull. We managed km 17 in a very respectable 5m24. Km 18 forced me to take a brief walk-break - all of 90 meters before Derrick/Dennis pulled me ahead again. Average pace: 5m41. PB very likely!!! With my new friends, almost guaranteed!!!

By this time I am completely and utterly spent, however, my GU's finished - no more GU's in hand, and what I'd already eaten was completely used up. 18km water table had Cokes, thank goodness!!! A sloppy spilly attempt at drinking a full-ish cup of coke at least saw half of the sugar goodness go down my throat, which would have to do for the last 3 km's. The hills were over at least, just some flat and a short downhill stretch ahead.

Being brutally honest, I was contemplating giving up on sub-2h00 at this point. I was that tired! Exhausted. Legs jelly. My PB was in the bag. Barely. But sub-2h00 meant 3km of hard work to go. I wasn't entirely sure I'd be able to keep pushing for another 300m... 1 overriding thought kept me going. I wanted to be able to share some good news with my amazing boyfriend, Chris, when I saw him later that day. I wanted to be able to share with him that I had finally achieved one of my biggest running goals!!! That thought alone kept me pushing my limits when I would otherwise have given up. Derrick/Dennis's encouragement helped a lot too, but it took a bigger reason/goal to keep me trying to keep up with him and Bob instead of telling them to forget about me and go for their own sub-2h00...

Okay, so I'm going to do it. I AM!! Somehow I am going to keep moving.

And somehow I did. Km 19 was my fasted km of the race!!! We flew down the hill at 5m00/km. Don't ask me how I kept up with the guys, but I did. Km 20 in 5m08. Average pace down to 5m37/km. PB in the bag. Sub-2h00 in the bag as long as I keep running!!!

Km 21 slowed a little to 5m23/km. By now it was physically impossible for me to push any harder - I was maxed out!! And we'd hit a very slight uphill gradient. But nothing would stop me now. Nothing! The end is in sight. I can see the field, runners turning off the road. Good old Harold Berman welcoming runners home.

Then suddenly the field was in front of me. 200m to go and Bob is waiting at the gate for me and Derrick/Dennis. Both encouraging me, urging me on. "Home stretch, give it all you have, I know you can do it!"

And somehow I did. Somewhere in my empty tank was a last little bit of energy. The last 200m across the field was done in 1m00 flat. 4m30/km pace. Bringing my average pace for the whole race down to 5m36/km. And seeing the race clock ahead agreeing with my own Garmin, and hearing Harold calling out sub-2h00 still on, I sprinted as fast as I was able to the finish line. 1h58:45 according to my Garmin. Something similar on the official clock, but I didn't even see the seconds, just noticed that it was still officially under 1h59.

Check again. Yes, that's right. I've done it!!!!!!! I really have!!!! I have actually, finally, amazingly, run a half marathon in under 2 hours!!!!!

Somehow I managed to stay on my feet while I stopped to catch my breath. Big hugs all round! Who cares that everyone is stinky and sweaty? I owe these guys a huge debt of gratitude. I would not have been able to do this without them. I would not have been able to pull myself up those final hills at that blistering pace without their constant encouragement and determination.

When I was eventually able to get my legs moving again to move out of the finish chute, the 3 of us grabbed some coke and moved out of the way. The guys spotted some of their friends and had a chat. Brief introductions and congratulations for blushing me. I took a couple of our finish cards to the finishers board (we actually all made it onto the board!) and rejoined my new friends. Some light chit-chat, and I saw my friends starting to trickle in. More brief introductions, and hugs from my friends. I was in tears - tears of pure joy!

And that is why the Brackenfell Half Marathon will hold a special place in my heart from now on. I know that I'll run sub-2h00 again, on other races. But your first time always remains special.

I have no idea how many people have read my blog, and how many actually come back from time to time to catch updates, but I hope that all runners can draw inspiration from this experience - believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals if you just keep at it. And you don't have to do it alone - having friends around to give you a push when you need it most is sometimes the difference between success and failure. Between a good and a PB. As long as you don't give up!!!

Race Report: Outeniqua Marathon 2010

Wow!!! Amazing!!! Stunning!!! Breathtaking!!!

Just some of the words that come to mind when remembering my morning 'fun run' between Wilderness and George.

I arrived in Wilderness on Friday 23rd April. I'd collected my race number in George on my way, and had the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the stunning Ebb & Flow resort. I took an easy walk from my cabin to the bus pick-up point, timing my route for the next morning. I didn't want to miss my lift to the start (this is a point-to-point race), but I didn't want to stand around outside in the icy morning air for any longer than necessary.

The morning dawned cold and clear, exactly as predicted. I made my careful way in the pitch dark from my cabin to the bus pickup, relying mainly on the sounds of other runners around me, and the light in the distance to navigate. I was lucky to reach the bus while there were still seats, so I got out of the cold quickly. Not 5 minutes later we were on our way to George, and the start of the Outeniqua Marathon. Exciting and scary at the same time: this would be my second marathon in a year and a half, and I had struggled quite badly at Cango 2 months previously. Was I going to make cut-off this time? I was pretty sure I'd finish, and hopefully in fair shape, as my training had been going well. But I had missed both my scheduled long runs (30km races Worcester and Bellville) due to an ankle injury. What would this day bring??

But I was here, on my way to the start, and the only way back was by running this race, so stop stressing and run! I met up with some friends at the start, and we headed out together. The small field meant a quick start. Cold temperatures meant that everyone was keen to get moving and warm up. There were mixed feelings at the starting line - due to drought conditions the route had changed at the last moment, and many people were worried about what the alternate route would be like. Others who, like me, were running this race for the first time, were looking forward to the new experience. The organisers had promised to try to keep the alternate route as scenic as possible.

The race started off very well. I ran with Shaun from Nedbank for a while. I was feeling strong and decided to just keep going while I felt strong, and rest when I felt I needed to - let my body dictate my pace. Shaun was working on a walk-run strategy, and I pulled ahead when he slowed for a walk-break, but he quickly caught up again, so I had good company most of the way. Early on in the route we met with the Half Marathon runners, which increased the field size dramatically for a few km's. But the Marathon route soon veered off for a little out-and-back and by the time we go back to the main road again, the Half Marathoners were long gone, and we had the road to ourselves again. 

The route had been amazingly scenic thus far, and I had been feeling surprisingly strong. I had aimed to make the half-way mark in around 2h20, giving me 2h40 for the second half to make a comfortable cut-off. Imagine my surprise when I looked at my watch and saw this: half way and under 2h15!!! This was my fastest half marathon time in well over a year, and I was feeling so good! I was definitely going to make cut-off on this race, maybe even a semi-decent time! At this point I was mentally thanking fellow-Hillbilly Josh for the speedy 5km we'd run 3 days earlier - my legs were remembering the sprint and were a lot more comfortable with a slightly quicker than normal marathon-pace as a result.

By this time the field had thinned somewhat, but amazingly I was never completely alone, as is the usual case on just about all of my long runs. I was feeling great, enjoying the scenery, fresh air, and getting lost in the calming thrill (oxymoron but yes, that's what it felt like) of running so comfortably for so long. I'd managed to get into a maintainable rhythm, walking sections of the worst up-hill climbs. But this race was very much the definition of 'mildly undulating'. An absolute pleasure to run! The day was also starting to warm slightly and I was soon able to strip off my outer layer and enjoy the clean air on my skin.

Outeniqua counts down the km's. During the first half this can be a little disheartening, especially if you are having a bad day. I barely noticed the marker boards, preferring to keep an eye on my Garmin every now and then to gauge my progress. And pleasantly surprised each time to find that my pace was actually somewhat faster than it felt. Meaning I was getting stronger and fitter (thanks Hillbillies!). Approaching '13km to go' (29km mark) the ocean came into view at the top of the hill. A couple of runners had stopped to admire the view, I opted to snap a couple of pictures on the run and admire in motion (I was starting to feel the first hints of tenderness and wanted to keep moving while I still felt strong).

Hearing the beep from my Garmin, knowing it was now 30km done, I checked my progress. And was utterly amazed and very pleasantly surprised to find that I had just run a 30km PB!! And by quite a margin too!!! My 'official' 30km PB (from 30km races) was around 3h28:30. 2/3 into this marathon I had somehow managed to run a comfortable sub 3h15!!! To say I was astonished would be an understatement!!!! I was so elated I couldn't help but let out a little yell of pure joy!!! And I couldn't resist documenting the moment to be remembered for all eternity!!! I still get excited thinking back to that moment.

By now I was sure that I'd not only make cut-off by a comfortable margin, but that I'd run a very good time too. Maybe a PB, maybe not, but my best marathon time in at least 2 years! Starting to feel the distance by now, I slowed just a little, but kept pushing myself. Keeping within my comfort-zone still. I didn't want to hit the wall this close to the end of such an amazing race! But for the next 12km my camera got to rest while I focused on keeping my legs moving. All went well, I chatted with some runners who I passed and who were passing me. I enjoyed the scenery. I enjoyed the experience and the knowledge that I was back  in the marathon scene, and stronger than ever!!

By 35km I was starting to feel fatigue creeping into my legs, so I started walking more frequently, but still managed to maintain a fair average pace. What kept me going was mainly the realisation that I was very much on track for a PB. A good PB. 5 minutes off my previous (2007) PB at the very least! If that isn't incentive to keep moving, then I don't know what is!! Also counting down the last 7km, knowing that with every step the finish line is drawing nearer, helped to keep my legs moving.

In the end I ran a comfortable 4h35. A good 8 minutes off my previous PB of 4h43, standing since 2007!!! I was ecstatic!!! Relieved to be finished, and feeling a lot less battered than expected, and utterly over the moon!!! I have regained my self-confidence and I'm looking forward to my next marathon. And I know that I will run a strong race at Winelands Marathon later this year. I'm not expecting another PB, but I do want a good time and comfortable finish. And there will be lots of photos to document that scenic route.

Stats:

Route Profile:

Route Map:

Splits:

Cango Marathon: Final Training and Taper

It's almost time! I'm excited and I'm also a little nervous. I know I'll do the distance, but what kind of time will I manage?

Not that I'm too worried about cut-off for this first marathon in 15 months. My main goal is to cross the finish line in good shape. But I'd like to do so in a reasonable time if at all possible. I guess I'll know the answer to that when I cross the finish line next weekend Saturday...

I have officially started my taper. I'm still running, but I'm slowly cutting back on the distance, to give my legs and feet a chance to rest and recover from the vigourous training and racing they've been put through these last few weeks. I survived Red Hill 36km, and a 26km training run this past weekend, so I'm set for distance training. Now it's time to make sure I'm well rested for the big day.

I'm still training with my FiveFingers. This morning I pushed their max-distance up a further km to make 12km the longest single run in my 'toes', and a total of 45km on the shoes. They're catching up to my Nike's!! 

I can feel my legs becomming more accustomed to the barefoot style, and as a result a little more resistant to my regular shoes. I think the time has come to start increasing their mileage to Half Marathon, and then up. I'd survive a 15km run in them at this point, I just need to actually do it! Then 18-ish km, then take them for their first half-marathon distance run/race. After that I guess another 25km training run is in order - barefoot style of course! And slowly get that distance up to marathon! I don't know if I'll be able to do all that by the end of April, for Outeniqua Marathon. But I should be there by July, when I may or may no tackle Knysna Marathon (I'm entered for the Half, I'll upgrade at registration if I feel up to the challenge!) The most important thing is to switch over completely to barefoot running. Use my Nikes for comfy 'whenever' shoes (after a good wash of course, this past weekend's long run included some trail which altered the colouring of the shoes a little!)

This past weekend I ran 26km with some friends.

This was our route and [scary] profile:

That was my last LONG run before Cango.

This morning I ran 12km in my FiveFingers (a little chaffing from being absolutely soaked from rain/puddles but otherwise feeling amazingly comfy all the way, even the stones are bothering me less when I step on them!) You can find the stats of that run on the Dean Street Hillbillies blog.

Thursday I'll do 8-10km - including a few last hills.

Tuesday next week will be 5-8km - flat!

Thursday REST.

Friday drive and register.

Saturday RUN!

I guess I should start keeping an eye on the weather forecast for Oudtshoorn as of this weekend. At the moment it's #%^%@ HOT out there, but we all know how fickle the weather can be, so I won't despair until I'm out on the road, halfway through the race, and the sun is beating down on my head. By which time despairing will get me nowhere so I may as well just 'shurrup and run', to quote a friend!

Good luck to those running Cango/Weskus/anything else!!! Especially to those using these marathons to qualify for Two Oceans!! Good luck and enjoy!

The 'Fingers' are still running

After a somewhat slow start with my FiveFingers (sudden mileage increase, fighting off a couple of bugs, some big races - not easy to find place to 'ease into' my new feet. So I've been sticking to my Nikes for the most part - especially for races and longer training runs - and slipping into my FiveFingers for those days when I felt like a slow, short (<5km) solo run. Then a couple of days to recover from the tender calves!

I had to buy new Nikes the other day as the old ones had reached their mileage limit - a very respectable 800kms (the most I've ever gotten out of any pair of running shoes), and I'm using them for races still, but I want to start phasing my 'Fingers' in to the shorter races - 10-15km - from now on, using the Nikes to alternate training runs with the 'Fingers', and Nikes-only for long distance races and training runs.

This morning I broke new ground with my FiveFingers - both on distance and terrain. I ran a very comfy but hilly 11km.

This was our route - you can see the map and profile, as well as a description of the run itself.

http://deanstreethillbillies.blogspot.com/2010/02/stats-thursday-4-february-2010-0600.html

During and immediately after the run all feels good - no niggles or anything unusual. I stepped on a couple of stones which, while pretty hard, didn't do any damage besides a brief pain as my foot came down onto the stone. Immediately after the run my feet felt a little pounded, but just vaguely, and that feeling has disappeared entirely by now. The only after-effects I'm suffering is hunger due to elevated metabolism!!

Tomorrow morning will bring with it sore calves I'm sure, but each FiveFingered run results in less tenderness, and shorter duration of tenderness, of my calves. Two weeks ago I ran 9km (flat) in my 'Fingers' on the Thursday, and Red Hill Classic (36km) that following Saturday (2 days later) in my Nikes. My calves were still a bit tight and tender, but no more so at the end of the race than at the start. The day after I was not at all stiff, and my calves had returned to normal. Lead legs for a few days, and a nasty cold as a result of my body not being used to such high mileage at a time any longer, were the only after-effects!

Things are looking very promising. I will run my 10km and 15km races in my 'Fingers' from now on. Maybe in a few more weeks I'll be ready to tackle Half marathons in them - slow and steady does it. For sure I'll be Half-ready by the time Two Oceans comes around in April. I'm actually very curious to see how many other 'Fingers' there will be on the road by then. When I got mine 3 months ago, I had seen 1 person wearing a pair (at Landmarks Half) and most had not heard of them. Since getting mine I've spread the word and many of my friends have gotten their own. They also seem to be becoming a trend in general, with a 'gear review' in Runners World just the other day. That will surely lead to a sudden increase in demand. Who will actually persevere is another story though - some will buy them for the trendy image, others for practicality and health. Hopefully most will be going for the latter.

FiveFingers Run

It's been a while since I took my VFF's for a run. Last time was 5km, nice and flat, around Newlands. I was planning on running last night's Cape Summer Trail Series first short race with my VFF's, wore them to the venue, ran from car to start, and back to car after collecting my race number. Then decided that the road was a bit stony and might leave my feet a little sore for this morning's run.

It turns out that the whole race wasn't on the jeep track, but some areas were even more rugged, and there was a big stretch of trail beach-like sand that we ran along. That bit would've been very nice!! But I think I made the right choice in using my cushioned running shoes for that trail in the end.

This morning saw the 'Dean Street Hillbillies' meet for our regular Thursday morning 'short' run. Since we were planning on running around 8km, I decided to wear my VFF's here instead. Knowning the route quite well, I know exactly what kind of surfaces I'd be running on, and thought it the perfect opportunity to 'take the next mileage step'. Previously, the longer run I've done in my VFF's was 5km. This morning I clocked 9km, at a blistering pace (for me!) of 6min/km!!

All was very comfy the whole way. Just gotta watch where you step from time to time to avoid any large lumpy objects (won't poke but will bruise the underfoot!) Even my calves and shins seemed quite content with my shoes and pace. At around 8km mark my calves started whispering every so slightly. Right a little more than left. I slowed my pace a little and all felt fine, so I kept going - the end was just about in sight by now. Finished feeling tired but pretty good! Legs not too stiff, just a bit of leftover hammie tightness from last weekend's hilly race (Hohenort 15) in Constantia.


I'd been feeling a bit of chaffing on my left big toe since about 6km, but it didn't feel serious, so I just kept going. Get to gym for my shower and I discover that the chaffing actually resulted in a small blister under my toe, but a little TLC should sort that out in time for Saturday. I think that a bit of taping on the day should keep that one in check. 

Then it's up to my legs to carry me further than I've gone in a year and 2 months! I've done a number of half marathons since October last year, but the longest was a 22km LSD with some friends on 2nd January. I was planning on running Bay to Bay 2 weeks ago, but a nasty little new-year's cold put stop to that madness. So this weekend I'll be tackling a not-insignificant jump from 22km to 36km!! 14km extra! I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a little nervous. Especially considering how tough the course is. But I've done this race a couple of times before, so I know I can do the distance, know I can beat this course. And the cut-off is very generous: 5 hours, same as for the marathon (which is an extra 6km). So I'm going to go out there just to enjoy the route, take advantage of the time provided, and just see how it goes. I'm fully prepared to hurt (especially the next day!), but if I can finish the race in one piece and still on my feet, I'll consider it a success. And my signal that I'm ready to tackle a marathon again at long last!!!

That marathon will be the 'Infantry School Cango Marathon' in Oudtshoorn next month. I've also done it before a couple of times, and know that it's a very do-able route (if a bit HOT), and I'm quite looking forward to running it again! (Missed it last year, long story involving injuries and recovery process, so this year will be extra-special!)


And I've just discovered a new must-do marathon! Outeniqua Marathon in George/Wilderness (okay, technically it's Wilderness to George!). Sounds pretty tough, but not quite as tough as Knysna. And it runs through probably the most beautifully scenic part of the whole country! It's not called 'Eden District' for nothing! And Outeniqua is about 8 weeks after Cango, given me sufficient time to recover and do a bit of build-up again before the big day arrives.

2010

So the new year is upon us, 2009 nothing but memory.
Have you made any New Years Resolutions, and if so, what were they? Have you managed to stick to them so far???


I hit the ground running this year - Saturday 2nd January saw me running 22km in the heat with a group of friends. 


Monday saw me back at work, and in the throes of a nasty new years cold... A week later I'm feeling human once again, and can actually breathe through my now for the first time in a week! I'm still trying to shrug of the last lingering effects, but I think I'll be ready for a slow run by Thursday.
In the meantime I think I need to take a couple of evening walks or slow jogs from home (in my FiveFingers!), to clear my lungs and purge the remaining bugs before they can take hold again. I've already missed running Bay to Bay 30km this past Sunday due to this bug, and I was hoping to have those 30km behind me before I tackle Red Hill Classic (36.2km) next weekend (23rd Jan). Oh well, I guess I'll just be making full use of the very generous cut-off and have a slow, enjoyable run out in Kommetjie!


This coming weekend is a nice warm-up - Hohenort 15km. Hilly route through Claremont, Newlands, Bishops Court, it includes the business-end of Southern Cross Drive (Two Oceans Half) and a few other 'little hills'. Always a fun event!