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!