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.

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