Two Races in Four Days

 

I am rather pleased with myself. 

On the 12th of Feb I did my first proper trail run. The Hedianga Beast. And although it was only 10km, it was a proper slog. I really suffered. My 10km times are in the 1 hour 5 minute range, but for this one it ended up being 1 hour, 35 minutes and 52 seconds.

The heat did not help. And the trail is not a soft, meandering trail. This is proper trail running. Will I be back. HELL YES!! I think I'm in love.

And then, 4days later, on the 15th Feb, I did the 10km Spar Lantern Race in Irene. Now I have to admit that I was still sore and stiff from The Beast. It was also ridiculously busy, which made the first kilometer or so more of a walk than a run, but eventually it all came together.

I would love to say that the race was easy and no problem, but I was still recovering from The Beast. It was difficult.

But that said, I did finish in 1:03:31, which to my mind is a job well done. Oh, and I have also joined Team Vitality, because temporary licenses do get expensive very fast ;-)

Oh, shut your mouth!!

 I started running some soft trail runs. They are mostly run on golf courses and they are timed. Great stuff. Although not the toughest of races, they are good training, and training I need. Meandering through the golf estates (apologies Mr. Greensman) through the dark is quite interesting. Who knew that the roughs were indeed rough. One or two almost sprained ankles there. And the hidden sprinklers do not help!! Not to mention the sprinklers that are operational at that time of night, giving a short, sharp wakeup shower.

Great fun.

And then I saw the pictures that were posted on the facebook page. You do want to shout "Oh, shut your mouth!!!"

In my defense, I was out of breath!

Johannesburg City 10K Run

 Well then. After the realisation in April of 2015 that I was, in fact, a fat slob, I started running. Well, jogging. Well walking fast and for short intervals. After a bit of a false start I eventually managed to do the running and exercising thing more often during 2016. This culminated in me being in some shape (yes, round is a shape) to run in the JHB 10k City Run last weekend. And my time of 1:02:40 is reasonably, shall we say, not too shabby for an our of shape middle aged man.

This, of course, in preparation for the Two Oceans. You see. Not just blowing smoke about that one...

The 2 Oceans Project – Update 19/04/16

No… I have not forgotten!! I’ve been busy!

Good news is that I passed my last PPL subject and I am now in the home straight for my PPL. Happy dance!!

As for the 2 Oceans Project, I have been training these last two weeks. Last week I did 20,5km and the week before 15,9km. My pace is steadily increasing and I am up from a horrible 8:00/km to a better (but still to be improved) 6:22/km. Still some way to go.

Also signed up for Team Vitality and got my race numbers. Now to find a race or two to compete in.

I have set myself the goal to compete in two 5km races before the end of June. Two 10km races before end October and a half marathon by the end of Jan 2017.

Will keep you all up to date.

The Two Oceans Marathon

Firstly, congratulations to all the brave guys and gals that completed the Two Oceans this past weekend. My hat off to you.

Secondly…

I think I might join you next year.

That gives me a year to prepare. Now, I may be a fool, but I am an old fool. Therefore I will only do the half marathon next year. Still… for somebody that can only do a semi-non-disastrous 5km at this stage, there is some work to be done.

Onward then, James. And don’t spare the horses.

Watch this space….