Running the Two Oceans

For a while I thought that this run was not meant to happen for Tim and I; cancelled flights, being stopped at the airport because of my lack of Yellow Fever certificate (oopps!) then the late taxi the morning of the run. But after getting up at 4am on a crisp (read, bloody cold) Cape Town morning, we got there...we ran to the starting line and joined the BACK of the 13 999 people that were lined up.

The time had come, the only thing left was to enjoy the 'most beautiful run in the world'. Even though the half marathon was not going by the coast, that route was only for the ultra marathon, our route was going to take us up in the hills, making for a challenging run.

I hadn't realised how cold it would be, but I was so excited and literally danced across the starting line at 6am, (there was no way anyway could run anyway!). There were so many people that the first bit Tim and I ran/walked together-every time we hit a corner the sea of runners were stuck and had to walk-a little frustrating for those going for a time. It took me more than an hour to weave in and out of people so that I could put my Kampala hills training (thanks to coach Tim!) to use. The sun was out by then and the course was just beautiful.

Locals had camped out by there house, having braais and picnics , sitting on sofas, wrapped in blankets and all cheering on the runners. There were even brass bands and cheerleaders at stages. A great atmosphere on a breathtaking course- I got quite emotional at times thinking how lucky I was. This was a well organised BIG run, in the same league as London, Paris and Boston. I'm not sure if I could do the lonely Source of the Nile marathon again-a route where I only saw one of two people along the way.


There were periods of time when we were running through the hills, that the sound of footsteps were deafening-the only noise breaking the peace and quite  - it was very special.
 
 

The clean air, low altitude and cool temperature were like a helping hand on my back pushing me along. I ran the second 10km strong, but it was a continual struggle to make up for lost time at the slow start. Unlike my first half marathon last year, I didn't hate my body,or promise my legs a massage when I finished, I just enjoyed every moment and didn't really want it to end.

But it did...eventually...and I crossed over the finish line and collected my winning medal!!

The finish

 My time was 2 hours 29minutes - a bit of a disappointment if I am honest, so I will just have to back to do the course again...and get a bit further-up at the starting line! (The only photo I have with my medal won't load up.I did do it...promise!)

celebratory drinks at the waterfront

Now - I am contemplating my first full marathon next year.