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.

Cape Town is calling

Wayhay!

Cape Town is calling and I am pretty much through my 'to-do' list, no knee-brace though...so extra strong ibuprofen! All that, as well as directing a school production; a nap on the plane is needed!

My running buddy and friend, from Uganda, is already in Cape Town and climbed Table Mountain yesterday. It looks beautiful. I AM EXCITED!!!

More of Tim's photos
found here

Just glad we are not actually running up it!

Think of us on Saturday! I'll let you know how it goes (and how the wine was!) when I return to Kampala.

Woop Woop!

Pre-race Preparations

Eeek...I am soooooooooo nervous about the Two Oceans race on Saturday in Cape Town. I am trying to take deep breathes and thinking of the tour in the stellenbosch wine route the day after the race.

Lists always help.

Race week preparations:

• Go for two easy runs
• Drink water
• Buy energy beans
• Buy and test 'run' a bigger knee brace....I really don't think the brace is supposed to cut off all blood circulation! 
• Buy ibuprofen
• Phone Expedia (once more!!) and confirm that a refund is being processed for the messed-up flight.
• Sort out transport to and from the airport
• Don't drink...save it for the vineyards of Cape Town!
• Charge i-pod and camera
• Pack; remember to put running gear in hand luggage
• Paint nails the same colour as running cap!!
• Don't worry if you only have time for half of the things on the list!




Storms

I spent Friday night watching an electric storm move closer and closer, we had to close all the shutters bar one, left open for our viewing pleasure. We moved on from wine and drank whiskey wrapped in blankets and pashminas. Storms are great, like that, when your inside.

This morning, after getting up at 6.30am (yes, on a Sunday morning!) my long run was rained off. My buddy and I gave up after one km and went and sat in my car. I spent longer putting on my Vaseline than I did actually running. We waited in my car, deciding what to do. Storms aren't so great during a run. Bugger-our last long run before the Two-Oceans was ruined. We waited some more, then went for breakfast. Then the sun came out, just long enough for a rainbow to arc over Kampala. I think the ugly backdrop made the rainbow even prettier.

Hoping for a dry and cool morning in Cape Town next Saturday.

The funny thing about flying

Everyone has a  story about air travel; funny, frustrating, frightening or even sad. Sitting next to hooded falcons in first class, the fundamental Christian that stands up to bless everyone and the one I heard yesterday, from my friend Ali, about being charged the add-ons for the low budget airline; the bag, the meal, the seat! Hilarious!

funny image of Gibraltar airport

As you know, I had trouble with expedia recently. Long story short (deep breath)... my flight got cancelled and they put me on a new flight that would get me to Cape Town two days after I was supposed to have run the Two Oceans..helpful!

Then...yeahhh...my dad steps in to save the day (much hand clapping!!!!) "Of course!!... Brilliant idea !! ...Why didn't I think of that before!!"

So, it looks like everything will be OK after all! Phew. I may even just have to go business class as nothing else is available.

I told this to my friend and she laughed and reminded me of my last experience in business class:

I was flying from Entebbe to Kuwait via Addis Abba. The 'maid-mobile' was pretty packed and I was sticking out like a sore thumb. Anyhow, I got upgraded. "Nice!" I thought! I looked forward to choosing my wine off the list and selecting my cheese from the trolley. Hmm not quite.
My friend asked what it was like on this particular airline and I told her that I watched ' the map' for the 6 hour flight. She thought this was a new movie. Nope,  for  the 6 hour flight, I had the route of the plane to watch!! Hahah...business class (!)...thank goodness for the free cava.

I'll let you know how it fares this time round!

I'll be taking my running gear as carry-on...just in case!