Yesterday I was initiated into the wonderful world of 10km road races. I can't believe that, after only 5 months, I have acquired the fitness level to attempt such a race. Obviously such a feat is indeed possible!
I am not naturally an early riser but, on this occasion, I had taken the decision to defy my 'public holiday' sleep-in option. So I buzzed around the sleeping household (including the dogs) trying to gather the necessary things for my race. At 4.30 I presented my hubby a cuppa as he had agreed to accompany me to the start of my adventure.
The ride to Clearwater Mall (the starting point) was a beautiful glimpse into the early morning world of dusk. God's stars were still flickering and there was a chilly wind blowing. The butterflies in my stomach were however not flying in formation.
After registering and gathering my race number, I said goodbye to my hubby and joined my encouraging running partner at the start. We huddled behind a wall in a vain attempt to defer the biting wind. One of the funny sights at the start was an official who was walking amidst the gathered runners offering lubricant from a tub held high. Chafing is apparently common and preparation for avoiding this condition usually made beforehand. I was tempted to dive into this jar but was uncertain.
When Ginny and I heard the start gun, we emerged from our hiding place, and started moving along with the tight crowd. Indeed, we ran the first one and a half kilometers to ensure a smooth merge.
The "Flat race", as this race is commonly termed, is anything but flat! Most of the route winds its way along the steep roads along the mountain ridge running parallel to Hendrik Potgieter Road. We decided to run the downhills and walk the uphills. The ambience was fun and happy; participants joking, encouraging each other and generally chatting. What a privilege to be amongst like-minded folk.
The route itself is very pretty and it makes it way past some spectacular houses. At times the view stretches right across the spanse of the Cradle of Humankind. The birds serenaded us and the two watering points were well stocked.
Ginny and I reached the 6km mark around 56 minutes. To our surprise, the leaders of the 21km race past us at this point (having completed 16km in the same time). Those runners are truly amazing; they are running at a time of around 2.8 minutes per kilometer. Although we couldn't possibly ever run at those times, they were nevertheless totally awesome and inspiring.
We completed the race in the Clearwater Mall's parking lot at a time of 75 minutes. I really enjoyed the run, the atmosphere, the experience and the company along the route. I am so grateful too for my running partner and her husband and for all their encouragement. This encouragement is so common in the Walk /Run for Life family and is the catalyst for achieving many small goals which are often overlooked. And, of course, I am grateful for my faithful husband who arrived donned with our previously discarded jackets.
Today my muscles have recovered and I have registered for the Spar Ladies Race on the 12th October. Would you say that I am hooked yet?
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