Caledon Staalwater Trail Run 7km - 17 August 2019

 I entered this one with daughter, Taz, and her friend, Judi, who were over for a holiday.

The morning was very cold and windy, but we set off anyway. Hubs took me in the car, and Taz and Judi went in their car as they did not want to come straight back home afterwards.

Quick toilet visit and we hung around inside trying to keep warm. At last it was the turn of the 7km and we went off to the start line.  It was a relief to get off and start running. It was nice to run around a nature reserve rather than on the roads for a change but it was a relief when the race was over too - so much wind!

Daughter, Taz, came in first (well done to her), I was second, and Judi came in third after chatting all the way around with another runner.

We bought ourselves a cup of coffee and muffin. It was the best coffee ever! And we went back for more.

I later found out that I was first lady back in my age category!

Napier Patatfees Half Marathon and 10km Road Race

I have realised that I did not do write-ups of my Skukuza half marathon and my last Napier 10km. I think I was pretty disappointed with these so I didn't bother! I'll move on swiftly!

Napier 10km 'road' race - June 2019:

It was a very frosty, clear morning. Dark (and cold) I got up just before 7am. Harry was raring to go! I let the dogs and cats outside and switched on the kettle. I made myself a cup of green tea and found a Portuguese roll in the bread bin, which I buttered and added jam to. That was breakfast. I took Steve a cup of green tea. He had said he would get up with me and see to the animals and chooks!

I got dressed and went to the toilet a few times! As you do! We left for the school field in the car and arrived just after 8am to be told the races were starting half an hour late. So we hung around in the cold!

We watched the MTB races start, and then the 21km road race, then I lined up for the 10km. We started about 8.45 I think and I left my long sleeve top with Steve, hoping that it would warm up enough that I wouldn’t need it.

We went off quite quickly as the first kilometre was downhill. I waved to Steve’s camera as we left the school grounds and tried to stay in control down hill. I felt good, which was a relief and kept running with no walking. We continued along the Elim road for a few kilometres before having to backtrack and then turn off left up the mountain and into a reserve. Everyone was walking up the brick road, it was so steep, then it levelled off a bit and I was able to run again. We continued through the forest and came out on to a flat, grassy area, where we met some of the mountain bikers in their race. It was a bit annoying at that stage as I wanted to run again but everyone was still walking, and there were a few bikes coming along from behind, so it was difficult to get past. Eventually I got going again and we started going downhill again, which was nice, although rather steep for a while, so I had to hold myself back.

Near the bottom, Steve was waiting to take photos, and I carried on running, even though it was uphill at that point. I wasn’t going to let Steve see me walking. I felt I had done really well so far and had done over 8kms in about 48 minutes. I knew the worst part was to come. And it did! All uphill through the town, and up the hill to the school. Yes, I did walk up that hill! It is a killer! Then, to finish off, a sprint around the track at the school!

I finished in 1hr 8mins 8 seconds according to my chip. Actual time was 1:07:57. Very happy, a PB for that course.

An enjoyable run overall, and I finished it off with a beefburger! Much more fun than the last one I did. I was also more prepared for it, which helps!