I
kicked off my 2018 road running season along with 5000 other runners at the Dis-Chem Half Marathon in Bedfordview. I think most runners will agree with me that this Race can be a“ rude awakening” race. First, you may have forgotten how tough the course really is, but it quickly reminds you of the fact that the December holidays are a thing of the past and that you might not have trained as hard over the Christmas period as you thought …
My Dis-Chem started off with a bit of a wobble, as 7km into the race I was forced to the pavement with a cramp in my calf. I backed off and decided to just run as my calf allowed, trying not to force things. Every couple of kilometres I had to stop and stretch and even though it was a very frustrating 14km, I was reminded of the great camaraderie between runners in SA. I was offered loads of support and water sachets along the route, and eventually I crossed the line in 25th position in a time of 1:41.
NIGGLES AND DOUBTS
After this setback I had serious doubts about running a marathon two weeks later, but luckily for me the calf issue was sorted after a few sessions with my physio, and the marathon was back on the cards. Next stop was Springs for the Garbie 32km, which
KALMER’ S
CORNER
Our Modern Athlete Brand Ambassador’ s Blog
I used as a training run. What I enjoy most about these‘ training races” is the change in scenery, the set water points, the fairly flat profiles when running in the East Rand, and of course the great company of fellow runners.
As long as I stick to my programme and pace, my coach is more than happy that I use weekend races as training runs. However, it is sometimes very difficult to keep the competitiveness at bay when another female runner passes you, and you just have to stick to your pace and let her go … This time I managed to hold back, and after finishing the 32km with a gear or two left, I was confident that I would be able to run my first marathon in almost two years the next week.
Whether you run fast or slow, there is something about the marathon that tests your body, mind and spirit, and I was ready for the Johnson Crane Marathon. I arrived to find thousands of runners lining the streets of Benoni, with many attempting their first 10km; 21km or 42km. I was super excited, but also a bit stressed to see what my body would allow me after the hip operation, the pregnancy, the limited sleep, etc. Although I was well prepared and only running it as a training run, there was still that bit of doubt whether I still had it in me …
By Rene Kalmer
RACING SEASON!
It’ s that time of the year again … 3am wakeup calls on the weekend, forcing breakfast down your throat at 3:30am, joining thousands of other people all dressed in running vests and caps on the highway at 4am. Yes, runners are a special species, but I really missed all of this the past year. And it feels great to be back racing again.
RUNNING SMOOTHLY
My plan was to run at 4:30 / km pace and see how it goes, but after a few kilometres my competitiveness kicked in and I was quickly cruising at 4:20 / km. It was great running a large part of the race with my sister Christine, and together we ticked away the kilometres. I had a great run, and although I didn’ t force myself, I was ecstatic to finish in third place in 3:03 to get back on the podium again. I was also very emotional finishing the race and thinking back about the past two years and the long journey trying to get back to the top.
The marathon will always be a long day( and 42kms will always be 42kms) but being back on the road was an awesome feeling! Running pain-free again is a great feeling and although there is still a long road ahead, I am motivated to give it my best shot. I am psyched up and really looking forward to what the rest of the season may hold! # watchthisspace
Images: Courtesy René Kalmer
11