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
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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
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