ROAD RUNNING
Gritting his teeth in that 2016 Two Oceans
COUNTING THE KAYS DOWN
With my longer legs taking short strides to save my knees , I found some runners at my pace , including a very muscular and hairy guy who was running very funnily . I made a joke about that and he just laughed , and now I had someone to speak to , as I had no idea how long I was going to last . He was a blessing to join up with . More mini celebrations at 5km and 6km , and as we took the off-ramp right on to Kendal Road towards Constantia , the sunlight came though and the place lit up .
There were now huge crowds lining both sides of the road on this cool morning , and as we went up a slight incline through 7km and 8km , my new friend was still with me . I actually recognised some people in the crowds , but I was way too tired to even greet them . At 9km , on our way to Southern Cross Drive , I saw my uncle Bubi Harris and his family , as well as my sister Sumaya and husband Nasir . I tried to look strong and wave , but I was ‘ binne in my chops ,’ just counting the steps as we progressed .
Giving the Two Oceans Half another go in 2017
The 10km mark brought another celebration , with a GU , and sommer also a chocolate ! But it wasn ’ t so easy now … My legs were hurting , and I was feeling tired going up and up . Southern Cross is long , and cramp started setting into my calves , while my backside was still burning – and not from Deep Heat ! Meanwhile , my friend needed a toilet , but all were full on the side of the road . More crowds and more walkers , and I thought , “ I need to pass them ... but my back is aching ... and I am finished . I want to go home .”
At 19km I was limping again , doing the cowboy run-walk , breathing hard , and just praying to get to the finish . Then came that little hill at 20km , just before UCT , and every step was now a prayer .
Finally , around 13km , I could see the top of Southern Cross , with a huge red air filled banner . I was walking , and noticed my laces had come loose , so I bent down to tie them , and yikes … I couldn ’ t get back up . Swear words came to mind ! Eventually back up and moving , I was limping , literally walking like an injured cowboy , but I was on top . Time for another celebration , and yay , another GU !
THE CHALLENGE TO GET HOME
My friend was now behind me somewhere as I continued through 14km , 15km ... more and more crowds applauding ... 16km , 17km , and my friend was back with me , but he tells me he is ‘ moeg !’ I was running , but had no control of my legs . At Kirstenbosch I asked a lady running next to me what the time was , and she said it ’ s about two hours . “ Really ?” I said , and with renewed energy , I gave two GU ’ s to my friend and pushed on . The cool weather was helping me , and as I turned on to the M3 going up to UCT , I passed Irafaan Abrahamas – Fanie – on a loudspeaker , and that gave me another boost for the last climb .
At 19km I was limping again , doing the cowboy runwalk , breathing hard , and just praying to get to the finish . Then came that little hill at 20km , just before UCT , and every step was now a prayer . Pain beyond belief , but still running , and then I saw the entrance to UCT . Going through the gate , with just 200m to go , I ran with all my might . Yoh , so many people , huge crowds , but I just wanted to get over the line . Finally , I crossed the line ... Finished !
I was drained . I was ‘ klaar .’ Couldn ’ t believe it as I collected the medal , and with one big kiss , I said , “ Alhamdulillah .” ( All praise is due to the Almighty ). I couldn ’ t walk , my legs were filled with cramp , the pain unbearable , so was told to go to the medics , and there I received a massage that was so painful , but I was grateful that I could rest . Now the problem ... I still had to walk and find my way home . I had no phone on me , and I knew no-one around me , and I had forgotten to arrange getting home ! Eventually , I managed to get home three hours later … and then I couldn ’ t walk for five days !
REGULAR RUNNER
In spite of his painful first experience of running 21km , Abbas has gone on to finish the Two Oceans Half Marathon four consecutive times , with a best f 2:08:06 . He says he now feels ready to step up the 56km Two Oceans Marathon , which will no doubt lead to another interesting story about celebrating the kay markers !
Images : Action Photo SA & Courtesy Abbas Harris
30 ISSUE 144 AUGUST 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za