How time flies ! The Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon turns 25 this year , and I remember that first event in 1998 like it was yesterday . My team mates and I from Runners World had started the first race pace busses in SA after seeing it done by our US parent edition . We had our pace times written on balloons , which didn ’ t prove easy to navigate in the wind over the ultra . Friends running the first-ever half , which started a bit later , dropped us off in the pitch dark . As we walked down to the new start on Main Road in Newlands , the nervously excited energy of 10 000 runners queuing up in a massive heaving human hive was palpable . We had each arrived from such different places . Some from tin shacks , others from tourist hotels ; some had even camped out nearby because they hadn ’ t a place to stay . No other mass gathering sees people so radically different , stripped down to bare minimum , happily facing the same challenge , irrespective of race , class or age . This remains the raw beauty of long-distance running . For the next 21 or 56km each of these souls are united , sweating and breathing hard , forging ahead , shoulder to shoulder , the way life should be . Putting this special Two Oceans edition together has been a wonderful reminder of the indelible magic of this sport . The incredible spirit of unity in a once-illegal multiracial gathering that is a celebration of our freedom – under sunny skies against the most beautiful canvas . Massive respect to all the Blue Number runners , and even more so to the 750-odd incredible athletes listed on pages 114-119 , and on page 130 , who have gone way beyond amazing by finishing over 20 Two Oceans Ultras or Half marathons !
Reading the sage advice from top
|
running coaches David Ashworth and Kathleen Shuttleworth on how to tackle and conquer the Ultra ( page 108 ) and Half ( page 124 ) reflects the massive knowledge now available to runners – who once just ran as much as possible in training and as fast as possible on race day , hoping they wouldn ’ t blow before their usually thumb-sucked goal time was up . Taking it one step further , exercise science guru Professor Andrew Bosch explains in scientific terms ( page 50 ) exactly what training principles are key for your best race . |
The solace of training solo is food for the soul but the social energy of racing is music for the heart .
Experienced sports physician ( and chief medical officer at Two Oceans ) Dr Lynelle Hoeks gives us all a gentle warning ( page 120 ) about how not to end up in her medical tent . Read these , they will very likely make your race day . Once you ’ ve wrapped your head around the right way to approach a very long run , use our pace charts ( page 106 ) to help you stay on track and not get carried away , literally or figuratively .
Apart from great advice , we also
|
have access to insane technology , most notably in running shoes , where there are now infinitely more options to suit your style , speed , distances and budget . Our fleet-footed road shoe guy Geoff Crowe has once again spent months trying all the new stuff to help you save time weeding out what probably won ’ t work for you . Read his advice on which road running shoes suit who ( page 26 ). If you love the trails , or are tempted to try , we have also checked out a host of great gear to help you run safely and smoothly into the wild ( page 70 ).
Those who live to travel with their running shoes will love our stories by interesting Saffas who have explored some intriguing races in amazing places , like Thailand , Greece , Spain and the Cederberg . Speaking of interesting people who shift boundaries , our greatest-ever runner Gerda Steyn only later revealed that she had been riding an indoor bike throughout her interview ( page 44 ).
At the recent Pass2Pass Ultra Trail near Wellington , I once again had my eyes opened to the stereotypes we carry with us . While relaxing with a cold beer after a boiling-hot 3-hour 25km , imagining that anyone who had intentionally chosen the longer routes had to be massively experienced hardcore dudes , I recognised two very feminine women finish the scary 62km with beaming smiles . First a mom in her 50s ( read her story on page 98 ), who was top 5 overall , then a model who I ’ d earlier presumed would be doing the 10km ( she recounts her race on page 85 ). I was humbly reminded that anyone can do anything if they want to . Kyle Evans , who shares his inspiring life turnaround story and endurance adventure into the Arctic ( page 74 ) is another reminder .
Whatever or wherever and how far or how fast you choose to run , it ’ s a blessing to move , so soak up every glorious moment .
Please send us feedback and suggestions on how we can improve your reading experience : runmag @ electricink . co . za @ runmagsa Get more news & views at bikeruntri . co . za
|
PHOTOGRAPH ACTION PHOTO SA |
||||
16 | RUN FOR YOUR LIFE |