The theme continued through out my South African holiday, I
was bitten by their active bug. As I headed West along the coast the enthusiasm
and opportunity for sport did not let up. I am aware much of this is due to the
climate in the southern hemisphere at this time of year, as who could resist
the allure of the outdoors with the fresh sea air and the deep warming
sunshine.
I got a little carried away after completing the Park Run,
so much so that just a week later I had agreed to run a half marathon. Thankfully
I was now down at sea level although the 4am alarm call on the Sunday morning
did have me questioning my decision. Unlike in the UK no pre entry was
required, I could have so easily rolled
over and ignored that alarm. Thankfully I had agreed to run it with a friend,
there was no choice.
Just as the sun was rising over the ocean, hundreds of like
minded slightly crazy runners set off along the quiet and picturesque route. It
was only then that it dawned on me, I have not trained for such an event, my
longest run in the last nine months probably equated to half the distance. This
news then reached my legs at about fourteen kilometres into the twenty-one
kilometre race. As we meandered along the river Knysna towards the sea the stunning
views with mist rising off the shimmering water and the hills appearing behind
were just enough to distract my mind from the fatigue in my muscles.
Damage limitation was required and what better way to
recover than a dip in the chilly waters off the Eastern Cape. This brought back
memories of cross country races in Cornwall that were often followed with a
dash into the Atlantic post run. The only difference being I did not need to
worry about a possible hypothermic reaction.
