Dear Two Oceans Half Marathon,
Like most runners, I fell in love with you right from the start. You were the dream race, the one everyone spoke about. When my running training started at the beginning of each year, it would be centred around you as the goal date, the goal race. All the reading I did was about you. All the training I did was for you. In terms of running, you were ‘my everything’.
But since 2010, things between us started to go wrong. You started to see more people and the entries just grew and grew. The problem is that with 16 000 runners, it makes it that much tougher for me to get over that starting mat without losing at least 10 minutes. I don’t exactly have 10 minutes to spare because, as you know, I run at 8 minutes per km and this cuts it fine with a 3 hour cut off time. It’s funny because ever since I started running, I’ve allowed your 3 hour cut off time to dictate my runs and my pace to the extent that I feel absolutely miserable when I don’t run my half marathons under 3 hours.
I guess that’s my point. How you make me feel. Like any woman in an abusive relationship, I forgave you because I ‘loved’ you. I even started this blog about ‘Keeping up’ because I was so desperate to please you. But if I have to be honest with myself, you make me feel like a failure, inadequate, pathetic. You stress me out and instead of enjoying the run, I keep thinking that I will fail. I keep wanting to quit every single day but fear that other runners will judge me.
I don’t feel like that when I run other races. In fact, since January, I’ve noticed a change within me. I started to like running half marathons and not be stressed about the time. I started to enjoy the distance. I’ve loved every kilometre and when I’ve crossed the finish line, I’ve been so damn proud of myself. Proud because I am able to run 21.1km. So far, I’ve run 3 half marathon races this year and each one has taken me over 3 hours, but you know what, it didn’t matter. I have fallen in love with my running again!
So, I think what I’m trying to say is … it’s not you, it’s me. It’s taken me 4 years to realize that running is supposed to be fun. It’s taken me so many races to finally acknowledge that I run at 8 minutes per km and I’m okay with that. I watch so many other runners crossing that finish line after me with smiles on their faces. I want to be one of those runners. I want to be content and at peace and not carry around this huge burden.
So it’s good bye. We can still be friends and I will see you for the 8km run on Good Friday. But as far as any long term commitment, you’ve taken up way too much of my time and energy (both mentally & physically) already. I’m moving on.
Bronwynne
Keeping up with the Walkers... 
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You go girl, your decision and you have to do what works for you. Love your blog.
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Hi Kevin! You just made my Friday! Thank you! 🙂
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🙂 Its true – it doesnt matter how fast you run there will always be someone faster. My new goal is to run easier; try and stick to the same time but do it with a smile on my face and enjoy it! Good luck with your next run!
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Yeah, I guess we all have different goals. The main point is to enjoy running! Have an awesome race! 🙂
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Fantastic Letter.
Yes running must be fun…
Well Done!
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:-))
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You go girl!! I know that whatever you do its with all your heart and passion. You must dictate all the rules!!!! Dont worry be happy…….lol
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I love you Ma! X
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Well done for making another tough call. Your bravery and honest continuously inspire and awe me
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It’s actually been your words to me since the beginning that have always stuck with me. I must stop haaking on this “I only run 8 mins/km story”. Thanks for your support and advice!
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Loved this post! Well done on another brave decision. You inspire me with your honesty and courage. Always
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Sometimes you just know when it is time to end a relationship. And as with any relationship you learn and grow. Well done. (and I am so glad you are loving running again….)
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You are definitely braver than many of us walkers…. at least you can even attempt other 21km. And three already this year, that is huuuuuuge. For me anything over 10km and I walk away. You will soon be able to do the two oceans again and beat the cut-off with the new attitude and new found enjoyment of the half-marathon. Yes I agree, it’s not you, it definitely is the Two Oceans Half Marathon that has issues 😉 😉
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Issues! Lol i love that!
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But they’re doing mat to mat timing this year. No 10 min delay. No excuse.
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Mat to mat? First I’ve heard of it – that’s great! But I’ve made up my mind. I struggle with this every year and land up hating it. The crowds, the stress. I’m happy with my decision.
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@Nicole Just btw I don’t think you are correct. They are starting group E, the largest group 10 minutes later thus effectively reducing the congestion but nowhere have I seen them mention mat-to-mat timing
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