If you’ve been following my blog for a few years now, you may recall that the Two Oceans half marathon is not one of my favourite running races (understatement). I find the anxiety of the congested start, the hype around the race, and making the race cut-off all contributing to it being a very stressful run. I’ve even documented my feelings in various blog posts throughout the years:
- How I started this blog in 2011 with Two Oceans in mind
- My excitement in 2011 when I signed up to run the race after missing cut-off in 2011 which devastated me
- I’ve analysed the race like a slice of pizza, slice by slice
- I blogged about my feelings when I pulled out of because of injury in 2012 and then for being overwhelmed by stress
- I recall blogging about nightmares I’ve had just thinking about the race
- I wrote a “Dear John” type letter to the race, officially splitting up (hysterical!)
- My Two Oceans fun runs have also been documented the year it rained and 2013’s 8km run
- Conquering my fear of Two Oceans in 2014 was my last post.
Yowzer! I’ve realized I’m clearly obsessed with the race and focus on pretty much all the negative things about it. So I decided to look at the positive side this year. Instead of analyzing all the negative things that stress me out about the race, I’m going down to Cape Town focusing on the positives.
- I am one of the lucky ones who managed to get an entry.
- An Easter holiday down in the fairest, most beautiful Cape. I can’t wait.
- I am blessed to report that I am fit and healthy while there are others, such as KK, injured and having had to pull out of the race. Sorry KK.
- My Dad will be running the race too! This might be the most special thing about that day and I’m going to try and run at least some of the way with him.
- There are so many of my friends and Running Junkie training friends who will be competing. It’s been an honor training with them and I can’t wait to see them reach their goals.
- I have trained hard. I have covered the distances and done the work I need to do.
- My Championchip times show that I am able to run a 21.1km race in under
3:002:50 minutes. I no longer need to stress about that 3 hour axe cut-off over my head. - I am able to run a distance that majority of people have never even tried to run. I am a runner. I can run 21.1kms! Me!
The Two Oceans countdowns posted on social media still take my breath away and give me serious *goosies*! It’s going to be fab! It’s going to be epic! Two Oceans, here I come!
Are you also running? How are you feeling about the race?
Good luck! I would love to do Two Oceans… next year!?!?
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I decided to not run it this year because I could not substantiate the amount of money it would cost me for a half marathon over Easter weekend but I am having SERIOUS FOMO about not running now!
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But it’s a valid reason not to run. Yikes! A trip to Cape Town is so expensive! Maybe add to your bucket list. 🙂
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Ja i worked the sums out a few times and I just could not validate the expense. Maybe if I ever get to the level of doing the ultra – or win the lotto 😉
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Ultra? Wow, now you’re thinking big!!!
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It is a VERY vague notion at this stage… VEEERY vague 😉
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Good luck for the race B! You’ve been doing so much hard work, I’m sure this year will be much more enjoyable.
I’m also racing (haha) the half but currently having a niggly, stupid injury. Really hope it clears up by then.
Hope to see on the weekend – if not during the race then after. M and I always take turn at the beer tent and then planning to go to Forries later.
Have a great time in CT!
Leigh xx
watermouse 😉
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Ah man, hopefully that niggle is more in your head and disappears fast! Yes, can;t wait to see you guys and enjoy the race! All the best to you too! (you two!)
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Listen! We’ve got this! We’ve worked hard! We can do this!
Cool… calm… collected
Memory bank
We did a GREAT run yesterday and I really just want to say thanks for agreeing to run with me. It’s done wonders for my confidence and excitement over Oceans!
See you at the start!
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It did wonders for my confidence too! #memorybank. LOL, so you were listening! Love it! Next time I see you is gonna be at that starting line! We’ve got this! Good Luck!
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I will message you when we get there, maybe we can cross the start together… I am soo excited! P.S. I just joined Team Vitality for proper ASA licence! Squee!
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I’m not sure what to say to you except good luck;);) and as far as being a runner we all evolve or mature with every struggle or victory we attain on our way to our goals no matter how big or small. You’ll be awesome no matter how fast you run ..;);)
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We focus too much on the negative sometimes and forget all the little blessings and things to be grateful for! Go Bron, will be rooting for you
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I think you’re going to do amazingly well this year! See you there 🙂
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Firstly, so sorry about KK! 😦 Secondly, I find those big races with congested starts terrifying too, the half way more so than the ultra. Thirdly, I hope you can ditch the baggage and anxiety that the race stirs up, and realize that you’re a completely different runner to previous years, in every way. Ps: I think you should change your Twitter bio. You’re already running less than 8 mins a km, and no longer trying 😊
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I really should, right! I mean you are what you say you are & as long as I keep saying I run at 8mins, it won’t change. I need to believe! Thanks Tanya! All the best for your race too! I’ll be looking out for you! X
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Good luck! My dad is running the race to. He is 71 years old.
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No ways!!! That’s incredible! Another positive!
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This year is your year Bron. You will dominate this demon and own this race and like you said, you will be able to share this momentous occasion with your dad who is running with you.
I have been following your running journey since I started and you are the most consistent and determined runner I know. Soon I will back on the road and I strive to have the same successes you have had and to go through the struggles you have endured to reach this point.
Have fun and know that your fans and friends are supporting you!
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Looking fwd to running with you sometime again T!
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