Two days, Two Oceans, two races, this is how I experienced it…

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Bo

So even though I decided not to run the Two Oceans Half Marathon, it was a spur of the moment decision to partake in the 5km race, held on the Friday before the big races. The weather in Cape Town had started to turn and so, instead of heading down to the beach, we went through to UCT.

At 14:30 in the afternoon, the race started and approximately 3 000 runners / joggers / walkers / prams (and a Bokkie) ran out of the beautiful UCT grounds and down University Drive on what was aptly named the Two Oceans Fun Run. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect! The vibe electrifying. The laughter contagious. What a fantastic afternoon and run! I had so much fun! My time: 39 minutes. I’m thrilled.

Turn the clocks a mere 19 hours forward and as majority of the field were approaching the half way mark of the 21.1km race, sheets of rain, mixed with nasty winds, started to pour down!

I sat on the grandstand, waiting with clean, dry towels for KK and the rest of the running gang to come in. But as the rain came down harder, and the spectators scurried for shelter, I somehow missed KK’s finish and spent the next 45 minutes trying to find him. Drenched and freezing, when we did find one another, he proudly announced that he had managed to run a PB! 1:49 … Awesome babes!

I guess this year’s Two Oceans was one of those that runners will never forget. One that is so gruelling and tough for some (who really feel that they earned that medal) and yet refreshing and invigorating for others who sailed through and achieved fantastic results.

But between you and me, as we drove home in the rain, passing the unlucky few that had missed the 3 hour cut-off, in my heart I was somehow relieved that I did not run. My heart broke for those who did not make it as I’ve experienced that disappointment before. But I knew, with all that congestion in the E-batch, the rain and the lack of mental mojo, I would not have gotten over that finish line in time.

I was thankful for the fact that I ran my 5kms, I enjoyed it. And I’m learning that with my runs, that’s what matters most.

But I will be back. I know I will…

Saying hello…and goodbye to Two Oceans

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Bo

As KK and I depart for our annual Easter break down in Cape Town, I must admit, I’m feeling a little mizz. In fact I’ve been feeling a bit down for a while now. You see, as everyone packs their bags and counts down to the Two Oceans half or ultra marathon, I won’t be running the race this year.

I pulled out due to injury as well as not being mentally ready to race against a cut-off time of 3 hours I feared I would miss (again). I was at a point where my running was not fun anymore and I hated the training. So I made the decision to stop stressing about my running, to focus on the 10km races and start falling in love with running again…

It was not an easy decision but once I made it, it was a weight off my shoulders and I still think it was the right decision. I have really enjoyed the shorter distances and I’ve had fun not having to constantly watch my pace. I’ve been happy with a 4km run in the evenings from home and sleeping later when I don’t feel like getting up at 3:30am for a race. It has helped me get back my “running mojo” and I’m enjoying it more than ever.

Yet it still doesn’t take away the fact that I wish I was running on Saturday. It doesn’t take away the fact that reading people’s tweets and blogs as they count down to the race doesn’t fill me with a tingle of jealousy and bit of regret.

While I know runners don’t judge one another, I am my biggest critic and keep trying to convince myself that pulling out of the race doesn’t mean I’m quitting. It means I’m doing what’s right, for me, at this point in time.

But it’s a heaviness that fills my heart.

I will still be there to support KK and the rest of our running gang. I’ll most probably get *goosies* when the gun goes off and I’ll still be super excited to see my running friends cross that finish line.

I’m holding thumbs that KK runs a PB! I wouldn’t miss that for the world!

Ps: this will be my last blog post until we get back from holiday on the 15th April.

Have a wonderful Easter!

Escaping to Bushman’s Hide

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Bo

I guess I’m like most people who signed up for the Groupon and Wicount daily deals email. I get that rush when I see deals that promise such massive discounts, but I’ve only ever bought meal vouchers.

That was until in August when I spontaneously bought a mini holiday break at a tented camp in the Waterberg called Bushman’s Hide. The deal was 80% off (too good to be true, right?) and promised a 2 night, 3 day stay including all meals in a secluded environment in the Waterberg.

KK and I were lucky enough that when we booked, the days between Christmas and New Year were open and so we grabbed the opportunity to rest after the busy Christmas weekend.

What a surprise Bushman’s Hide turned out to be…

From the minute we arrived there, we were treated to 5-star treatment. Our luggage was carried to our luxury tent while we were ushered to the welcome area for a drink whilst our guide took us through the logistics and plans for the next two days. The difference is that, other than breakfast and supper times, we were free to do whatever we chose, we just had to inform the lodge of when and what it was.

So we acted like real honeymooners and chose to eat all meals at our room, booked a quad bike the following morning to view the game and decided to have a picnic, in the bush, followed by a massage (also in the middle of the bush).

The service at Bushman’s Hide is fantastic and even though they only have 4 tents (which means a maximum of 8 people can stay there at the same time) we totally felt as if we were the only ones there! The staff were at our beck and call the entire time.

Our bed got turned down at night with a little chocolate on our pillows and soft candles lit in the tent.

The best was the picnic in the bush, surrounded by nothing else but that zinging of insects and deafening silence, we read magazines and nibbled on cheese and biscuits until our masseuse arrived to give us both massages. In the bush!

The weather was overcast and on the 2^nd day, we had light drizzle in the afternoon which was absolutely perfect for that afternoon snooze.

We had such a great time and with no cellphone reception (I know!) we were forced to do nothing else but read, sleep and relax.

It was wonderful!

Every runner needs to rest

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Bo

When KK and I were invited by our close friends to spend a long weekend with them and some others at a holiday camp called Lindani in the Waterberg, we jumped at the opportunity. We never really take any long weekend breaks and decided it might be a good idea to take advantage of the December 16th long weekend.

With a car boot packed full of food, drinks and cozzies, off we went…

Lindani is a 3800ha game farm in the Waterberg 275kms north of Johannesburg situated on the Palala and Melk rivers. It has eight secluded houses and lodges, each with its own pool. We hired out Motseng, which is 4 lodges, sleeping 18 people.

Our days comprised of nothing else but eating, sleeping, laughing and relaxing…

LINDANI MOTSENG LODGE

DOWN AT THE RIVER…

SUNDOWNERS…

GOOD FRIENDS…

We had all intentions of running and even took our running kit with us. But the running shoes stood at the door and the Energades on ice. We were just too relaxed to run. I guess every runner needs that once in a while…