The race is still the same no matter how fast we run. #dischem21

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Bo

Compared to other running races, the Dischem half marathon unnerves me. It’s a tough course. It starts out with 10kms of undulating road before you get hit with a gradual pull which last from around 11kms to 18kms. The next 3kms to the finish line is a massive downhill drop which can be rough on the knees and quads.

Given what I’ve just described, it remains one of the most popular races on the race calendar and sells out pretty quickly with a field of over 6500 runners.

I knew I had to pace myself carefully. Go out too fast and have nothing left for the uphill pull. Go out too slowly and miss the 3-hour cut off. It’s a daunting task! I decided to use the run to get the time on my legs and not overdue it. I had pushed quite hard the week before at the Wits Kudu’s 15km race.

But as a race review, there’s something to Sunday’s race that goes beyond the fantastic organisation, the ice cold water stops, the brilliant marshalling on the busy streets or even the teams of photographers along the route capturing runner’s faces. It’s the vibe that reminded me of what running is all about.

Dischem Half Marathon tweeted a picture of the last lady finishing the race. Alongside her is a crowd of supporters, cheering her on, running the last km with her. That tweet was followed by so many well wishes and words of encouragement from so many people, including one from Jenna Challenor, who finished the race in 2^nd position. It touched my heart! What an awesome message! The winning time was 1:06. The last runner finished in 4:07. Both runners would have felt nerves at the start, both would’ve experienced pain heading up those steep hills and both would’ve been absolutely elated crossing the finish line.

It doesn’t matter how fast you run, or what your finishing time is, the race is still the same. The victory just as sweet!

Well done to all runners!

See you next year Dischem.

To new beginnings…

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Bo

New running club.

New running vests.

New running goals.

I’m looking forward to the runs this year and as always, learning the lessons that running teaches me about life. 2016, lets do this!

Running towards the fear

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Bo

I saw this quote about two weeks ago. It immediately grabbed my attention and I’ve wanted to shout it out on various social media platforms. But I haven’t. Because I’m not yet ready to be brave enough to say it out loud. To announce what I’m planning on doing.

It feels as if I could easily use this image for a number of incidents going on in my life currently. So I didn’t want to waste the words by sharing it too early or for something trivial. Because it isn’t. And the words are *that* powerful to me.

I read it over and over again and it’s beginning to make sense. There are others that also resonate with me too. Such as these…

So it’s the 32km Tough One race on Sunday. I’ll just leave it there…

What being a Junkie has taught me

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Bo

Last year August I signed up with a running coach. I secretly hoped that he would in some miraculous way make me a faster runner.

I remember that first afternoon track session well. A couple of runners gathered on the grass field, then we started with a 2.3km warm up (which almost killed me) followed by more warming up, and finally running around and around a grass track, ending off with another cool down on the same 2.3km warm up route (ok, this time I did die). After my first session, I remember asking the coach, “So this will make me fast, right?” I was so naive!

A year later, here’s what I’ve learnt about track training and coaching:

The pace I run does not define me as a runner. *repeat*
Even those running at 4 mins/km want to run faster. It’s a runner’s thing.
There’s a difference between a quality run and an easy run. You need to do both.
Nobody forces you to do anything. Progress is entirely in your hands.
Injuries happen.
When it comes to track, everyone is equal and gets treated the same way. Everyone does the same track session. Slow runner? Pffft, *suck it up Junkie*
I’ve made the most incredible friends with some of the most extraordinary people from all walks of life. At track, we find that common bond.
Track has taught me to put things into perspective. The lessons around consistency and discipline can be applied to all things in my life.

I guess the biggest thing I’ve gained is not just one coach, I’ve scored over 20 different coaches! Yes, so Dave is the main kahuna, but each person that I train with at track has made a difference to my running and taught me something in their own way.

It’s the odd word during the warm up about the best PB races; it’s the encouragement as each one of them laps me. It’s the tips offered about my running form & reminders not to slouch; it’s the books loaned to me; the caring Whatsapp messages, those that run that last lap with me and help me push my limits. It’s the LSD’s on Sunday, the jokes we share, the ones that look out for me at races and those who sacrifice their track session to pace me.

It’s been the most incredible year. I can truly say that track training with the Running Junkies has changed the way I think about running, changed the way I judge my pace and has made me understand what matters most about why I run. There’s so much more to love about running than my pace!