Sunday, 16 November 2014

Race - Vital Winelands Race, 21kms

After my initial concern of taking part in half marathons, (21.1kms), I am super chuffed with the completion of my third one this year!  I remember when I was totally exhausted for days after my first 5km, it then took me years to complete my first 10km, and 21.1km was just not something I had every considered. I definitely felt a lot less 'dead' after this race than last week's Cape Point (which was only 13kms!) and the previous week's Landmarks half marathon.

It was a super early start, the 21km was to start at 05:45 in Stellenbosch, which meant that I had to leave really early from Hout Bay (04:30), as I still needed to get my race number (and socks that I had forgotten I had ordered - the proceeds going to charity). Had arranged to go through with a neighbour - unfortunately he was  a no show, so at 04:47, I was getting really concerned about making it on time. There was also a cloud burst, so did not really want to speed through the rain. I was late for the race! First time I have ever been this late for a race; in fact the race had already started when I got there! Can't say I was too impressed, but I must admit that it was quite fun to see how many people I could pass. I am always up for a challenge! Gave another dimension to the race.

It was a lovely race, a number of up hills, but not too hectic, I managed to run up them all! There was a section through vineyards on a dirt road, as we hit this section, the skies opened and it poured down! WONDERFUL to run in the rain. We had all the seasons (thankfully no wind), during this race. I was very thankful for my red Vital socks which I used as mittens during the downpour.

My official time was 02:31:20. I did start my race 6 mins after everyone else, so my "Runtastic's" timing is 02:25:57, which I am SUPER happy about.

(Through the race I was a bit worried about my neighbour not showing - but it turned out that they had a late night and forgot to let me know.)

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