Race - Old Mutual TwoOceans Half Marathon - Cape Town

19 April 2014 - This was my first half marathon (21.1kms) ever. What an experience!

Leading up to the TwoOceans it had become a weekend ritual to meet up and train with my fellow Hout Bay Harriers running friends - one Sunday we ran from Hout Bay to Bantry Bay (15kms) and took the MyCiti bus back (those training for the ultra had the stamina to run back!) Another Sunday we did Southern Cross Drive in the rain, with the last Saturday before the race doing  a Harriers tradition of a 'hot dog run' from Hout Bay to UCT (12kms). 

The start - 16 000 21.1km runners!

I will admit that even though  I was a lot fitter than I had been at the beginning of the year - I had been travelling a lot in the last month making training a bit more tricky and on my last trip home, had picked up a scratchy throat and sniffles. I was nervous about my fitness levels and whether I was going to make it. My aim was to finish in two and a half hours, but when I realistically thought about it, realised that all I could and should do is aim for sub-three and a finish would do.

Nomawethu - greatest running buddy!

They say it is the most beautiful race - and it really is. The beauty of the City's lights and outlines of the mountains as you come over Edinburgh Drive at dawn and the supporters and "gees" really does do wonders to keep the runners going - especially up the gruelling Southern Cross Drive. 

Sweet end of success

Then there is the sweet sweet end of realising that you've made it! Seeing your running buddy and that can of Coke - bliss.

My time: 02:37:32 - super super chuffed and incredibly proud.

Rating - 11/10 and definitely something that should be on everyone's bucket list.