Race gear

I did the bronkhorstspruit 32 km race in an 3:30. It was a spur of the moment descision. At least I got to see how I perform under race conditions for a longer distance. The strategy of 35/5 paid off quite handsomely. It will leave me with 1:30 to complete 10km, definately doable.

I purchased a Gaumin 310XT, I got it pretty cheap considering the price range and if I had to invest in a polar with all the gagets would work out to the same price. What an awesome watch, I am fortunate that I will test it out at my 1st major event this year, the sasol 42.2km race in secunda.

My race kit, is a combination of scientific advanments, superstition and strategy.

Shoes- I run in a saucony Jazz, which I picked up pretty cheap and is suited to my running style, mostly neutral. I had this tested at my gear shop, running inn. When I put on my treads my feet sing, it just feels that good.

pants- I wear a new balance compression tights to race, for protection from muscle fatigue, sun effects, wicks away sweat and chaffing

shirt- I wear a heat gear top, which fits similar to a rash vest. This is primarily for protection from the sun and chaffing

vest- the vest displays my running club, running inn, my racing license and race number

cap- protection from the sun

watch- to give me time, splits and race. If you are aware of your performance then it is less stressful when you race.

small bag- to store my squeezies and car keys

squeezies- which I take for energy during my run. I know experts say that there is no difference between the brands but I have tried out USN and muscle science and they both didn't match up to the brand GU. Maybe its psycological but it certainly feel better

balance band- The jury is still out whether it works or not, and I am skeptical myself. I am fortunate that I received it for free from a rep, so if you have it why not use it.
Just a small note with respect to those who are against it, citing what happened in australia, it should be noted that there are people who have an effect on them that are opposite to what is described, in other words their flexibility and strenght reduces, they become weaker, please explain that effect in terms of "its all in the head".

on training runs I run with a maxed hydration pack, which is invaluable to longer distance training and you certainly up your performance on the shorter distances.

Next week I hope to bring good news from my marathon, hold thumbs!

Lantern bitter sweet

I completed the Irene 10km Lantern race and this race was real fun, only draw back that the start was abit congested. My time 59mins, yeah! I broke my PB by about 4mins and dipped under 1hr. The bitter part of this race was that I didn't follow my strategy, 35/5. Something in me reared its ugly head, PRIDE. This is quality that leads to arrogance and generally people like that just plugs.

Let me elaborate, I was too proud to walk the 5 mins that I was meant to. I just wanted to push through to "show off". I was also embarrassed cause I was there with all my gear and I was walking. This is something I need to be mindful off and stamp out of my personality.

The great thing about the night race is that my bubbles was at the finish, with a quality basil pesto and sun dried tomato pesto pastas. I know this is contrary to popular running culture that you carbo load before the race. We had a wonderful picnic after the race.

So with that I am going to push myself onto the 42.2km sasol marathon. Next blog up I will discuss my gear and what works for me.

Feeling the Mojo

Well since the Soweto marathon, i've been feeling abit hesitant with my running, not really motivated, but I was doing somw quality kilometers (average 40km per week). Come the pwc race in PTA, I completed the 21.1 km half marathon. I tried my strategy of 35/5 for the 2nd time on race day and not to stop within 3km of the finish. the Result: 2hr 10min 16sec for the race. WHOOO (F#$%ing)HOOO, to say that I am happy is an under-statement. I was so amped I hit my training runs with more vigour. This motivation is still in its infancy but it feels kind off good.

The next step is that I have to qualify for the comrades/2 oceans. I was thinking of doing the Pretoria marathon but on much advise and though I am giving this race a pass. The other option was some race in Petermaritzburg, but its a tad far. So I finally settled for the Sasol marathon in Secunda, the race advertisement said flat and fast, which played a huge role in my decision. Is that taking the easy way out. Maybe but I am not going to stress myself more than I have to.

So why does this half marathon make me feel better than the half that preceded the Soweto. A couple of reasons
1) I felt really good after the race, felt comfortable and didn't need much rest.
2) finished the race without niggles
3) I have alot more information on myself and the way I react to distance races
4) There is no other issues plaguing my mind before the race.
I was there both mentally and physically.

I think i'm going to do another 10km race to see if I can break the 60min mark. (set up a PB)
the half marathon that I downed, I crushed my PB by almost 5mins. I got one word......stoked!!