The wind was howling when I awoke, long before dawn on race day. I’d listened to it since midnight, a constant, relentless reminder of the challenge awaiting me. Although I don’t consider myself a fair-weather runner, stepping out in weather like this is something I’d be hesitant to do even for a training run. But this wasn’t just any run; it was race day: the culmination of all the hours and countless kilometres. ...
In less than a week I’ll be lining up for the 2024 Cape Town Marathon. Less than a week… It’s hard to believe that by this time next week, the marathon I’ve dedicated so much to will already be behind me. The thought that I won’t run it next year makes me sad. (I’ve decided to focus on improving my 10km and 21km times next year, perhaps working towards a goal like a 2h30m half-marathon.) ...
Three weeks ago, just after 4:00 on a Sunday morning when I had a 15km run scheduled, I sent this message to my running coach: “I woke up on time to join Run Zone, but I’m still exhausted (despite going to bed before 19:00 last night). I can’t go on like this… I can’t wake up daily feeling like death warmed up and keep pushing through. I’m going back to sleep and will probably run the RH 5km route x3 later by myself.” ...
I had the privilege of being invited to give a talk at a Weigh-Less group two weeks ago. From the moment I received the invitation, I was made to feel included and wanted. The group leader was caring and considerate, ensuring I felt valued even before I arrived. Once I got there, the warmth and kindness only multiplied. The first member I met went above and beyond to make me comfortable, offering coffee multiple times and suggesting water or tea when I declined. She wasn’t taking no for an answer but in the most endearing way! I felt embraced by people who were genuinely happy to see me, even though I was a stranger to most of them. I felt at ease and not at all like an outsider. ...
Currently, I find myself deep in the trenches of marathon training, experiencing a touch of deja vu. At this point, the excitement of signing up has long faded, and the reality of the hard work that the challenge demands is all too real. It’s hard not to ask myself: “Why did I sign up for this again?” Marathon training demands everything I’ve got—and then some. And the demands on me aren’t just physical. With four children writing tests, completing assignments, and partaking in Eisteddfod practices and performances, swimming galas, cycling tournaments, and school concerts, I juggle more than I often think possible. The days blur together in a whirlwind of activities, leaving little time to rest and recover, which I desperately need to keep up with my training. ...
This year, I made a mindset shift that profoundly impacted my running and life. Working with a coach comes with the benefit of having structured workouts, each with specific pace goals. Sometimes, these goals apply to the entire run; other times, my workouts are broken down into segments, each with its own target pace. Last year, I struggled to hit my pace goals. Workout after workout, I fell short, frustrating me to no end. Sometimes I wondered, “What’s the point of running if I can’t execute my workouts correctly?” It felt like I needed to hit those targets occasionally, at least, to keep my motivation alive. ...
Recently, I had my first-ever podiatrist appointment. My left knee and foot have been troubling me since the beginning of the year and although my knee had finally improved, my foot did not follow suit, so I needed it checked by a professional. At the start of the appointment, the podiatrist reviewed my medical history and running background. I explained that I began running at the end of 2018 and have undergone a significant transformation, losing 80kg since February 2017 and that it’s now been nearly five years since finishing my weight-loss journey. When asked about my maintenance journey, I explained that I stopped weighing myself at the end of 2021 and have no idea what my current weight is, but I manage my weight by exercising and eating well. I no longer wish to worry about or focus on the scale. ...
The week before last has been one of the coldest weeks I’ve ever experienced in the few short years that I’ve been running. Tuesday morning in particular was freezing cold, and many a morning I had to remind myself that I wouldn’t get another opportunity later in the day to run. So, I had better get out of my warm bed and face the cold—even if it meant dressing in double leggings, two tops, a windbreaker, gloves, and a buff to cover my ears. ...
I once read something like this: “Aim for the stars, and if you miss, you’re likely to reach the moon still.” Or something like that… But what if the moon is not where you want to be? Last week, I had one of my best runs in nearly three years. It was my third-best time and pace ever. I’ve worked incredibly hard for this run to go so well. Every stride, every breath, and every drop of sweat has been a testament to my dedication. Achieving this time is an amazing milestone, especially considering the challenging year I have had thus far. It’s a reminder of my progress and resilience. ...
While stuck in traffic for three hours on the way back from Comrades the evening after the race, I sat in the car contemplating whether I would ever volunteer at the Comrades again. It had been a long day; we had all worked exceptionally hard and were hungry, tired, and not in the volunteering mood anymore. I didn’t share this thought with my friends, but I’m sure we all felt the same way then. Yet, as the week progressed, the idea of helping out again seemed more and more appealing to me. ...