What do you do when you are trying to focus on the longest race of your life?
Step One: annual hot dog run with the club. Had an awesome extra 2 hours of sleep this Saturday, didn't have to get up until 6:30am for the training run, another look at the final stage of the ultra (Constantia Nek hill aka my legs worst nightmare come April 23). Its the killer that comes after the marathon mark, but this weekend on fresh legs it was nbd. Lets hope that it feels the same in a weeks time. Regardless, had a great last long run with the club followed by the traditional breakfast of champions. It's a very strange feeling to have two hot dogs in your system before 10am.
Step Two: find every running/ athletic/ outdoor store in the mall and drool over awesome gear. Seriously. I have decided that my future house needs no real decoration, just to be kitted out with outdoor gear. Also, buffs are my new favorite things. I really hope they catch on in the states because they are ridiculously awesome, especially my new multi colored gem.
Step Three: get totally pumped for the race by chatting with people who have run the Two Oceans before. A family dinner at a friend's house quickly turned into race strategy central complete with the pulling out of photo albums from past Two Oceans and Comrades marathons as well as timing predictions and goals for the upcoming event. Don't think I will ever tire of race war stories, and always helpful to listen to how other people have figured out how to conquer The Most Beautiful Marathon in the World.
Step Four: taper. Ok well I am not so good at this apparently. First weekend off of running I managed to still do a 5 hour hike up Devil's peak while doing a little race route recon for the Two Ocean's trail 20k. What beautiful trails! Had no idea they were hiding out there. This city seems to have an endless supply of awesomeness perfect for exploring. Also couldn't resist a scramble up Lion's Head Monday night for the full moon. Ooops, sorry legs, I will try and give you some time off now.
Step Five: get totally psyched up for racing by hearing about all my running friends back home dominated Boston. Awesome job guys! Wish I could have been there to cheer you on in person. Looked like an amazing day for an epic run. Brings me back to last year, who would have thought that race would be my qualifier for this ultra. Crazy.
Step Six: finally understand the difference between my pancakes and South African style pancakes. What I make is considered flap-jacks here, and pancakes are more of a crepe hybrid that can be sweet (we had cinnamon sugar with lemon juice) or savory (hello cheddar cheese) and are thicker, pan sized, and rolled up with the filling inside. Pancakes, flap-jacks, crumpets, crepes, I approve of them all. Great way to carbo load, that along with my Easter candy I got today. Winnnnnnn.
Hmmmm.... brought back some memories (although not so picturesque) of tapering for one of my tris....painted the fireplace room. Didn't want to quit until I was done! Oh yeah, another memory much further back, just before the michigan bicycling state road race i helped move most of my worldly possessions to our new house in dorr... You've got good legs Sarah, they won't fail you!!! Can't wait to hear about your 2 Oceans adventure!!!! Love you!
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