Blog, Sweat and Tears

One of my best mates and 'recently' converted runner, Shelley, has been recruited to blog for Runners World - Footnotes for runners.

We run regularly and I can honestly say that running has changed her life. She is a wonderful writer whose skill I can only gawk at (writing that is). 

In my eyes she is truly inspirational - follow her journey with me and make that leap to a healthy lifestyle.

15km Freedom Run in the blazing sun

Did an amazing 15km route with Mathias from Germany who is now working in Switzerland. We started out in the V&A Waterfront in what turned out to be at least a 32 deg. Celsius day. 

We ran past the soon to be finished 2010 World Cup Stadium in Sea Point and then ran along the Sea Point promenade, where all the beautiful people run. We made our way up to high-level road and into the city centre where we took in Cape Town's amazing heritage including the Castle and the City Hall where Mandela gave his first speech after leaving prison.

From there we ran up Buitenkant (outside street) street and entered the top of the company gardens which Mathias really loved and of course Die Tuynhuys (the unofficial presidential residence).

From there we moved past St. Georges cathedral and Greenmarket Square (which is currently being revamped). Heritage square was and is still a firm favourite with the oldest living vine in South Africa.

Having sweated a lot in the heat, we made our way back to the waterfront for a well deserved drink....ok, we had a beer.

What continues to amaze me about myCity Running Tours is the intimacy of the involvement with our clients. By the end of the run you feel like you have made a new friend, you know more than just something about them and would love to hook up again.

Wonderful run, wonderful guy, wonderful city, wonderful day!

Winelands Half Marathon

Had the most amazing experience at the Winelands half marathon yesterday. Shells and I drove out to Stellenbosch on Friday night to find that the room we had booked had one double bed and not two singles. My wife and Shells man took the news very well indeed.

After an interrupted nights sleep we were up at 4:45 for the start of the race at 5:45. What a festive atmosphere compared to cycling races. Why are runners so friendly or more to the point why are cyclists so....unfriendly?

The run went very well until about 12km and I was well below my required splits for a 1:40. Then there was a sneaky turn to the left off the R44 onto a gravel road that was very corrugated and went on for about 5kms. That dirt road was tough - a steady climb and those corrugations made it very hard to keep a rhythm.

The last 4kms were all downhill or flat and I pushed hard. When I got to the finishing pavilion I really had nothing left....nothing! Anyways, am well chuffed with a 1:35:31 conidering my last attempt 10 years ago resulted in a 1:53.

This week I join a running club - well psyched to improve and get to know more runners.

A big shout out to Shelley for organising and motivating! 

Sight-Jogging - Business Traveller Article

Slowly but surely we are getting known. I never expected this to be a quick path to riches but I am continually blown away by the positive reaction to the concept of sight jogging.

This latest article is from www.businesstraveller.com and written by Laura Collacott.

“What better, faster way to get to know a new city than by running through it? Laura Collacott looks at the sight-jogging concept taking gold across the globe…” Read more…

Rosebank to Clifton Trail Run (15km)

Every Sunday at 9am there is an Ultimate game at Clifton. I haven't been in a while (a new baby does that to you) so figured I could add in a bit of training and do a route I have been planning for a while.

The run starts off from Rosebank, up to Mostert's Mill and Rhodes Memorial. From there I went straight up to the King's Block House which is rather vertical as apposed to the jeep tracks you can take. Thanks to being unable to get out of bed quick enough I needed a quick route, not a long one.

From the blockhouse it is a short run along one of the most beautiful tracks on Table Mountain and then a drop down to Table Mountain road. Sadly from here it is about 6km of tar to the roundabout at the top of Kloof Nek.

From Kloof Nek I was in for a surprise. I had previously run along Kloof road down to Camps Bay but took the trail to left of the road. It was brilliant - a well maintained trail that spat me out just above Camp Bay beach. A final short stint to Clifton and only 20 minutes late.

I got a lift back this time but I cannot wait to do the run again and and this time add in the return leg.

Final mental note - take a camera with next time! Oh, and the Salomon XA20 is a brilliant pack!