Firstly I need to thank everyone who sent me Good Luck
messages by card, e-mail, facebook, twitter messages – my time-line & feed
were filled with wonderful messages of support.
I do thank you.
Ok & a SPOILER ALERT – For those who
don`t know – I did it, I am a Comrades Finisher J and yes it was tough, bloody tough.
So how do I write a blog on a race that`s really been on
my mind for about 24+ months ago. I`m sure it was longer than that but do recall watching the race in 2013 live via YouTube.
Comrades – basically you have less than 12 hours to run
about 55 miles in heat on a tough course. To put that into context my previous
50 mile PB was 11 hours 51 minutes (Caesars Camp 50) & my 12 hour PB was 51
miles (Lightning 12) so even to complete Comrades I had to run through TWO
tough PB`s BUT what I would say to this now (& indeed other challenges
running or not) is DO IT & TAKE THE PLUNGE. Don`t hide within your
comfort zone. There`s never going to be perfect time – just do it or you will
talk yourself out of it. What`s the worse that`s going to happen??
Training wise – I am thinking about collating my training plan on a
spread sheet and adding it on here somehow but all I`ll say is that I trained
harder (& smarter) for this race than any other race. I wonder if it
actually helped by starting off in December a bit injured & yes I had the
luck we all need during training. To sum up in figures (& Inc. Comrades) I
ran 912 miles & 52,700 ft. of elevation gain – plus all of the yoga, PT
Sessions, Massages etc.
Whoever said that Comrades is a Selfish Mistress wasn’t
wrong BUT saying all of that & yes it was hard work, tough & tiring but
I loved it – it`s not a challenge if you don`t push yourself !!!
The trip itself
– I entered Comrades on the day it opened & the plan was to spent time in
Africa afterwards & make it more of an adventure than the race itself sadly
for this year (I hope) other restrictions applied and I could only go for a
short `in & out` trip but what a trip it was !! I booked my accommodation
& flights fairly late (End of March). I booked into the Garden Court –
South Beach which was nice & full of Comrades Runners but if I go back
& stayed in Durban I would move back towards North Beach which is only 20
minutes’ walk along the Beach front away. As for flights you can get to Durban
many ways – UK to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to JNB then internal flight to Durban,
or UK to Dubai, then Dubai to JNB & then unto Durban – I went for a BA
flight from T5 to JNB then an internal flight to Durban.
The day of the flight and seeing as it was an evening flight
I spent the morning packing, seeing my PT Instructor by having a massage &
popping over to see my main training partner Debby & Mike – all really
relaxing really.
The advantage for me for flying out of T5 is that it`s
only 25 minutes away, So later on I checked in & wandered around the
airport for a while – I saw quite a number of the UK Comrades T-shirts David
Ross had kindly organised . I boarded the aircraft and sorted out my seat for
the flight. As I closed my eyes (something I seem do before all flights) an
attendant tapped
me on the shoulder & said “Hello Sir, would you like to come with me” – I
thought “what have I done??” to my relief & complete surprise I was being
moved to `Club Class` - thank you so much for that. I didn`t take full
advantage of the bar but did raise a glass to you guys.
I arrived in Durban with hours to spare for my connecting
flight & after spending a little while I met up with some other UK Comrade
runners in the Mug & Bean for a bit of a natter. The flight to Durban was I
think uneventfully as I slept all of the way there !! At Durban airport I
jumped into a taxi for the 350 R trip to the hotel. Well what stunning countryside
- I think my mouth was open all the way to the hotel. I checked in & after
a quick shower I was off to the Expo. The buzz was electric. There was lots of
talk about a pre-race route trip – I didn`t do this as I wanted it to be a
surprise. I had an early night.
In the morning I went for breakfast & even though it
was Friday you could sense the atmosphere – it was brilliant. That day
& I didn’t want to wear myself too much I just wandered down to see where
the North Beach parkrun would be held the day after. That night I went to the
Runner`s World Pasta Party – which was great & listening to Comrades Coach
Lindsey Parry which was motivating - we do write our own story.
#parkrunDay –
I was looking forward to this. It was a 8:00am start as I got outside &
started to walk down the promenade & was simply amazed on how many runners
were already running, jogging / walking – I have to say many were not there
because of the parkrun but just getting in their early morning exercise.
As I walked down a parkrun volunteer came aside, she noticed my 250 parkrun top
& made comment but with that her phone went & she said “Hello Gill
Fordyce” – after she finished the call I said “Sorry Gill as in the wife of
Bruce?” she said yes & that Bruce would love to see my top. We walked over
to Bruce who was getting ready & was introduced. Bruce said without any
hesitation that he wanted my top…I replied that he would have to wait J Gill kindly agreed to take
a couple of photos.
Bruce wished me luck for Comrades. I met up with
Dennis & the gang and awaited the pre-run talk. I edged towards the front
& hear Bruce mention myself & Frimley Lodge parkrun (at last I felt
like Darren Wood – aka Mr500 J
). I ran an easy 30:00 mins with Dennis. There were 1,245 off
runners that day & the volunteers coped very well – thank you North Beach
for a wonderful morning. Afterwards it seemed most of the UK runners went to
the Mug & Bean café. I met up with even more UK runners. In the afternoon I
wanted to drop my post Comrades bag into the Expo – at least it`s one thing
less to worry about on race day so I got that sorted.
Race Day –
Alarm set for 03.00am, kettle on & moved all my stuff
unto the bed…where I noticed the Garmin was already on !!!!! So it was straight
on re-charge, dived into the shower & out before I got wet. Prepared my
`Oat so Simple` breakfast & thought “hang about where`s the spoon?” – so I
ended up eating my Porridge with a stirrer – which took ages!! But apart from
that I calm. I left the hotel at 4.00am for the short taxi ride to the start
(50 R) – it wasn`t cold but I still wore my Brighton Marathon cotton t-shirt
(well it was the race I got my Comrades Batch / Pen position in). I sat down by
some steps opposite the clock tower & watched the pens fill – what an
atmosphere & still 60 mins to go. The pens close at 05:15 so I got into
mine at about 05:00 – I sat down on the kerb & thought about the day ahead,
how I trained for this, my success along the way, the best moments in build-up
races – it was up to me now. No-one could do it for me just me. Instead
of being worried I just smiled and thought `Let`s do this & get this done”.
As time ticked away & towards 05:30 we all moved
forward – and not in a crushing way & we seemed to respect everyone`s room.
The music got louder – the guy on the microphone pumped up the atmosphere. We
shook the hands of the runner to the right & wished them well - then
we shook the hands of the runner on the left. We all had one goal and that was
to finish, some had more than one but that was the aim everyone. I switched on
my Garmin & not really knowing how much charge it had but hopefully enough.
The famous `Shoshaloza` blasting out – the place erupted, then the `Chariots of
Fire` – I actually had goose bumps. I was hear listening to this live,
not via You-Tube but live & just about the leg it for 55 miles – wow wow
wow !!!! I will admit I had a lump in my throat.
We moved forward again & then remember my `Crib
sheet` I attached it to my number so I could easily read it. The next
sounds we all wanted to hear was the “Cock`s crow” {great story about this – In
1948, at the start of the 8th Comrades a local runner Max Trimborn,
one of the 44 entrants that year, couldn`t contain his nervous energy on the
starting line. He needed to so something…anything. So he cupped his hands,
filled his lungs, and issued a lusty rooster crow. The other runners so
enjoyed this homey touch that they demanded repeat performances in subsequent
years. Trimborn obliged for the next 32, sometimes adorning himself with
feathers and a rooster vest. By the time of his death in 1985, Trmborn`s
crowing had been preserved on tape & still starts the Comrades Marathon –
just how fantastic is that?? This is the beauty & charm about this race there
are so many wonderful stories}. Anyway we moved forward, again no pushing
& shoving as I went over the line I started the Garmin…… HANG ABOUT – what
a muppet, it`s a GUN TO GUN Race. I quickly checked with a runner & it took
almost 2 mins to cross the line – ok time is now Garmin + 2 mins. What a
Comrades rookie !!!
While it was dark it wasn’t too dark, as we all made our
way out of Durban we filled the road – it was a sea of bobbing heads as far as
you could see both in front & behind. All you really needed to concentrate
on was the cats eyes & any discarded clothes (talking of which my
gloves soon came off – they were nice too – oh well never mind).
The plan was to be between 10 hrs & 11 hrs – but
thinking it would be nearer 11 hours.
My pace band was – 80Km – 00:52:00, 70Km – 02:00:00,
60Km – 03:10.:00, 50Km – 04:19:00, 43Km – 05:00:00, 40Km – 05:30:00, 30Km –
06:44:00, 20Km – 07:59:00, 10Km – 09:16:00, 5Km – 10:06:00 & Finish
10:45:00.
The `Crib sheet` was just regarding the 5 major
hills – they don`t tell you about the smaller hills or the hill with no name….
Cowies – 73 Km (2Km), Fields – 68 Km (3.5 Km), Bothas –
52 Km (2.3 Km), Inchanga – 43 Km (3.7 Km) & Polly Shorts – 10 Km (2.5 Km)
For those that don`t know in Comrades everything counts
down – all the KMs markers count down, which I have to say is great at the end
but not so great at the start but at least you are fresh.
The first 35 Km (22 Miles) is uphill – this is not a
warning this is fact – the incline is relentless. One of the 10 hrs buses went
past. The 1st of the hills is Cowles – I walked & planned
to walk this hills & make up time on the down sections. I felt a surge when
I went through the timing mat knowing that phones & apps were going off now
– smiling to myself about all those refresh buttons being pressed beforehand –
sorry guys. The next uphill section was about 14M & lasted about a mile –
this incline was brutal, not only was it sharp but the contour on the road was
incredible – I felt the strain all the way down my left leg. We got the
summit – I say summit as still goes up but the sharpness is less. The
1st 11 hour bus goes past…..my head drops…
The support along the roadside is amazing, the drinks
stations are fantastic. The difference between the richer & poorer areas
along the route is so distinctive – so moving.
Another 11 hour bus goes past, then what seems to be only
a few minutes later the 11.30 bus goes by – my head really drops as I`m not
even half way & I`m way behind schedule. I try to join the bus but it
doesn`t seem to match what I need i.e. runs in the wrong place, walks in the
wrong place, the drink stations are too busy.. I soon get off – I guess you
need to join them from the start rather than go off too fast and then join. I
see it disappear down the road. So I look at the views instead – they are
spectacular. I would love drive the course with a camera. I decide there and
then that “Yes I`m behind schedule & got the pacing wrong & that I might
get timed out but this is the Comrades Up Run & it`s meant to be tough but
there was no way I am pulling to the side of the road – the recovery bus will
just have to run me down” The next water station I put small chunks of
ice in my hand held water bottle along with a High 5 tab (it was like a
slush puppy) & put a huge bit of ice under my cap & I picked my feet
up. It was like in Rocky where he gets told to win by Adrian - I got my second wind. I
thought if I get timed out let`s just see how far I can get – my target was 50
miles & to beat 11 hrs 51 mins.
I ran to Arthur`s Seat & I placed a flower &
wished him well – I didn`t have a smoke but I did have my 3rd (&
final) gel – I had more but didn`t really fancy then. Later on I gave a
couple of the double expresso ones away to the kids along the way – Hope they
liked them.
I saw a sign saying `35 Kms` to go and thought that`s
only 7 parkruns to go I can do this ….& yes I did count each one down. I
later saw Hideo sporting his Dorking & Mole Valley AC vest, who was
completing in his 16th (who also stopped for a trip into McDonalds on
route - fantastic) we tagged each other for miles which was fun - if I say we
tagged each other 7 or 8 times I think that`s an understatement & I did
appreciate his help. We later worked out that we both run on the left, I spent more
time at the water stations – I did have a hand held (which I highly recommend) &
on the day I`m slightly quicker down-hill. I could hear him doing his tour
guide bit telling folks it`s all downhill now as we just cleared the highest
part of the course. 21 Kms to go – only a I have half marathon to go &
most of this was downhill.
It is a great feeling & a huge turn around that I`m
chasing rather than being chased – yes I`m tired but feeling generally ok &
moving well. I was still chasing that 50 Mile `PB` which I`m think it going to
right on top of a Polly Shorts…..I go through 50 Mile in around 10hrs 32 mins (Note
to self-go find a 50 Mile race – late edit – Found one J ). Polly Shorts is a real climb – all I wanted to do is run but
I don`t as I seem to have this walk / run & water station strategy right so
I carry on with it.
Less than 6 Kms to go – I`m loving it. I`m waving to the
crowds (ok trying to get the blood down from my hands) they wave back. I go
past loads of runners – some I even recognise from earlier in the race.. I get
photo-bombed – we did have a laugh. It`s funny how you remember the stupid
parts of a race. They sneak a couple of more hills in.. In the last
two miles now. I see quite a few runners with cramp but they are still moving
forward – which is the key – don`t stop. I near the stadium – the noise is
intense. I raise my arms up, acknowledge the crowds.
I am running inside the stadium now – yes me – thank
goodness I`m wearing my glasses. In one way I wish you could bottle this
feeling but I guess it`s better if you earn it. God knows how fast I`m running
– feels like I`m 5 minute milling. I want to finish but don`t want to finish –
I want this moment to last for ever.
I see the finish line – it`s a wonderful sight, I go
through & received my medal, Ok I missed the bronze medal but I still get
the best medal I`ve ever received – a Comrades Finishing Medal (to be precise a
Vic Clapham). I thank as many of the volunteers as I can & make my way
through to the International finishing area.
My Splits time & Cut Off`s –
Cowles Hill – 70.9 Km (16.8 Km) –
01:57:40 Cut
Off – 02:40:00 = +43 Mins Ahead
Drummond – 44 Km (43.7 Km) –
05:28:10
Cut Off – 06:00:00 = +31 Mins Ahead
Cato Ridge – 30 Km (57.7 Km) –
07:27:58
Cut Off – 08:00:00 = +32 Mins Ahead
Lion Park – 17 Km (70.7 Km) –
09:22:10
-
Polly Shorts – 7.5 Km (80.2 Km) –
10:32:05 Cut
Off – 11:10:00 = +38 Mins Ahead
Pietermaritzburg – 0 Km (87.7 Km) –
11:26:29 Cut Off – 12:00:00 = +33 Mins Ahead
Post Race
Yes I was fortunate - I got my pacing wrong, I totally
under estimated the first 35Km but I had the luck in the race as well as the
training – many a good runner didn`t get this & didn`t make the line
(starting line & the finishing line).
I walked through the Finishing area, collected my bag
& wandered over to where most of the UK runners I knew were. As I was putting
warm clothes on I switched on the phone & while I think I’ve felt most
emotions life can throw at you but I cannot recall ever feeling so overwhelmed
by reading messages of Support & Congratulations as I did when I was
sitting there. I will treasure that memory for a very long time.
I sent a tweet which I had been thinking about for ages –
“I am a Comrades Finisher #BestTweetEVER”.
I sat there not really saying too much, eating or
drinking – just grinning like a loon but eventually I wandered over to where
the Buses where to take us home. I got a bit of luck here too as my Coach
instead of dropping me outside another Hotel of a similar name stopped right
outside my hotel. #Result I had a quick shower & hit the bar.
The next evening David Ross had organised a meal – what a
great end to Comrades.
I flew back the next day. Hardly surprising I slept on
the short flight to JoBurg, I didn`t have to wait too long for the connecting
flight. I boarded the Aircraft I sat in my seat, as I was sitting there I`m
sure I recognised a person a few seats up but didn`t disturb her. A flight
attendance tapped my on the shoulder and asked if I had run Comrades, I said
yes & she said “Oh well done, will you come with me please Sir” – Once was
amazing but twice – I was totally gobsmacked. Again I raise a glass to them
both – such a kind & wonderful gesture (I did hear a wonderful story
afterwards too). I have to say as soon I put the seat back & my feet on the
foot rest I was asleep & slept for most of the flight.
On the way to the Passport clearance & baggage
reclaim I saw the person I thought I recognised and had the chance to say hello
– I was right it was only Ellie Greenwood – last year`s Ladies Winner &
this year 6th place Lady. She is such a nice person. Sorry rubbish
photo.
Monthly stats
Miles = 204.3 Miles (Highest Month Ever)
Time On Feet = 34 hrs 54 mins.
Elevation = 14,783 ft
Highest Weekly Mileage = 65.2 Miles
Longest Run = 87.7 Km Comrades
Longest `Time on your feet` Run = 11 hrs 26 mins (Comrades)
Highest `Back To Back / Miles` = 2 Days / 57 Mins
Races = 7 (North Dorset Marathon, Alton Ten, Windlesham Relays, Hook Ten,
Woodlands 5 & a Bit, BUPA 10,000 & Comrades)
parkruns = 5 (Rushmoor, Frimley Lodge x 2, Yeovil & North Beach)
Yoga Sessions & hours = 1 off / 1.5 hrs (Need to do more)
PT Sessions = 2
Sports massages = 3
What`s
next –
After
training for 6 months I`m going to be seeing & running with load of friends
as the Endure 24. I am in a team of 8.
Thank
you South Africa
Job
Done !!!
………..or is it ??? J
