Sunday, June 25, 2017

The Long Runs Commence

Right now my goal is to run the Nelson Mandela Marathon on August 27, nine weeks away.  So today, I had my first "long run" leading up to running 42.2 hilly kilometers on August 27.

A year ago, I would have been mildly freaked out by running 18 kilometers on my own from uMhlanga to Durban.  This time, I loaded up a bank card, chapstick and my cell phone into my little belt and headed on my way, telling my husband I'd see him in two hours at the beach.  I had so many thoughts going through my head in those two hours.  Sometimes I really wish there were something stuck to my brain to record the crazy musings of my brain while running.

Off I went.  Two kilometers in, I had to stop and take a few pictures.  The view was too pretty not to.
How's the lighthouse with the sky?

And the aloe with the sky?

I kept on running but then was again distracted when I came upon this...

Coral Gables -- not quite but reminded me of living in Miami, FL.

And I'm lucky to run by this petrol station, that has decent bathrooms, a cash machine and free water.
I stopped to get money and a drink.  (and stopped my watch)


I had two hundred meters to go to make it to 18 kilometers, so I kept on going to the end of the pier. And heard little voices shouting "mom".  They belonged to those little blobs in the water. 


And finally, I hit 18 kilometers.  
I was happy with my consistent pace.  
I did stop three times for about five-minute increments (photos, to return an urgent text message and for a drink at the petrol station) where I was able to regain my breath, etc. And that probably helped a lot.  In a race, you don't get that luxury.  But, today was to ease myself into those long runs again and I am so happy that I loved this run.  I really did.  

I had a little something to eat while watching my kids frolic in the waves and then I joined them!
The water was so nice and amazingly clear.  
How lucky I am to be able to finish my run with a dip in the sea?

I am so glad that I enjoyed this first long run.  The next long schlep is 21 kilometers in two weeks.  I'm actually looking forward to it! (I have a time in mind that I'd like to do it in so we will see if I accomplish my goal!)

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