One of my goals was to do more road running as I really have not run much road for a good 3.5 to 4 years. I quickly settled back into road with around four sessions a week on tar.
I found myself thinking back to my years of growing up, living and running in Joburg suburbs. I loved running in the evenings - in the dark in winter - when the roads were quiet, breathing in the scents of dinners cooking. I have really enjoyed getting back to my roots, which was road, and I'll be keeping this up.
Early on in the challenge I had some days when I felt pretty tired, especially with running after hard crossfit sessions. The body adapts and this got easier as my fitness improved and my body settled into the load.
I used running to do errands and for commuting too. I would run to and from crossfit to make best use of my time. This worked really well. I also did a few runs to friends to either meet them or drop-off / pick-up stuff.
The last seven weeks were mostly smooth but there were a few days when it was more difficult to get out. Like the days when I put on rain pants and a rain jacket to run to and from crossfit, the next event when I ran in this rain gear and two nights recently in the Drakensberg when we'd finished with the day's talks, it was dark and cold, and I still needed to get out for a run instead of hanging out with friends.
Going for a run is always the best course of action. I always felt better during and afterwards, and I probably 'missed out' on little over 40 minutes of social hanging out (including a shower), so I did not ever miss much.
Having friends and family that help to enable activity is a treasure, like being able to run somewhere leaving a bag in the car for my mom to take along. Or running to a friend to catch a lift elsewhere. Or running back to camp from a concert, dropping my stuff in the car and have the right type of friends who support what you do and just leave to do and enjoy, transporting your gear and driving off with a wave.
I was also very fortunate to have company on many of my runs. When I started this challenge, Otto said he was keen to join me on some runs as he was aiming to pick up his running. He ran a good number of sessions with me. The GTR Monday and Thursday runs provided lots of company, the Van Dalens hike was a win, and Talita also joined in for a few runs. I enjoyed a social morning session in the Berg, a run with Jenny the weekend before last, and a run with Carine this past weekend in Cape Town.
My Rosy dog has been a very faithful, eager and reliable running companion.
This birthday challenge, as always, reminds me how important daily running is to me, how my body thrives on a heavier load, and how I really can squeeze a run into every day, if I prioritise myself and activity.
Today, Day 48, I had planned to meet up with Otto and Talita for a late afternoon run. Otto was down I'll so it was to be me and Talita, and one or more of their sons. I'd also put it out yesterday on our friend group to invite anyone around at 4pm to join us.
I met up with Talita and Adam. She innocently said that Jamie, Adam's girlfriend needed the loo and had gone to Zelda's house around the corner.
As we approached, I saw a colourful bunch of friends dressed ready to run.. Sneaky devils. All the ones that had said on the group that they wouldn't be there, were there. We had a lovely run and then hit the Trail Kiosk for tea/coffee.
(these fabulous photos by Zelda)
Cliffy and Tracey rocked up and then my mom arrived having walked from home with Bella-dog. Mom and I walked home together, looking at houses and flowers.
I've had a super day of messages and catching up with some friends and family.
A good day to count my blessings.
I love living in George for its mountains and trails and waterways. I am doubly blessed to have a great group of friends who are kind, caring and supportive, active and adventurous. They make George a home.
