Running A Marathon To Get Freebies & Qualify
Setting the Goal
I believed without a doubt, I would complete Cape Town Marathon within the goal time I set for myself. This would be my qualifier for the Comrades Ultra coming up in June 2025.
June month 2024, I participated in the Knysna marathon, finished within the cut-off time, however I never completed within the official qualifying time needed for the ultra.
I now had 3 months to up my training runs, which would include hill repeats and speed sessions also my long slow distance runs (LSD). Hoping for the best as the weather seemed to be at its worst this time of the year. Yes, winter has arrived!
Training Challenges
My training did not go as I had planned, missing out on long runs due to my body feeling fatigued as my 12 hour shifts (night shift) were draining my energy. However I stayed consistent by doing at least 8 - 10 kilometers every alternate day. I was able to do 2 longer runs of 25 kilometers.
Fueling my body with the correct food and supplements before and after my training was good as I felt less fatigue.
Three weeks before race day, I checked my shift roster and saw I was on duty that weekend! Too late to apply for annual leave. Well, the week of the race I made sure to rest as much as possible.
The evening before race day, my team leader told me I should request an Uber as early as possible as and I quote her "everyone will be sending out requests for an Uber"
Race Day
The morning of the race, I completed my duties before getting myself ready to leave for the race venue. The Uber driver arrived on time and I was on my way. I redirected the driver as we knew there were many road closures as Cape Town Marathon is a major marathon. Twenty minutes of driving and we were able to get through a few seconds before the barriers were put out, closing the road we were on. The driver was relieved to have been able to get through, knowing I am on time for the start.
I joined the batch I was allocated to and waited for the signal. All I needed to do was relax and keep to my plan of 9 minute run / 1 minute walk (9/1). All was going well, at the halfway my body felt good. Keeping to my strategy was working great!!
Now my Adidas Boston 12's just need to carry me to the finish on time as I and the other participants who finishes the Cape Town Marathon, wearing Adidas running shoes, will receive a R2000 voucher.
With 12 kilometers to go my quads felt heavy. I took my mind off this agony and kept moving forward as I knew the finish line was creeping closer.
The loop of death was the worst! Named this by the runners as we run about 3 kilometers before turning to run the last 2 kilometers to get to the finish line. The toughest and yet the most beautiful section of the route as one runs along the pavilion with the sea / ocean view and cool breeze
Crossing the Finish Line
Needless to say, I completed the marathon within my goal time of 4 hours 30 minutes, official time 4h25min01s, I received a voucher which I then exchanged at the pop-up Adidas shop at the finish to get a brand new pair of Cape Town Marathon Boston 12s.
