The Battle Between My Mind and My Will
Pre-Race Preparations
This year, the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra 56 km nearly conquered me.
The week prior to race day was a busy week. Ideally, I should have been resting, however this was not to be. Monday to Wednesday I had exams.
Thursday, I collected my race number at the Totalsports Two Oceans Expo, where I also had the privilege of relaxing at the Blue Number Club which is set up for the race participants who had completed 10 Two Oceans Ultra Marathons 56 km. The meal offered was a chicken or veggie wrap with bottled water or an electrolyte drink. I was fueled up and ready to go home as I was to marshal at the International Friendship Race 5km Friday morning.
The Night Before
Friday afternoon, laying out my running gear, making sure I have my supplements and hydration I would be needing throughout the race Saturday. Now I was all prepped for the big race, travelling arrangements confirmed, alarm was set for 01h45 as pick-up was scheduled for 02h30.
Race Day Begins
It's race day, my lift arrived 15 minutes earlier! We parked at the Middle Campus of University of Cape Town (UCT). Runners were arriving, parking lots were filling. I tried to relax in the car, but a sitting position was not comfortable. I then decided to take a walk to the restroom just to loosen my joints.
The batch I was allocated to would be starting at 05h27. At 04h30, I made my way to the start line, approximately 2 km from where we had parked. Many runners were also making their way to ensure we will be on time as we would still have to get to our seeding batch. I handed my tog-bag in at the tog-bag truck which had my recovery fuel and warm jacket needed for after the race.
The Start
At the seeding batch I took pics with my clubmates as we waited to set off at 05h17. It was a slow, cautious run in the dark. Thankful for the streetlights making the road and runners ahead visible enough to avoid any unexpected falls.
Keeping to my plan in covering the first 10 km, from there to keep to the 9-minute run / 1-minute walk strategy. I mentally broke down the sections of the route ahead. First to get myself to Fish Hoek, from there focus on getting to Chapmans Peak, then up and over to Hout Bay, then to Constantia Nek and the last stretch which would take me to TopGate Kirstenbosch and finally the last 5 km to the University. I prayed and hoped all will go well for me, knowing the long runs I had missed out on might impact my race.
The Challenge Begins
The first 10km went well. Pacing with runners kept the momentum going. The sun was out, I kept moving, then I felt my feet were heavy. "No, not this", I said, "I need to get to Fish Hoek, at about 21 km". Checking my watch, I saw I was losing time. Just have to keep moving. This section had a sneaky incline. I made it to 28 km, and this is were things went south! Yip, pain in my lower back! Ouch! Walk breaks helped to ease the pain momentarily. I made a pitstop at the Physiotherapists point on Chapmans Peak for a quick rub of the FreeMove massage cream and ice rub on my back before continuing.
The Mid-Race Struggles
The view while running and walking over Chapmans Peak distracted me from the physical pain I was experiencing. The sub 6h30 hour Pace-Setter bus passed me at 36 km and I kept pace with them till Hout Bay. I made a stop at the Physio tent for a light massage. Absolute bliss, as I felt the cooling FreeMove Recoverub on my skin. By now the weather had heated up and I was so happy to have my own 500ml water bottle which I could refill at the water stations.
Constantia Nek—The Mental Battle
I knew the most grueling section of the route was ahead, Hout Bay main road to the 42 km point. I was excited to be reaching this point as there would be the waterpoint to refill my bottle, also energy bars, which I needed at this time. What a disappointment! No water table! No energy bars! I wanted to cry. My body slowed down, I needed to just lay or sit to get some relieve from this soreness, the tiredness, which I knew was more mental and I had to overcome this thought of quitting the race. To top this, the battery of my watch had died. Uncertainty set in as the runners were all from different seeding batches, this meant our time left for finishing within cut off was all different. Well, the only option I now have is to keep moving forward.
The Final Push
Reaching Constantia Nek, I felt my confidence building again. My thoughts were more positive, I had the energy to keep moving forward. Getting to Cecelia Forest, the Celtic Harriers Athletic Club provided incredible support with refreshments and encouragement.
The last 10 km I had to dig deep and press on. It was now a matter of moving forward one step at a time and feeding off the spectators support and encouragement.
Crossing the Finish Line
The final 2 km I faced an incline. The commentator's voice could be heard. I pick up my pace as my feet touch the grass. The timing clock is in sight, I smile to the sound of the cheering. I look up as I cross the finish line. So thankful to the Lord for carrying me when I felt I wanted to quit. For giving me the spirit of endurance to complete the distance. I then receive a medal as at the time, I thought I made the cut-off.
The next morning, on checking the official results, I discovered I had missed cut-off by 2 minutes.
Hmm.. why was I given a medal I wondered. Did the crew make a mistake? Did they not realize it was pass cut-off of 7 hours?
Regardless, this medal will hold its own story-framed with my results, stating "Unofficial Finisher" in 2025.
Endurance is not only physical strength-it's also about mental strength. Once your body feel exhausted-Your mind has to then be stronger than the physical body