Time for a trail race!
The Oxpecker Trail Run is one of South Africa’s top trail events. It takes place in the beautiful mountainous area of the Drakensberg. It’s very quickly sold out, so we had to book this nearly a year in advance. It happened to also be our 30th wedding anniversary, so it was the perfect time for this fun trip.
It’s a two-day stage race: a 20k on Saturday and a 15k on Sunday. I only did the 20k as I still had to be mindful of my Achilles, but Kai did both races.
We arrived on Friday and registered. I noticed that they had red rubber bands with the logo “Flying Solo”. This was a running category for single runners who were looking for a partner. Tinder for runners!
A tractor took us to our tent. Kai hates camping but he was a good sport (he said it was his anniversary present).
We were about a thousand runners at this event. Surprisingly, about 70% were women. We hung around, chatted with a few people and then had dinner with a race briefing.
Next day, we stood in the starting line at 8am. We did a few warm-up exercises but we didn’t do any strides to get the heart rate up. In hindsight, I think that was a mistake.
The first few kilometres were flat and we started out at a good pace. However, it felt like hard work. I was breathing way too hard and my heart was pounding like crazy. I started to wonder if this was the way I was going to die.
Fortunately, after a few minutes, things started to feel better. Just in time to tackle the hills!
Despite the rough first few minutes, I was very happy with how this race went.
We finished in 1:58 and both came in first in our age group (50-59). I was surprised that I even beat the ladies in the age group 40-49. I don’t think this has ever happened to me.
We spent the afternoon hanging out by our tent and walking along the river. It was very relaxing.
Next day, Kai got ready for his 15k. The runners were taken to the starting line by bus and would then run back to the camp.
On their last kilometre, the runners were going to cross a river over a rickety floating bridge. This would make for some spectacular photos, so I planned to wait there.
On my way there I met Alistair, who had the same idea. He was recuperating from a knee injury and was supporting his girlfriend.
So we waited.
And waited.
And waited.
After 80 minutes of waiting, we both started to get uneasy. The first runners should have passed long ago, even if they started with a delay.
We decided to walk back to the finish line. Imagine our dismay to discover that nearly everyone was already in!! What an epic fail!
They had changed the route last minute because some trails were too muddy. By the time I got to our tent, Kai had already showered. I was so upset! It took a good cup of tea until I could see the funny side.
Then it was time for brunch and the award ceremony. Remember the Tinder category “Flying Solo”? Well, the first three women and men were awarded their prizes. But then they were asked to kiss each other on the podium. I think I would have died!
- Ever had a spectating fail?
- If you are or were single, would you have worn the “Flying Solo” band?
I’m joining Kooky Runner and Zenaida’s link-up, Tuesday Topics. I’m also joining Runner’s Roundup with Mile By Mile, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs.
That looks like an awesome run with lots of scenery to inspire along the way! Shame you missed out on day 2.
Although, I have to say, not sure the Solo runners would’ve been encouraged to kiss in the UK- sounds like a PR nightmare. Having said that I would’ve absolutely worn the band! 😂
What’s these meet ups you’re doing?
I would have loved to run that second trail! Kai told me that it was a fast and fabulous run – mainly downhill. It made for fast times!
Haha, you are right! All the legal repercussions that might ensue. It’s funny that you say that because way more men wore the band than women (although I’m sure there were more single women there than men). I think it’s less intimidating for men to wear the band.
The link-ups that I’m joining are supported by lady runners in the US. By linking up, I agree to read and comment on their blogs. Having said that, I have several readers who are not part of this group. I follow their blogs and comment on them outside of the link-up (like you!).
Yeah, that would’ve recorded some great times! LOL, can you imagine. We’d literally have events getting closed down here- but think you’re right less stigma for a man to wear that kind of thing and perhaps less pressure too.
Ah I get ya- so it’s like a network to promote, share and celebrate each others work? That’s cool! I’m grateful for the non-official link up 😂 I’m here for vibes and other peoples running stories, that’s how I started reading your blog!
Cool! Do you know Sean’s blog? He’s a trail runner in Wales and does some awesome ultras. He just published a post yesterday, you might want to check it out:
https://trailrunningforlife.com/
I do now. Thanks Catrina!
🥂Happy 30 th 🥳
Congrats again for completing 29 km on trails w your healing Achilles. Good call not to run day 2. Need more time an being cautious is a good idea. Gaining the confidence too that the foot is ready.
🌞Sounds like an interesting trail run. So weird about the solo indicators! So did the solo people have their own tents or were they shared w an unknown person of the same or different sex? 🤔 I can imagine all sorts of after running activities! 🤣. We won’t go there😅 Kissing on the podium? This gets weirder.
No wonder the trail run gets sold out right away. Wonder why so many more women? You would think the opposite 🤔 Looks like fun was had by all.
Well done to both you and Kai on getting 🏆for your AG! 🏃♂️💨🏃♀️💨🌞
Thank you, Yves! How can 30 years feel so short!
Yes, that was Coach Sean’s advice. He recommended choosing one day only. So far, I have only been doing flat runs, so two longish hilly races weren’t a good idea. I’m glad I have a coach to hold me back!
Ha, I think the tents were solo. At least in the beginning…. 🙂 There was one guy with a big sign outside his tent: “Single – Apply Within”. His mates did that for him and he wasn’t even aware of it!! It was quite hilarious. But I agree, the kissing on the podium felt awkward. Two couples decided to hug instead. Good decision!
I wondered about the high rate of women, too. Maybe some of them just came for the yoga and the history talk (the offer for Saturday afternoon).
Thank you! I am sure you will be back to running very soon yourself. Your patience will be rewarded!
Liebe Catrina,
zunächst euch ganz herzliche Glückwünsche zum Hochzeitstag! 30 Jahre – das schaffen heute lange nicht mehr alle Paare! Dazu so ein spezielles Wochenende, das war alles eine denkwürdige Kombination. Diese Veranstaltung würde mich auch ansprechen. Kann man “Lauf-Safari” dazu sagen? Laufen, ein uriges Camp, Traktortransport, tolle Landschaft, super.
Es war sicher gut für dich, nur einen Tag mitzumachen. Wie geht es Lady Achilles danach?
Glückwünsche an euch beide für die AK-Siege! Prima Zeit in dem Gelände. Und Kai ist gleich am nächsten tag nochmals los, wow!
Sehr ärgerlich, dass du ihn nicht am Holzsteg sehen konntest. Wie verrückt, so kurz vorher die Strecke zu ändern! Da wäre ich mir auch ganz schön blöde vorgekommen…
Ich bin einmal bei einem Lauf, erste Durchführung überhaupt, von einem Posten fehlgeleitet worden und lief einen km ziemlich allein, bis ich das merkte. Dann fand ich zwar die Strecke wieder, aber erneut schickte man mich in die falsche Richtung, die Läufer kamen mir alle entgegen!
Mit Solo-Band laufen und fremde Männer küssen müssen? Ohne mich, lach!
Liebe Grüße aus dem wolkigen Rheinland und gute Erholung
Elke
Liebe Elke
Danke dir! Mir kommt es viel kürzer vor als 30 Jahre. Unglaublich, wie schnell die Zeit vergeht.
Diese Veranstaltung hätte dir gefallen. Ein bisschen Rambazamba, aber man hatte gute Rückzugsmöglichkeiten, wenn es zuviel wurde. Es war super organisiert und das Angebot war vielfältig: Massage, Yoga, und ein Geschichts-Vortrag gehörten auch dazu, wenn man wollte.
Lady A ist super happy, nicht mal ein kleinstes Ziehen oder so. Wie früher!
Danke dir! Ich habe schon gemerkt, dass mir das Training fehlt, uiui…. Ich habe ja schon lange keine Hügel oder Intervalle gemacht und ich habe ganz schön gepustet. Ich glaube nicht, dass meine Fitness überhaupt für den zweiten Tag gereicht hätte! 🙂
Zum Glück war Alistair ein interessanter Gesprächspartner. Er arbeitete für Snapchat und hatte drei Jahre in China gelebt. Und konnte gut erzählen!
Oh nein! Das ist ja noch schlimmer als ein Zuschauer-Fail! Das würde mich ja noch mehr ärgern!
Haha, das habe ich mir schon gedacht! Ich auch nicht… no way.
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnigen Cape Town und alles Gute für Sonntag!
Endlich !! ENDLICH wieder ein Rennen – dann noch an einem denkwürdigen Tag !! 30 Jahre verheiratet, das hat ja heutzutage fast Seltenheitswert – ganz herzlichen Glückwunsch von der stürmischen Ostsee.
Man sieht es euch an, strahlend wie immer – es war ein voller Erfolg, auch dazu meine herzlichsten Glückwunsche, liebe Catrina !
Dann noch am folgenden Tag setzt Kai einen obendrauf (gut, dass du es nicht getan hast !!). Stark !! Könnt ihr dann jetzt demnächst einen Lauf über mehrere Tage starten – macht auch Spaß, ich weiß, wovon ich spreche !!
Was sagt Achilles dazu ?? Hast gar nichts erwähnt !!
Das mit der Küsserei ist Geschmackssache, für mich wäre das auch nichts !!
Stürmische Grüße von ganz oben
Du sagst es, liebe Margitta, ENDLICH!! Und danke dir – ich kann es auch kaum glauben, dass wir schon 30 Jahre verheiratet sind. Wir haben mit 25 geheiratet und sind jetzt 55. Ich könnte eigentlich schon längst eine Grossmutter sein!
Danke dir! Es hat wahnsinnig Spass gemacht, wenn auch die Fitness noch lange nicht da ist, wo es sein sollte. Erst diese Woche fängt das Hügeltraining an mit Coach Sean. Und dann nehme ich an, dass auch mal Intervalle und so dran kommen. Ich bin sehr, sehr froh dass die Lady A wieder mitmacht. Sie hat nicht einmal reklamiert, auch nicht am Tag danach. So brav kann sie sein!!
Einen Mehrtäger würde ich gerne machen! Das klingt nach sehr viel Spass. Nebst dem Hügeltraining werde ich ab diese Woche 5x die Woche laufen anstatt nur 4x. Immerhin ein Anfang!
Nope! Von den 3 Paaren hat nur das in der Mitte sich geküsst. Die anderen haben sich umarmt… wäre mir auch lieber!
Pass auf dich auf im Sturm!! Nicht dass es dich wegweht!
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnigen und ruhigen Cape Town!
Well done to both of you! Looks like a fun and “interesting” race! Wow that’s so disappointing about the course change and missing Kai. I’d be angry about that. Geez. The Tinder aspect of the race is an interesting concept. Not sure I’d be up for kissing anyone on the podium though! Ha!
Thank you, Marcia! It would have been such a great spot for a fun photo, too! Imagine all those people falling off the bridge, ha!
If they do continue with the Tinder feature I hope they will get rid of the awkward kissing moment! So embarrassing!
Wow, that race looks really cool. Congratulations on your AG win- that is amazing, especially since you’re coming off an injury. I think the kissing on the podium is a little weird! Knowing that, I would NOT have worn the wrist band! That’s a funny story of you waiting and waiting by the bridge- funny in retrospect, that is. Anyway the whole experience sounds like a great way to celebrate your anniversary!
Thank you, Jenny! I haven’t been doing any hills or speed work and I definitely wasn’t race-ready yet. It’s amazing how “race mode” kicks in when you’re running in a crowd – you just get pulled in.
Definitely no wristband for me either… oh my!
Alistair was such a fun person to spend 80 minutes with. He worked for Spotify and spent 3 years in China. Such an entertaining person – at least that part was worth it, ha!
Happy Anniversary! Here´s to the next 30!
I´m so happy for you that you´re back in the saddle (I should really say proper running shoes) and get to enjoy events and races. I love that you always seem to have fun at these events, taking time to take photos and enjoy the ride.
As for the single´s group – I think I would have worn the bracelet when I was single but would have been mortified having to kiss a stranger…
Thank you, Riitta! I can’t believe how fast time has flown by… I could be a grandmother!
I’m so happy to be back at a race event!! It’s been nine months now – that time has definitely NOT flown by, ha! Kai is good at taking photos during a run – I could never do that. I can only focus on one thing at a time!
Imagine the embarrassment! I wonder if they’re going to drop that for next year. Alistair had a good suggestion: he thought it would have been better to only have the men wear the single bracelet – then the single ladies could have taken their time to choose someone to talk to without feeling hunted. Let’s see what will happen!
Love the pix and this race sounds hard but lots of fun. Congrats on your AG win!
Nope on the band LOL (i am married anyway)
Spectating is hard. I’m not good at it. I got zero pix of my friends running the NYC half even though I told them where I’d be.
It was a fun event, Darlene. You would have loved this whole weekend, it was right up your street.
Oh no! That’s a lot of waiting for nothing! And probably freezing cold, too!
Now that you are back to running, there will be less spectating!
yes I will finally be running the race!!
WHAT WHAT WHAT!!!! 20K already!!!!! Wow Catrina, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I’m all in favor of the “solo” band, though I’d be a bit uncomfortable having to kiss someone on the spot. I can also see a use for a “not solo” band.
Thank you, Birchie! I was so happy to race again!
Ha, that’s a good point about the “not solo” band… there were many women there who were in a relationship but came with a group of girlfriends. They probably would have been interested in a band like that.
Sorry that the first few minutes of the race were hard 🙁 I always hear to never judge a run or race by the first few minutes because those are often the worst part of any run!
That is such a good tip, Kim! I always remind myself of that in my regular runs – I should have remembered that in this race situation, too!
Thanks for hosting the Tuesday Linkup!
It is great to see you out there racing again and totally crushing it too! Nice work to you and your hubs. I would have been so annoyed about missing that finish line photo op too
It was wonderful to be back to racing, Deborah! It’s been 9 months since I last stood at a starting line.
Oh my, was I angry with myself! At least Alistair was an entertaining person to spend time with!
I didn’t get a chance to read your “Namibia and Spectating Two Oceans” post until today and since comments are closed already, I’ll comment here. 😉 Congrats to Ilona for meeting her goal with a sub 6-hour Two Oceans Ultra, and to Kai for his great finish at his half!
Congrats to you and Kai on your age group wins! That’s such a bummer that the course was changed last minute and you didn’t get to see Kai finish (or run across the bridge had the course not been changed). As far as camping goes, that tent and those cots look pretty impressive.
Oh, thank you Debbie for going back to the other post! Kai and Ilona were so happy at the finish lines – it was a lovely sight.
This race was a wonderful event and I was so surprised that I even won in my AG. I haven’t been training for hills or doing any speedwork since I came back from my Achilles injury, so it was a nice surprise.
It was a luxurious way of camping with proper beds and duvets (and even electricity)! Kai still thinks it’s quite hardcore, though… 🙂
Liebe Catrina,
herzliche Glückwünsche zu eurem Hochzeitstag! Was für ein schöner Anlass, für einen gemeinsamen Laufausflug. 😀
Das ist ja aufwendig – die bauen da extra eine ganze Zeltstadt, nur für den Lauf? Oder steht das alles sowieso? Und so wie es da aussieht, war das ja schon mehr Glamping, als Camping! 😉
Super gelaufen! Wie herrlich, dass Lady A. so friedlich ist. Aber das mit der veränderten Strecke ist ja fies. Da kommt man sich doch vor, wie bestellt und nicht abgeholt, oder?
Liebe Doris
Danke dir! Genau, viel besser als so ein ödes, steifes Candlelight Dinner! So ein Laufevent ist VIEL besser.
Dieser Anlass findet an drei Wochenenden statt, wir waren das zweite. Der Event wird von einem Vater und seinen zwei Töchtern (so Mitte 20) organisiert. Ich glaube, die haben da auch Firmenevents und so – ich vermute, einige hundert Zelte stehen da länger.
Ha, genau! Sogar Strom hatten wir im Zelt! Und Kai denkt immer noch, dass es Hardcore Camping ist… aber es ist ok, so gewöhnt er sich langsam daran. 🙂
Voll! Wenigstens war Alistair ein sehr unterhaltsamer Kerl. Er arbeitet für Snapchat und lebte 3 Jahre in China, da hatte er viel zu erzählen.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu euren gemeinsamen 30 Jahren! Und als Läufer wird dieser Tag stilecht mit Laufen zelebriert, das find ich richtig gut 🙂
Ein interessantes Rennen noch dazu, über zwei Tage, mit Camping und offenbar top-Versorgung. Klingt toll!
Gute Entscheindung von dir nur den ersten Tag mitzumachen, doofe Entscheidung am Fluss auf Kai zu warten 🙂
Aber du scheinst (trotz Schwächelei am Anfang) wieder in Gang zu kommen, das ist die beste Nachricht!
Danke dir, lieber Oliver! Dass die beiden Events zusammen stattfanden war wirklich ein passender Zufall.
So viele Teilnehmer hatte ich nicht erwartet, aber ich war froh, dass sich alles gut verteilte und wir nachmittags unsere Ruhe hatten.
Alistair sagte noch “stelle dir vor, wir warten hier und inzwischen sind alle Läufer über eine andere Route ins Ziel gelaufen”…. ja, lieber Alistair, genau so war es. Wenigstens war er ein interessanter Gesprächspartner!
Ich bin froh! Noch vier Monate bis Berlin!
Congrats on your a.g. win! That trail looks very tough, you made a very good job.
Beautiful photos and very scenic place.
Stairway to heaven …. Led Zeppelin ….. memories of my youth.
I also don’t love camping, I prefer to to be comfortable: I am an old man! I still remember the hard drills when I was in the Navy.
Thank you, Stefano! South Africa is nearly as scenic as Italy! 🙂
Oh yes, that song was circling around in my brain, too.
Ha, you and Kai would enjoy each other’s company! I’m glad that we had comfortable beds to sleep in – I’m not sure Kai would have appreciated an air mattress on the ground…
Congrats on your race! Its too bad you missed seeing Kai out on the course. That’s pretty crazy that they made the runners kiss on the podium! Hope you had a nice anniversary!
It was great fun, Lisa! I was so annoyed, especially since it was such a great spot for photos. Running a race is the best way to celebrate an anniversary. 🙂
Liebe Catrina,
was’n Glück, dass du nicht gestorben bist! Was wäre das für ein Verlust! 🙂
30 Jahre habt ihr auch schon, in Relation ähnlich lange wie wir, vielleicht sogar ein wenig länger!!! Toll und herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Jubiläum! (Wir hatten letztes Jahr unseren 40.) … und das richtige ‘Blumen’-Arragement im Hintergrund zum (Jubiläums-)Hochzeitsfoto! 😆
Oh, das liest sich gut und war bestimmt sehr interessant. Einen Trailrun quasi aus dem Zelt heraus zu machen, das könnte mir gefallen. Allerdings war das schon super Luxus-Camping, Glamping oder so. 😛 Mit Feldbetten, richtigem Bettzeug, Strom im Zelt und solch tollen Duschen, bzw. Aussichten aus den Duschen! Bleibt man da nicht länger drunter stehen, wenn man einen solchen Ausblick hat?
Schön, dass Lady A gehalten, bzw. nicht gemeckert hat!!! – Bleib bitte vorsichtig, gerade wenn du jetzt deine Trainingshäufigkeit erhöhst und raus gehst ins Gelände! – Es wäre doch so guuut, wenn deine Lady A ab jetzt nie wieder mucken würde!!! – Habt ihr unterwegs auch Led Zeppelin (Stairway to heaven) gehört? – Aber einen Mehrtageslauf würde ich dir empfehlen. Es macht richtig Spaß und die Stimmung in der Läufergemeinschaft, die dann zusammenwächst, ist meistens richtig toll!!!
Spectating fail: nicht, dass ich mich erinnern könnte!
Have I worn the “Flying Solo” band: No way! – Umarmen gerne, nette Läufer sowieso, aber fremde Leute küssen wäre auch nichts für mich! – Wobei ein Küsschen auf die Wange auch noch vorstellbar ist … darüber hinaus NÖ! 😉
Alles Gute und
liebe Grüße Manfred
Haha, ein paar Minuten war ich nicht so sicher, ob ich lebend ans Ziel komme!
Wir haben mit 25 geheiratet – es fühlt sich an wie vor 3 Jahren anstatt 30. Ihr seid mit euren 40 Jahren ja bald rekordverdächtig! Nur noch 10 Jahre bis zur Goldenen Hochzeit, lieber Manfred!
Das hätte dir bestimmt Spass gemacht. Der Mix zwischen Alleinesein und in der Gruppe war genau richtig – immer Jubeltrubel wäre ein bisschen viel gewesen. Kai ist überzeugt, dass das “richtiges” Zelten ist… 😉 Nicht mal aufstellen mussten wir das Ding!
Die Duschen mit dem Ausblick waren super! Aber der Mangel an heissem Wasser hat schon dafür gesorgt, dass es nur ganz kurz dauerte. 🙂
Ich bin auch froh! Danke dir für die Ermahnung… die Belastung wird tatsächlich höher und ich muss sehr auf den Körper hören. Diese Woche hat Coach Sean zum ersten Mal die Frequenz auf 5x/Woche erhöht und auch einen Hügellauf geplant. Es war schwierig, die 200m HM für diesen Lauf abzuschätzen. Ich kam nach Hause und hatte nur 100m!! So kann man sich täuschen, ha!
Led Zeppelin habe ich noch nie auf einem (Berg)Lauf gehört – kann mir aber vorstellen, dass es genau passt.
Genau!! Meine Güte, was haben sich die Organisatoren dabei gedacht???
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnig-kühlen Cape Town!
Wow, great job on your 20K…sub-2, nonetheless! That would be disappointing to have missed Kai (and the others) at the finish, though. The Flying Solo bands are comical, but the podium kiss? #awkward LOL.
Thank you, Kim! It was a really nice event to have a first race again.
Argh, I was so angry at myself for missing Kai and a good photo opportunity on that bridge.
Awkward is the word!! I don’t know what the MC was thinking!
That’s a great result for you both on the 20k, especially on trail. Congratulations!
You say that Kai hates camping, but he looks pretty happy and comfy on the bed in the tent. I think you should pull him along for more camping trips 😂
Yes, I would absolutely wear the flying solo band. I really enjoy social company on runs. But that is extremely awkward on the podium. I would ‘nope’ right out of there! Thankfully no spectating fails like that for me, but I have been in similar situations waiting in the wrong place for someone. In fact it happened on the Wild Horse for me and running pacer Ben when we waited in the wrong location for his left back before I carried on my way. It also took hindsight for me to see the lighter side!
What an awesome little getaway. The camping and catering looks like it was absolutely brilliant.
Thank you, Sean! You would have been among the faster guys! The first to finish did it in 1:25. Interestingly, the 3rd guy was Travis Brigg, a 17-year-old who did it in 1:35. I have great hopes for this youngster!
Ha, Kai is convinced that this is “hardcore camping” with a proper bed and electricity…. he’ll have a rude awakening soon when we do the Fish River hike in Namibia – we’re going to sleep under the sky!
True, having a running buddy is a great thing, especially on your ultras. I see you have your Snowdonia post up, I’ll go straight over to check it out.
Poor Ben! I hope you didn’t lose too much time there – so annoying when these things happen, especially in a race.
It’s a great event, especially for families. There are plenty of things for the kids to do while you’re out running. Someone should set up an event like that in the UK!
Happy Anniversary! Wow, so many great things about this race. Congrats to both of you! Camping and running is an interesting concept. I see pictures of the showers and sinks so I am assuming that the toilets were next to the sink. Bummer about that last minute change. The bridge looks iffy. I would have been too scared to run across it. And no, I would not have kissed the other person. Maybe a kiss on the cheek but not the lips.
Thank you, Zenaida! I think you would have loved this event – it was so relaxed and fun!
Yes, the toilets were in a small building right next to the sinks. I should have stepped back a bit when taking the photo so you could get the whole picture.
I went on that bridge (when I took the photo of Alistair) and wow! it was so wobbly!! It would have been fun watching the runners pass over this bridge! Last year, some of them dropped into the river. Although, I think that was mostly on purpose, ha!
Only the “couple” in the middle kissed, and the other two hugged – I would have definitely gone for hugging! 🙂
First of all, is that your camping gear or did the race provide? That looks like Glamping! So fancy!
Second, I would probably have worn the band. I’m always down for things that are so ridiculously awkward.
Third, that bridge is a big fat no! OMG! It’s barely strung together! I’m sorry you missed the grand finish though!
Good question, Jenn! That camping gear was provided by the race organisers. They have three weekends like this with 1’000 runners, so these tents are up for longer. It was very fancy!! (Although Kai thinks this was hardcore camping – I didn’t dare tell him it’s glamping!) 🙂
YAY! That’s badass! I love your courage and adventurous spirit!
It was so shaky on that bridge! It would have been great to see the runners crossing it, haha!
Congratulations to you and Kai on 30 years, Catrina. You are not far behind Lynne and myself. We will be 35 in Oct. If I was single I don’t think I would have worn the band. I am quite shy. Way back in the day it was Lynne who suggested the 1st date and then later on she asked me to marry her. Just as well you didn’t run the 2nd day. You might have ended up winning the whole thing. That is an incredible time for all that elevation. Congratulations on beating the ladies in the 40-49 year old group.
Those tents are sure luxurious. Stage races are a lot of fun to get to meet other runners. 😀
Thank you, Carl! Oh, 35 years! Are you planning something special for your wedding anniversary? Maybe a nice walk in the forest together with a lovely home-cooked dinner with the family in the evening? When you have kids and grandkids, you can make a family event out of it – at least for those who live near you.
It’s hard to imagine you as shy! You talk to so many in a race, I thought you were rather outgoing. Or maybe it depends on the situation?
Ha, those tents were very comfortable! Kai still thinks it was hardcore camping…. which is maybe a good thing, at least he will agree to go camping the next time! 😉
You are very welcome, Catrina. Our anniversary will be on the same weekend as the Monarch festival and 10k run. It’s in Peterborough, about a 120 kilometer drive. I was struggling driving that distance, but since it’s our anniversary, we’ll go for the entire weekend and do some stuff together there.
It really does depend on the situation of whether I am outgoing or shy. 🙂
That sounds wonderful! You are combining three things: the Monarch festival, the 10k race and your anniversary weekend, so I think driving that distance is justified. Plus, you’re not sitting alone in the car! I know you will have a fabulous weekend!
Liebe Catrina, Du bist ja lauftechnisch schon wieder voll dabei und vorallem sehr schnell . Das freut mich total für Dich!
Das mit der Brücke hätte auch mir passieren können, ich ziehe so etwas an. Allerdings hatte ich das als Zuschauer noch nie. Dafür habe ich einmal vergeblich auf meine Staffelpartnerin gewartet, die hatte sich verlaufen. War echt ärgerlich damals.
Ansonsten lese ich, dass Du Dich wieder intensiv mit dem Tod beschäftigst. Beim Laufen, beim Küssen, er lauert überall 😀
Hat es in Namibia inzwischen nochmal geregnet?
Liebe Grüße
Volker (der sich im Falle eines Falles sicher nicht auf diese Weise als Single outen würde)
Es freut mich auch! Die Achilles hat ja auch genügend Nerven gekostet. Wie ich sehe, ist dein 12er auch sehr gut gelungen und der Körper hat mitgemacht. So sind wir beide wieder zurück!
Zumindest war die verwirrte Staffelläuferin nicht deine Schuld, du hast ja am richtigen Ort gewartet! Die Arme, die hat sich bestimmt noch mehr geärgert als du.
Haha, stimmt! Manchmal ist ein (simulierter) Tod der einfachste Ausweg! 🙂
Gute Frage – gerade heute haben wir mit Namibia-Rückkehrer gesprochen. Leider nein… und die Lage spitzt sich immer mehr zu. Jetzt hoffen alle auf die nächste Regensaison. Wir werden übrigens Ende nächste Woche wieder nach Namibia reisen, diesmal aber im Süden, wo es nicht so prekär ist. Wir haben eine mehrtägige Wanderung vor… mit Luftmatratze aber ohne Zelt. Kai freut sich schon….
Liebe Grüsse aus dem kühlen Cape Town (und ich habe von dir auch nichts anderes erwartet, lieber Volker!)
I was not expecting that finish about the bracelet winners!
I do t like camping because of the planning and packing, but it looks like it was all set up for you? That I wouldn’t mind!
You do so many cool races!
How did Lady A handle her day of running?
Haha, I think the “Flying Solo” runners were taken by surprise, too!
Yes! It was all set up, even the beds were made. It was really so easy – I’m glad Kai had a good experience, that way he’ll maybe agree to do “proper” camping one day.
Lady A didn’t mind at all! It’s pretty amazing how well it’s going. I hope your niggles will also soon disappear, Coco!
What a fun race!! I’m not a camper either, but those accommodations look pretty sweet! The race looks challenging-what was the elevation? Congrats on finishing first in your AG! You always amaze me.
I’ve never had a spectating fail quite like yours, but I’ve definitely failed at getting good photos!
Those tents were very neat – with electricity and all! I’m sure you would have loved it! It rained all night from Saturday to Sunday, but we stayed quite comfy and dry in the tent.
The elevation was around 350m / 1’150ft. Not too terrible across the distance of 20k. I was glad that the downhills weren’t too technical, that would have slowed me down.
Oh yes, failing at race photos is a good one, too!!
If I was 25, single and smart I would absolutely look for potential dates at running events.
You have something in common, both interested in health and fitness and runners are very cool people, if I say so my self!
And those girls have great legs! Lol
HAHA, Andy, there you go!!!
You are absolutely right, why not? Who knows, maybe there are many happy couples now as a result of that event!
Dear Catrina,
what a nice event and 70% women – that so amazing. Maybe they like the tinder idea?? Even better that you won your age group (and the one under) with all that competition and you brought your own guy to kiss :).
You should tell Kai that this looks certainly like glamping to me. There are beds and a lamp in the tent, nice showers and cooked food! Worthy of an anniversary!
Dear Roni
Ha, that’s what I thought, too! Maybe it’s considered a safe dating space for women!
It was so nice to run in a proper race again – and having my own guy to kiss at the finish line was a great bonus.
You are right! As you know, our next camping experience in Namibia was very different. I’m glad that this one was a more luxurious one, especially for Kai!