The Sundowner 10k was an evening race, which isn’t our favourite. But the starting line was only one mile from our doorstep, so we had to participate.
At 5 pm, we left our home and casually walked to the start. Interestingly, they split the start by gender: the men started at 6 pm and the women at 6.15 pm. This was going to be a new experience!
The 1k-marker on our way to the start. 
Mandatory pre-race selfie. 
Waiting for my turn. 
Table Mountain in the background. 
The men’s start at 6pm.
The men started punctually at 6 pm and the women cheered them on.
Then, it was our turn.
We entered the corral and I weaved my way towards the front. Usually, this is a bit of a struggle, but this time, there was plenty of space to work my way through the ladies. There was no pushing or shoving. When the gun went off at 6.15pm, it only took a few hundred metres for everyone to spread out and disentangle themselves. Once that was done, it was a breeze.
After 3k, I caught up with the first men who were power-walking. Gradually, the field of runners started to change and I was now running with more men than women.
After the 5k mark, we had to run on a slanting road and everyone ran in the middle to avoid the slant. The sun, which was about to set, was now behind us and threw long shadows.
Then something happened which I’ve never experienced before in a race: whenever the runners in front of me saw my shadow coming up behind them, they all stepped away from the middle to make it easier for me to pass them.
At first, I thought I had simply passed an especially considerate group of runners. But this happened again and again over the whole 2k stretch on this slanted road. This generous gesture really touched me.
This race was great fun! The results of the race are not out yet (this can take up to seven working days in South Africa). I only know that I’m the 14th woman and that Kai is the 65th man.
In other news, there was a lot of excitement last Friday at the bay where we live.
As the first person ever, Richard Kohler is attempting to cross the Atlantic in a kayak. The route will be 7’000km from Cape Town to Salvador, Brazil, and it will take him 70 days. He will do it completely unsupported. Can you imagine?
Richard Kohler 
His customized kayak 
With a sleeping cabin
Before he left, he presented his kayak. Of course, we went to have a look.
Navigation system 
Dehydrated food (he has 11 bags) 
Inspecting the cabin
He left on Friday at 7am and we watched his departure. For the first three hours, he was accompanied by about 50 kayakers. We obsessively check his blog every morning to track his progress. It’s a mind-boggling feat!
All the best, Richard! 
Richard’s progress on day 4.
- Have you ever participated in a race that was split by gender?
- What would scare you most about crossing the Atlantic in a kayak?
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, Runs with Pugs and Laura Norris Running.
Liebe Catrina,
hey, ein kleiner 10’er an einem Sommerabend – was für eine schöne Vorstellung (ich schaue gerade auf weiß gefrorene Dächer) und ihr konntet das nutzen. Super praktisch auch, wenn es quasi gleich vor der Haustür stattfindet! Eure Zeiten sind sicher auch bestens :-)! Von so einer Damen-Herren-Trennung habe ich noch nie gehört, es gibt ja Sachen bei euch da auf dem anderen Kontinent! Ob sich denn die Herren möglichst Vorsprung vor den flotteren Damen sichern wollen? Brauchen sie das Gefühl, dass die Damen ihnen nachrennen? 😉 Kennst du den Grund? Ansonsten kenne cih nur die reinen Frauenrennen, die mich aber absolut nicht reizen.
Auf alle Fälle hast du dich nicht irritieren lassen und die Herren von hinten etwas aufgemischt. Witzig, dass man dir Platz machte, kaum dass dein Schatten für die vor dir Laufenden sichtbar wurde. Aber auch eine faire Geste! Ich hatte ähnliches schonmal beim Maare-Mosel-Lauf (Halbmarathon), wo man teils auf einem schmalen Pfad hintereinander lief. Da boten mir einzelne vor mir Laufende an, kurz rauszutreten, damit ich sie passieren könne.
Sicher war es ein tolles Gefühl, so bei Sonnenuntergang ins Ziel zu rennen!
Richard Kohler scheint ja auch ein sehr mutiger und verwegener Sportler zu sein. Wow, solch eine Herausforderung, der er sich da stellt! Ich werde sein Abenteuer auch mit verfolgen! Bei so etwas hätte ich am meisten Sorge vor Sturm und Wellengang… Ich würde sterben vor Angst. Hat er denn wenigstens Funkverbindung?
Liebe Grüße aus dem eisgekühlten Rheinland
Elke
Liebe Elke
Es war richtig luxuriös, so einen Lauf vor der Haustüre zu haben. In Zürich haben wir ein paar Läufe, wo die Frauen mit den ü-50 Männern laufen. Dies, weil sonst das Gedränge am Start zu viel wäre. Ich vermute, dass es hier der gleiche Grund war – wenn sie uns alle auf einmal losgelassen hätten, wäre es auf der Strecke sehr eng geworden. Wir liefen entlang der Promenade, mit spielenden Kindern und frei herumlaufenden Hunden – du kannst es dir etwa vorstellen. Da gab es einige Fast-Zusammenstösse. 🙂
Das ist aber auch nett, dass die Läufer dir Platz auf einem engen Pfad machen! Gut auch, dass sie dich kommen hören und nicht die Ohren mit Musik verstopft haben…
Es ist wirklich krass, was Richard Kohler macht! Ja, er hat Verbindung mit dem Festland. Er hat jemand, der ihm das Wetter durchgibt und die entsprechende Strategie. Und irgendwie schafft er es auch, einen Blog zu schreiben. Ich vermute, er spricht den Text auf WhatsApp und jemand schreibt es dann auf.
Hier ist es gerade sehr warm geworden. Wir hatten 20 Stunden lang keinen Strom (unangekündigt) und jetzt ist im Kühlschrank so ziemlich alles zu warm geworden. Zum Glück hatten wir nichts im Eisfach. 🙂
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnigen Cape Town!
Sounds like a very fun race! I have done a race where the men start on one side, the women on the other (no idea why), but we all start together. I have most definitely never had people just get out of my way in a race! And only a mile from your home? How I wish there was a race that close to mine but I also live near some relatively busy streets. OTOH, the HS is constantly practicing in our neighborhood.
No, can’t even wrap my head around the kayaking trip. So many things would scare me . . . .probably my top two would be storms & just being THAT alone for 70 days — assuming everything went right.
That sounds like an interesting set-up for a starting line! I wonder why they did that if you all start at the same time?
It was great to have a race past your front door! I thought of the cool apple cider I had in my fridge and was tempted to leave the race early, haha!
Yes! I’d be scared of the loneliness. He does have contact with people on the mainland, but still, there’s no one to talk to in person for 70 days!
It is really interesting that the men and women start at different times as we don’d do that here. Sounds like you 2 were the super speedy couple again. You all must have quite the reputation in town! Nicely done on another great race
Haha, I hope we’re not spoiling the races for people in our age group. It was a lovely race, especially with the beautiful sunset.
Thank you, Deborah!
I don’t think I’ve ever been in a race where the men and women started at different times! I love that the races moved aside when they saw your shadow approaching. Congrats on a speedy race!
What would scare me about crossing the Atlantic in kayak? EVERYTHING
It was an interesting set-up. I think they did it to avoid congestion along the route. We ran along the promenade with a lot of walkers, children, dogs, etc. so we did have to pick our way as we ran. Thank you, Wendy!
Imagine, 70 days on the ocean without speaking to anyone in person! I’d go nuts!
Congratulations on another great finish Catrina and Kai. When I read how close the starting line was to your doorstep, it made me very happy.
Thank you for sharing about Richard Kohler and his website link. His daily blog (so far to day 4) is really great reading. Even his archive of expeditions dating back to 2012 is really amazing and inspiring. Love how the 1st line of his website reads, “More than 3000 people have climbed Mount Everest and over 100 have traveled to the Arctic, but no one has kayaked across the Southern Atlantic Ocean.” I’m also really looking forward to following his journey. And to think that you got to see his boat and watch his departure. So cool. 😀
Thank you, Carl! Exactly! No car or long commute required – it should always be that way.
Isn’t it fascinating? We read his blog every morning and it blows my mind. How can anyone just paddle all alone for 70 days? Imagine the mental strength that it takes.
I loved that sentence, too. I feel very honoured that we got to meet him personally and see him leave. I hope that he will make it!
That is sad news of Richard Kohler’s solar panels not charging and his detour to Walvis Bay. Hoping he can get things fixed up and back on the water again. Not sure where that is, but on his map he has sure gone a long way north.
Indeed, Carl! What sad news. It just shows how fragile the setup is and how daunting this trip really is.
Knowing Richard and his team, he will not be disheartened by this setback. Even if he aborts this trip, he will be already planning his second attempt. I am impressed by his determination and courage.
Nope on kayaking across the Atlantic, I did kayak in RI and the wind was exhausting.
As Judy said, we used to have a 15k where women started separately from men. (I’m sure you realize that we live in the same area.)
Night races are tricky… I never know how to eat that day.
Your races always have amazing scenery and look like loads of fun.
Congrats on another great race to you and the hubby.
Haha, me neither, Darlene! But I’m fascinated by the expedition and the courage it takes.
Yes! It seems quite odd to separate the runners by gender and then have them start at the same time. The route would still get congested.
Exactly – running in the evening makes me feel tense all day and you have to be careful with the food.
Thanks! It was great fun!
Liebe Catrina,
noch besser wäre es gewesen, wenn dir ein Mann Windschatten geboten hätte, 😛 vielleicht hattet ihr aber gar nicht so viel Wind. 🙂
War aber ne schöne Geste der Männer und es war quasi Ehrensache daran teilzunehmen, sollte man doch die lokalen Veranstalter unterstützen! 😉
‘Dämmerläufe’ sind tolle Läufe! Hab mal den City-Nightrun auf dem Kudamm in Berlin mitgemacht, in Mannheim einen Halbmarathon in die Dunkelheit hinein, sowie auch den Saisonauftakt des DLV hier in Darmstadt in der Nacht. Ist ne besondere, also tolle Atmosphäre!
Der Stadtlauf hier in Darmstadt wird getrennt gestartet, da die Darmstädter Innenstadt recht klein ist.
Über den Atlantik nur mit nem Kajak geht für mich gar nicht, da brauche ich nix zu differenzieren! 😆 Obwohl ich so manche Kanu-Tour gerne gemacht habe, auch im Winter und auch eine stärkere Strömung flussaufwärts.
Bleibt gesund und frohe Weihnachten, entspannt euch und alles Gute!
Liebe Grüße Manfred
Lieber Manfred
Zum Glück war es fast windstill! 🙂
Das fand ich so nett von den Männern! Ich habe schon Läufe erlebt, wo die Männer sich nicht so fair verhalten und eher einen auf “Blockade” machen oder ein kleines Wettrennen veranstalten. Aber so war es schön.
Ah, du liebst Abendläufe! Es hat schon was Schönes, aber was nicht so angenehm ist, ist dass man den ganzen Tag etwas angespannt ist und aufpassen muss, was man isst. Und nacher dauert es eine ganze Weile, bis man wieder runterkommt von der ganzen Aufregung.
Auch ein getrennter Start – macht Sinn bei engen Verhältnissen. 🙂
Nope, die Kayak-Tour geht bei mir auch nicht. Diese Einsamkeit! Und die Gefahren! Was ist, wenn die Wasseraufbereitungsmaschine kaputt geht?
Dann lieber was kurzes… obwohl, deine Winter-Kanu-Tour wäre auch nichts für mich! 😉
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnigen Cape Town, jetzt wieder mit Strom zu Hause!
I’ve never heard a race that divides men and women!! That’s really interesting! I wonder what the reason for that could be? Well done again on another strong performance even if you don’t like evening races! And how amazing that Richard is attempting to cross the Atlantic in a kayak… Hadn’t heard of this until now! Thanks for sharing that. Let me check out his blog.
I thought so too! Very unusual. I think it was to avoid congestion at the promenade. It was a lovely evening and it was full of walkers, kids, dogs and bikes. We had to do quite a bit of weaving and it was good that we weren’t too many runners all at once.
Thank you, Shathiso, it was great fun!
Richard’s undertaking is fascinating… I hope he will make it!
I just followed him on IG!
Cool!
ANOTHER race completed within the top 20 – you´re in beast mode clearly, Catrina! Well done. I actually thought about you today: I read there´s a 3/6/12 km wool sock race/national championship coming up in January. and I was tempted – briefly 😀 The idea is to run “bare foot” ie. in multiple wool sock layers. Have never tried but as a Finn I should really, shouldn´t I?
Thank you, Riitta! It was nice to run along a flat road – so much easier than trails!
WHAT??? There’s a wool sock race in Finland?! Haha, that’s hilarious!!
I think I found it – it’s in a place called Orivesi, right? Oh my goodness, yes, you need to sign up for this one!
Yes, that´s the one! 😀 Sounds like a lot of fun, and it would be an OK drive from us to there. I´m tempted…
I’m staying tuned! 😉
Ach ja, liebe Catrina, wenn ich euch so sehe im warmen Südafrika, hier hingegen bei 0 Grad, aber immerhin bei Sonnenschein unterwegs, dann ist das schon ein wenig ” strange ” für uns Ostseeanrainer !! 😉
Schon wieder ein Wettkampf – sag’ ich doch – Schlag auf Schlag. sogar Männlein und Weiblein getrennt, das kenne ich hier in Deutschland nur von Meisterschaften, ansonsten starten und laufen alle immer gemeinsam, aber du hast ja die lieben Männer von ihrer besten Seite erleben dürfen, wenn sie dir freundlicherweise Platz machen – das gefällt mir -sehr sogar !!
Dann halten wir mal dem mutigen Mann alle Daumen, dass er unbeschadet dort ankommt, wo er hin möchte, puh, wenn das mein Mann wäre !! 🙄
Pass gut auf euch auf, wer weiß, was wir nächste Woche hier wieder lesen dürfen….., allerdings Weihnachten wird wohl eher ruhig in Sachen Wettkampf – oder ???
Das glaube ich dir, liebe Margitta!
Die letzten zwei Tage ist es plötzlich richtig warm geworden, heute waren es fast 30°. Aber leider haben wir auch gestern Abend einen Stromausfall gehabt, der bis heute Nachmittag andauerte. Das war schon etwas mühsam (Internet, Kühlschrank), besonders für die Geschäfte.
Das war der letzte Wettkampf von 2021, ein schöner Abschluss. Ah, der getrennte Start kennst du also von den Meisterschaften. Das macht auch Sinn! Hier denke ich, dass es wegen den Platzverhältnissen war.
Stell’ dir vor, was Richards Familie wohl für Ängste durchstehen müssen! Aber er ist erfahren – ich bin sehr gespannt, ob er das schafft.
Genau, nächste Woche wird ruhiger. Wir reisen für ein paar Tage nach Zürich und werden ein paar kältere Läufe machen. Blogtechnisch mache glaube ich, dass ich ein Jahresrückblick mache. Die mache ich immer gerne! 🙂
Liebe Grüsse aus dem warmen Cape Town!
My Leprechaun Chase always has the men (the lads) and women (lasses) starting at different times …but that’s the gist of the “chase.” It does make for a fun & unique race experience!
Okay, the man and his kayak????? I can’t even imagine taking on a quest of that magnitude. Holy yikes !
Ah, yes, of course, your Leprechaun Chase! Now that would have been an interesting twist to the race! 🙂
Isn’t it a scary adventure? I could never imagine doing anything like that – imagine the loneliness!
Congrats on another very good accomplishment. I think you both are on the podium of the a.g. too.
This is the first time I hear that man and women start at different times.
Long time ago I had a kayak but I paddled near the coast. After few years I sold it because I didn’t have the time for this sport, I preferred to run and swim.
Thank you, Stefano! I hope we made it to the age group podium. I just checked but the results are still not out.
I think I would prefer running and swimming to kayaking as well. The legs don’t get much exercise in a kayak – imagine being stuck in one for 70 days! Richard said he would strengthen his legs by swimming around his kayak, but it’s not the same as walking or running.
That’s very cool that everyone was able to see your shadow and move. Maybe it’s a perk of afternoon racing. I’ll be doing my 2nd afternoon race ever on NYE.
Congrats on your race and mad props to Richard for his kayak adventure. No I could never but I will enjoy following along with him on his blog.
An afternoon race on New Year’s Eve? How cool is that, Birchie!
If we had one here I’d sign up for that immediately.
I love following Richard’s blog! This morning he reported that he nearly had a crash with a cargo ship. Scary!
I have never participated in a race split by genders and I was fascinated reading about your race. Congrats on being the 14th woman to finish!
Everything would scare me about crossing the Atlantic in a kayak. Thanks for sharing the link – I plan to follow his journey as well.
Thank you, Debbie! I think you would have enjoyed this race!
I just read up on his latest entry – he nearly had a crash with a cargo ship yesterday. And then he cooked bacon and eggs in his tiny “kitchen”. Fascinating!
Liebe Catrina,
solche Läufer “vor der Haustüre” sind einfach super. Hier in Seekirchen gibt es zwei davon, die ich auch immer beide gelaufen bin, weil es halt so praktisch ist. Ich gratuliere euch beiden zu den Platzierungen!
Die verschiedenen Startzeiten für Frauen und Männer kenne ich sonst nur aus dem Triathlon. Da gibt es das häufiger.
Hach und ich sehe mich schon in den nächsten Tagen ein Kajak online zu verfolgen. Wie spannend, was er erzählen wird. 🙂
Liebe Doris
So praktisch, nicht wahr? Ein Lauf im eigenen “backyard” muss man fast machen.
Danke dir! Die Resultate sind immer noch nicht raus, das dauert diesmal ewig.
Das habe ich ganz vergessen! Klar, das stimmt und ich bin auch schon mit “nur” Frauen gestartet. Daran habe ich gar nicht mehr gedacht – vielleicht lag es daran, dass wir keine Laufklamotten anhatten sondern Badeanzüge. 🙂
Hast du gesehen? Richard hatte fast eine Kollision mit einem Frachter gestern. Und dann hat er sich Speck und Eier gekocht. Cool, der Typ.
Ein schönes Rennen, gratuliere euch beiden zum echt guten Finish! Ehrensache, sowas “direkt vor der Haustür” mitzumachen, offenbar ja auch mit mega-fairen Mit-Teilnehmern, sowas lese ich gerne.
Frauen und Männer getrennt ist etwas kurios bei 10k Rennen, aber naja, die Results als Download-Excel-Liste auch 🙂 Und als schnelle Frau hast du natürlich den motivierenden Vorteil das Männerfeld von hinten aufzumischen, klasse!
Richard wünsche ich immens viel Erfolg in seinem Kajak! Werde dem Blog folgen, sowas ist echt spannend.
Liebe Grüße aus dem frostigen Rheinland, Oliver
Danke dir, Oliver! Das wäre auch was für dich und den Shammas gewesen!
Es war schon etwas komisch – ich glaube, es lag an den engen Platzverhältnissen auf der Promenade. Aber es hätte gereicht, wenn die Frauen 5 Minuten nach den Männern gestartet wären. Das wäre auch spannender gewesen bei der Aufholjagd! 🙂
Die lassen sich echt Zeit mit den Resultaten. Beim Zieleinlauf bekam ich eine Nummer in die Hand gedrückt (Nummer 14). Diese kam in eine kleine Plastikbeutel mit meinem Namen. Und jetzt muss jemand das in eine Excelliste eintippen…. sehr umständlich!
Der Blog ist super. Gestern hatte er eine fast-Kollision mit einem Frachtschiff. Krass, was er da alles erlebt!
Weiterhin viel Spass bei deinen Läufen und liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnigen Cape Town!
Sounds like you had another great race! How nice to see considerate runners – this kind of team spirit makes the experience much better.
And sounds like Richard is going on an amazing adventure. It’s so great to meet people doing interesting and new things. I think it would be too scary for me to be on the water for that long and not see any land, though.
It was a very enjoyable race, Kat! You are right – when people are considerate despite being in a competitive situation it’s so much more fun.
I just read Richard’s blog this morning – he nearly collided with a cargo ship. Then he calmly cooked some bacon and eggs for breakfast. He’s quite amazing – I’d be scared to death!
Congrats on your race! Sounds like fun and its really nice when runners are supportive of one another.
I couldn’t imagine crossing the Atlantic in a kayak! That’s pretty amazing.
Thank you, Lisa! It was a very enjoyable race with a peaceful atmosphere.
Me neither! I love reading Richard’s daily updates and about all the difficulties he has to contend with.
I’ve done a few evening races and I always find it so hard to get my nutrition correct for those types of races.
Congrats on your race and do cool that the runners were friendly too!
Exactly, Kim! And I feel restless all day until the race starts.
Thanks! This was really an enjoyable race with a super-friendly atmosphere. 😊
Hi Catrina,
I know, long time no see…but seeing you is always inspiring…especially seeing you outracing your male competitors …opening the line for you shows definitely respect…you should have greeted back like a highness 🙂
That you met Richard must have been inspiring too….this is ultimate freedom…with the ultimate risk…I like the solar panels on top of his kajak 🙂
Lucky you, being back in South Africa, though I like the winter fairy land which it is here in Germany right now, as well. It does not keep me from running, quite the opposite…I am still sticking to my training plan though I overdid it for a while and could not participate in my anticipated trail run.
I will be back for more. Are you and Kay still sticking to Sauerkraut? 🙂 This maybe a new good import idea to South Africa 🙂
Wishing you and Kai a wonderful Christmas for now from Münster.
Hohoho,
Ginger
Hi Ginger! Lovely to hear from you!
I was wondering how your trail race went in November, sorry to hear that it didn’t work out. But great that you are sticking to your training plan despite the cold weather! Well done and keep it up! 🙂
And yes, just this morning I had a few forkfuls of sauerkraut. I think of you every time I eat it. Fortunately, we found a shop nearby that focuses on wellness-type foods and it also sells sauerkraut. That tip that you gave us really stuck!
And imagine, I could even buy a kombucha scoby there and now I’m brewing my own kombucha again. Yay!
The race was great fun. It’s only strange that the results are still not out… I guess we will have to wait for the new year for that.
Richard was very inspiring. I love reading his blog – it’s quite amazing how many things happen to him out at sea. You’d think it would be boring but it’s quite the opposite.
Thank you, Ginger. Next week, we will be travelling to Switzerland for a week to see the family. Hopefully, we’ll get a bit of winter fair land while we’re there!
Keep well and keep up the training! I hope to read from you soon in your blog. 😉
In all of the races I’ve done, both men and women have started at the same time. I know for the major marathons, the women start first and then the men. I cannot imagine doing that trip on a kayak. Wow! Are you still tracking him? Where is he now?
Yes! I never thought about the big marathons – a good point, Zenaida!
We’re still tracking Richard. It’s amazing how much is happening. After a near collision with a cargo ship, his kayak got flooded yesterday and he lost his washing-up bucket. Now he only has his poop bucket… 🙂
Oh man, I meant to ask you about where and how he goes to the bathroom. Now I know. 🙂
We used to have a race around here call the Skirt Chaser, sponsored by a running skirt company. The women went off 5 minutes ahead of the men and got “chased”. I believe there was some sort of reward for staying ahead of the guys. Well done on your race.
That is some kayak and quite the adventure! I think I’d be SO terrified if a storm came up and tossed me around.
Now that sounds like fun! Probably a bit like Kim’s Leprechaun Chase. I would love to do a race like that!!
Exactly that happened yesterday to Richard, Marcia! There were a lot of waves. One of the waves made it into the kayak and splashed around, taking out his red washing-up bucket. Now he has to use his black poop bucket to do the washing-up… He also had a near collision with a cargo ship a few days ago. It’s quite amazing how much is happening out there on the ocean.
Nice🥰
Oh my gosh, what wouldn’t scare me! That is such a feat!
That race sound interesting. I don’t like afternoon races, but I would do one that started so close to my house too. Very cool that the guys made it easy for you to pass. Maybe it’s a tradition for the Sundowner race?
It’s amazing how Richard is progressing, Coco. His goal is to do 100k a day – he hit 700k yesterday so he’s on track! But I would be scared as well!
Haha, right! With the sun always being so low for that race it must be a hidden code among the participants. 🙂 We got our results yesterday, Kai finished 5th in his age group and I finished 1st in mine. Being a middle-aged woman certainly has benefits when it comes to races. 🙂