Two more seconds

stats of the week: run 56km, indoor cycling 1h, gym 3h

It wasn't really tapering this week as I topped it by a double layer of short races on Sunday. It was my 35th appearance at this event and I always try to win my age group to get one of the much sought-after cups but so far I failed every time.

However, I am still not fast enough to win. Despite I had my personal pace maker I only recorded two more second places.

Surprisingly I was able to run a faster pace and higher heart rate in the 2nd race of 5K after the 7.5K which took place 2 hours earlier.

Photo: The lady to my right tried to overtake me on the 5K home stretch - she is 66 years old!

Studying permitted behavior

stats of the week: run 68km, indoor cycling 1h, gym 3h

It was an extensive week of training, correctly placed according to most marathon schedules at the 3rd week before race day. 2nd week will be less strenuous and the last one relaxing - apart from the 11-h-flight to Japan.

Meanwhile I studied the big Tokyo Marathon Handbook which is really impressive and detailed.

"Forbidden Behavior:
Dressed inappropriately for a sports event or in clothing that is unpleasant to other runners or spectators. Examples:
Being naked or wearing underwear that appears nearly naked. Costumes that suggest nudity."

I reckon a good part of London Marathon participants would be disqualified in Tokyo.

Run and enjoy

stats of the week: run 47km, indoor cycling 2h, gym 3h

According to a Danish study published today jogging does not extend your life if you jog for more than 2.5 hours per week.

Luckily I am not a jogger but a runner. And like most runners I don't run to extend my life but to enjoy it.

However I have to admit my secret goal is to be the London Marathon's oldest runner one year.

Freezing at home

stats of the week: run 37km, cycled 127km, gym 1h

Back home to the European winter it takes some time to get used to the temperatures. Sunday's hill run through the freshly fallen snow caused some muscle soreness.

I look forward now to having a very new experience: My first travel to Japan and the Tokyo Marathon. Focus is to stay healthy and be fit for a low-key race enjoying a different world.

More South African Running

stats of the week: run 58km, cycled 127km

The Red Hill Classic, a 36K run at the Cape Peninsula, extended my South African running experience. The glorious route started in Fishhoek at the Indian Ocean side, moved over to the Atlantic, went South along the coast to a place called Scarborough, crossed the recognisable Red Hill, down to the other ocean again at Simon's Town and back along the coast to Fishhoek Athletic Club grounds.

My personal performance was fairly satisfactoring as I managed a 6min/K pace all over the distance, kept running even on the challenging hills and felt relaxed at the finish and the days after. This time I received No 354 at the finish among around 1000 runners.

The days schedule was outstanding: wake up 2.30am, start driving 3.15, arriving Fishhoek 5.15, start 5.30, finish 9.07am.

Tight shirt, loose run

stats of the week: run 49km, cycled 60km

The 15K from Hout Bay to Clifton made my 3rd South African race and it was the most relaxed one. A slow start, a cautious climb and a long descent to the coast and the finish after 1:20:18 h. There were around 1,300 runners doing the 15K, and 1,500 on the 30K. It was a leisurely pack as my rather slow pace let me be ranked on place 193.

Don't mind the tight shirt. I mixed it up with Claudia's whose is 2 sizes smaller!

Sunset Sports

Summer temperature in Western Cape is too high to exercise during the day - at least if you are of European nature and not used to the climate. So early morning or sunset time is best for running and cycling.

Next Sunday's Ocean Basket Bay to Bay 30K starts at 6am! I'm glad to have entered the shorter 15K version which sets off at 7.30am. As we have to drive 1.5 hours to the start at Hout Bay it makes still a short night. It's a scenic route along the Atlantic coast to Camps Bay. I very much look forward to this event.