Comrades 2012

It's taken me almost exactly a month to write this post.  I started this blog a year ago, with the goal of Comrades as my focus.  Now, I can't believe it's over.  I don't even really know where to start this post.  What is there to say about my first Comrades? It was incredible, scary, emotional, exciting, rewarding and without a doubt, extremely difficult! The start was amazing! I met a few runners at the start line in cold and dark Maritzburg and they all had a story to tell about previous Comrades they had run. By the time Chariots of Fire started playing, the tears were streaming down my face-and I wasn't the only one! It's an incredible feeling.  I joined hands with runners around me, said a silent prayer and wished everyone a good race.  The cock crowed and the canon fired...Comrades 2012 was underway! The first couple of km were extremely exciting.  I met a few runners from my club and we chatted excitedly about the plans for the next few hours.  About 10km in however I found myself running alone, before meeting up with a few other familiar faces.  And so went the day.  I ran mostly on my own, but there were many faces that I recognised-and on Comrades day...we're all like family.  The support was incredible and my special sister and her team of supporters did a great job of providing, not only support, but snacks, drinks and of course photo's along the way.  I passed through half way, feeling good and on track for the time I wanted.  The rest went by in a bit of a blur, until about 70km when my calf cramped.  As I fell down on the side of the road all I could think was-I'm going to have to walk the last 19km and there goes my time! Luckily a nice man stopped to hand me some ice and help me up.  He stayed with me for a while and helped me with some motivational chatter. While I was able to run, I had to keep it slow because from that point to the finish, my legs had just had enough.  I was in a lot of pain and the smile on my face had almost completely been replaced by what must have been a very grumpy looking face! I knew that this was the mental part of the race that everyone had been talking about.  Was I fit enough to finish? Yes.  The real challenge was staying focused, not losing hope and to just keep going.  I finished Comrades 2012 in 10:16 and I was thrilled! Looking back now, I can't believe I did it.  Will I be back next year? I hope so!!