It’s all in the preparation (or lack there of)
So as most of my twitter followers and family know, I completed my second 2 Oceans half marathon last Saturday. My time was exactly as planned in that I finished in 2 hours and 47 minutes. I entered the race fairly soon after entries had original opened, and at the time had quite high hopes of doing something around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
While this is in itself is not and earth shatteringly fast time (the winner completed the new course is 1 hour and 5 minutes) it was none the less my aim. I entered with the feeling that I had ample time to prepare and I did. The bottom-line was that due to not following a stricter training regime I missed my mark.
I did train, but over did it to begin with and hurt myself in the process. My compensation for this was to take the entire month of February off! Not a good option…
So with only the month of March as my training month I set out to train to complete the race. This was the correct strategy at the time and one that ultimately paid off with me completing the event. I had in fact been ahead of schedule at the 19km mark and save for a left calf muscle cramp would have finished much stronger.
The race though left me with a huge learning opportunity. I was not properly prepared and while I finished the event, I was in less than show room condition at the end. In fact Sunday saw me hobbling around like a bit of an old age pensioner (no offence to anyone)
I have a greater appreciation for the preparation that the top athletes go through, more so for how it ensures that they finish well, now more than ever. I equally have learned that this preparation is applicable to many other aspect of life. I have already entered the Knysna Half marathon and I have set a goal for 2 hours and 15 minutes for this one. I am determined to prepare well and to hopefully finish well……..