TRIATHLON ----Summer series ---
FRIDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2005.
The 16th December is a Public Holiday in South Africa. It used to be called Dingaans Day and is now known as “the Day Of Reconciliation”. This triathlon started at Happy Valley. It was designed to meet the needs of those who did not feel like a long event as well as those who were prepared to be out there for a little longer. The shorter event (sprint distance) was a swim out on the Humewood beach to buoys past the pylons and back (About 500m), then there were three circuits of up La Roche drive and left at Strandfontein road, down second avenue and then back to the transition (each lap is about 6kays). The final part of the triathlon was a run to Summerstrand lifesaving club and back (5kays).
The longer distance (Three-Quarter) consisted of two laps of the swim (1000m), five laps of the cycle (30kays) and a run that went out to the Summerstrand Inn and back (7.5kays).
At the start I saw Achilleans: Davera & Michael; Greg, Bradley, Shane, Lizelle and Pat. I think that they are all entered for next years Ironman. The conditions were perfect this morning. A number of my fellow Achilleans had not started the last Triathlon because of poor conditions. Also at the start were Rob and Jenny Connacher, Warren Collier, Hannes Zeelie and his sons were doing the event as a relay, David (Chokka) Enslin, Rod the pro triathlete now turned pastor from America, Ian (Ultra Ironman) Ross, Rob Ermes, Colin McAll, Paul Wolf and many others. Triathlon in PE seems to have grown in popularity recently. Probably as a result of the Ironman event of 2005.
For myself I really enjoyed the swim. There was a light West wind that flattened the surf and I was able to swim Crawl the whole time. My main problem is that I am so very slow compared to the others. I came out of the water the first time with two or three swimmers behind me but they were doing the sprint distance so I ended up being the very last out of the water. Also I seem to get lost out there and have to adjust every now and then to head back in the right direction. My right arm is stronger than my left so I tend to be heading towards my left-hand side. I am not sure why, but I felt like the water was noisy today. I was aware of every splash of my swim strokes. It was a really great swim. There was a lot of red seaweed on the shore but that did not bother us at all. Most of the athletes use wet suites but the water was warm and unless speed was a concern, there was no real need for a wetsuit. I find that Goggles really help and I think that it is compulsory to wear a swim-cap. By the time I finished the swim there was a lone spectator; Barbara had faithfully waited for me on the beach.
Then there was the cycle. Going up La Roche Drive is a bit of a slog but it is a reasonably short hill and although it was into the wind, the route was fairly sheltered. Strandfontein and Second Avenue were great with the wind mainly behind. The last section along Marine Drive was into the wind. Each time I passed over the Happy Valley Bridge I would glance over to the left and see how the bike area was filling up until the last lap when there was hardly another bike on the road. I knew that I had been last out of the water (Mainly because there was only one bike left in the transition area) and so when I was on my fifth lap I was able to tell the Marshals that they could pack up and go home.
The run started off under the Marine Drive Bridge and up on to Katie’s Walk. There was a whole lot of activity along the walkway including the preparations for the opening of the season festivities on the Saturday Night. At the section near to the Summerstrand Beach a new walkway is in the process of being built and this looks like it is going to be a really popular walkway for those who enjoy the beach walks and runs. At the lifesaving Club we turned right towards Marine Drive and then headed out to the Summerstrand Inn. I had been passing a whole lot of runners (going in the opposite direction) who I know, and envied them on their way home. As I approached the turn I was able to overtake two ladies and realised that with a bit of effort I would be able to catch Brian Saunders (Also a long time Achillean) who has won (if I am correct) the Achilles Marathon when it was still being held at the Big Tree. Brian had heart surgery some years ago and has to watch his heart rate very carefully.
I ended the race with a time of around 2hrs 20. I was quite happy to have been there and completed this event. Triathlons of this distance are like half marathons. A couple of hours of exercise and I was able to be at work a little later. They may be a little fussy because of the preparation and the bicycle but add something different to just running.
Peter Giddy
16 December 2005.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Sunday, December 11, 2005
BLUEWATERBAY 15KAY AND SUMMER SERIES TRIATHLON DECEMBER 2005.
Weekend 10 & 11 December 2005.
Bluewaterbay 15kay and first of the Summer Series Triathlon.
On Friday evening we were due to have a get together at the church to “rehearse” our Nativity Play. The Perks group had asked our group to be part of the play but as it turned out it was only Charles and ourselves who could help. The rehearsal turned out to be a costume selection evening as we assured Robin that we knew our lines and what we were to do. Mike and Barbie were away and we actually had absolutely no idea of what we had to do. It will be interesting to see how the scene progresses next week.
On Saturday morning Tim & I drove to Bluewaterbay and were incredibly lucky with our parking as we so often are. We registered for the run and then did our short warm up run. I was very pleased to have had the time for warming up as my left knee was giving me a bit of trouble. It hurts on the outside especially as I bend the foot inwards and when running downhill. The race started on time at 07.00 and the first section takes us down the Tippers creek hill and I felt the knee. But then got chatting to Rob from East London, Colin Mc Call and others and soon was in a good stride.
I picked up the pace after about 5 or 6 kays as the knee warmed up and after that I did not feel it again. I ran with a variety of people from then and began the second half feeling quite good. The route is first past the old Bluewaterbay suburb next to the Zwartkops River and then wanders through the newer part of the suburb where I had never been before. I was really impressed with the size of the houses. This has become an upmarket area to live it seems. Then we ran back past the Bluewaterbay lifesaving club and then the last kay took us up the Tippers Creek hill and back to the Primary School.
Tim did the race in 1:18 and I finished in 1:22. I was quite satisfied. As usual we had a coke and left. I had to be at work as it was our sales month end and Tim was due to go do stuff with Suzanne.
At work we completed the documentation and finalised the sales month end and I was able to be home by 15.00. Our region had done well and I was keen to see how we fared against the other regions on Monday morning. At Ally’s request we had ourselves a Macaroni Cheese supper. I like to make this dish with grilled porkers as well as vegetables. In this was I am able to get Ally to eat the Veggies.
Tim and I had arranged to meet at Hobie beach for the Triathlon at about 07.00 and despite the fact that the West wind was blowing quite strongly we entered the race. We saw Pat and Ian Thomson there as well as Davera and Mike Magson. It seemed that neither of them was keen to enter the race. The weather had put them off. The swim was a two lap event out past the pier. Right turn, past the Buoys and back to the beach. It was my ambition to not be lapped by the front swimmers and I managed to get out the first time before they had rounded the buoy. As I was swimming the second lap I was convinced that I was last in the water. But I was wrong. I think that there were about 2 or three swimmers behind me. Then it was out on the bike.
Barbara had timed my two laps of swimming. I think that she said that I took about 7mins for the first and 9 mins for the second lap. Plus I took about 3 mins for the transition. The wind was great at first as it pushed us to the “University Turn”. But then it was like riding up Brikkies. I was in the easiest gear and hardly moving forward. Rob Ermes passed me as did the Summies Triathlon lady and one other man. I was able to pass a young lady and so had two ladies behind me when I turned at Noordhoek. Whew! What a relief. The wind was now behind us and we flew back to Flat Rock where we again had the wind in our faces but not to the same extent. In the last Kay I had seen David (Chokka) Emslie pushing his bike. He had a flat tyre and pushed back to the transition.
We ran out towards the Summerstrand Lifesaving club but as the path was under construction, had to cut short. At this stage I saw that Tim was way ahead of me as were Warren Collier and Colin Mc Call. Then we turned back in to the wind again, past the transition and out towards McArthur Baths. I passed Rob and so now had Rob, David and the two ladies behind me. We turned for the last time and ran home. Tim met me for the final stretch and we managed to out sprint David in the final few meters. I think he let me beat him. My time for the 20 kay cycle had been about 53 mins and for the 5 kay run about 25 mins.
I had not seen the last lady on the run so she could not have passed the transition. I decided to go look for her and to help her with the last few kays of running. As I met up with her she said how thirsty she was. I knew that there had been no water left on the run so I fetched my bike water bottle and was able to give her some water as we ran. Another man also joined us. He had a 2 lit Coke and a cup. So between the two of us we made sure that she was well hydrated and that she finished the run with company. As we finished I saw the people gathering together to cheer her on so we allowed her to enjoy the moment.
At the end of an event I normally pack up and go almost immediately, but as I had assisted the last finisher I was still packing the bike away when the lucky Dips were being called and I was the winner of a R100 Guidos meal voucher. Just shows you how when you least expect it, you get rewarded for being nice! So Barbara, Ally and I went home, had a wash and then had lunch at Guidos in Lorraine. What a pleasure as I was starved and we did not have to cook our lunch.
And that was about our weekend. The wind continued to blow for the rest of Sunday and we stayed indoors for most of the afternoon.
Peter Giddy
11. December 2005.
Bluewaterbay 15kay and first of the Summer Series Triathlon.
On Friday evening we were due to have a get together at the church to “rehearse” our Nativity Play. The Perks group had asked our group to be part of the play but as it turned out it was only Charles and ourselves who could help. The rehearsal turned out to be a costume selection evening as we assured Robin that we knew our lines and what we were to do. Mike and Barbie were away and we actually had absolutely no idea of what we had to do. It will be interesting to see how the scene progresses next week.
On Saturday morning Tim & I drove to Bluewaterbay and were incredibly lucky with our parking as we so often are. We registered for the run and then did our short warm up run. I was very pleased to have had the time for warming up as my left knee was giving me a bit of trouble. It hurts on the outside especially as I bend the foot inwards and when running downhill. The race started on time at 07.00 and the first section takes us down the Tippers creek hill and I felt the knee. But then got chatting to Rob from East London, Colin Mc Call and others and soon was in a good stride.
I picked up the pace after about 5 or 6 kays as the knee warmed up and after that I did not feel it again. I ran with a variety of people from then and began the second half feeling quite good. The route is first past the old Bluewaterbay suburb next to the Zwartkops River and then wanders through the newer part of the suburb where I had never been before. I was really impressed with the size of the houses. This has become an upmarket area to live it seems. Then we ran back past the Bluewaterbay lifesaving club and then the last kay took us up the Tippers Creek hill and back to the Primary School.
Tim did the race in 1:18 and I finished in 1:22. I was quite satisfied. As usual we had a coke and left. I had to be at work as it was our sales month end and Tim was due to go do stuff with Suzanne.
At work we completed the documentation and finalised the sales month end and I was able to be home by 15.00. Our region had done well and I was keen to see how we fared against the other regions on Monday morning. At Ally’s request we had ourselves a Macaroni Cheese supper. I like to make this dish with grilled porkers as well as vegetables. In this was I am able to get Ally to eat the Veggies.
Tim and I had arranged to meet at Hobie beach for the Triathlon at about 07.00 and despite the fact that the West wind was blowing quite strongly we entered the race. We saw Pat and Ian Thomson there as well as Davera and Mike Magson. It seemed that neither of them was keen to enter the race. The weather had put them off. The swim was a two lap event out past the pier. Right turn, past the Buoys and back to the beach. It was my ambition to not be lapped by the front swimmers and I managed to get out the first time before they had rounded the buoy. As I was swimming the second lap I was convinced that I was last in the water. But I was wrong. I think that there were about 2 or three swimmers behind me. Then it was out on the bike.
Barbara had timed my two laps of swimming. I think that she said that I took about 7mins for the first and 9 mins for the second lap. Plus I took about 3 mins for the transition. The wind was great at first as it pushed us to the “University Turn”. But then it was like riding up Brikkies. I was in the easiest gear and hardly moving forward. Rob Ermes passed me as did the Summies Triathlon lady and one other man. I was able to pass a young lady and so had two ladies behind me when I turned at Noordhoek. Whew! What a relief. The wind was now behind us and we flew back to Flat Rock where we again had the wind in our faces but not to the same extent. In the last Kay I had seen David (Chokka) Emslie pushing his bike. He had a flat tyre and pushed back to the transition.
We ran out towards the Summerstrand Lifesaving club but as the path was under construction, had to cut short. At this stage I saw that Tim was way ahead of me as were Warren Collier and Colin Mc Call. Then we turned back in to the wind again, past the transition and out towards McArthur Baths. I passed Rob and so now had Rob, David and the two ladies behind me. We turned for the last time and ran home. Tim met me for the final stretch and we managed to out sprint David in the final few meters. I think he let me beat him. My time for the 20 kay cycle had been about 53 mins and for the 5 kay run about 25 mins.
I had not seen the last lady on the run so she could not have passed the transition. I decided to go look for her and to help her with the last few kays of running. As I met up with her she said how thirsty she was. I knew that there had been no water left on the run so I fetched my bike water bottle and was able to give her some water as we ran. Another man also joined us. He had a 2 lit Coke and a cup. So between the two of us we made sure that she was well hydrated and that she finished the run with company. As we finished I saw the people gathering together to cheer her on so we allowed her to enjoy the moment.
At the end of an event I normally pack up and go almost immediately, but as I had assisted the last finisher I was still packing the bike away when the lucky Dips were being called and I was the winner of a R100 Guidos meal voucher. Just shows you how when you least expect it, you get rewarded for being nice! So Barbara, Ally and I went home, had a wash and then had lunch at Guidos in Lorraine. What a pleasure as I was starved and we did not have to cook our lunch.
And that was about our weekend. The wind continued to blow for the rest of Sunday and we stayed indoors for most of the afternoon.
Peter Giddy
11. December 2005.
Sunday, December 4, 2005
SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2005 GIDDY FAMILY
Sunday 4th December 2005.
Last evening we had the Achilles annual Year-end supper and Dance at the Old Cash Store in the Sardinia Bay road. Ally had gone off to Mike & Lene earlier and we collected Tim, Suzanne and Jessica. We dropped Jessica off at a friend with whom she was planning to go to movies later. Then it was off to our party.
We ordered a few drinks including a sherry with Peppers. I said to the bar-lady that we would try it. Big mistake! It was disgusting and so I had to order a second sherry for Barbara. We found ourselves a table that could accommodate ten people and were soon joined by Duane and his wife. But when I asked them to join us they said they were waiting for Casey. So it was the four of us for the evening. We had been told that there were some starters of Pate, soup and salads so as soon as we had waited a polite period we made our way to the eats table. Our table just happened to be the closest to the eats. The starters were excellent. A delicious soup as well as Rooster Brood and Pate.
Shortly after that Geoff made his very short speech. Heidi was back after a nasty encounter with a Boerbul dog that attacked her while jogging and had left her arm and leg scarred. Heidi told us that the left hand had no feeling but that she was now able to move her fingers and joints. Martin had also recently had an accident while cycling.
As soon as the speech was over we again lead the team of hungry Achilleans to the eats table for the main course. There was a huge amount of food on display and the problem was choosing just the right amount of each dish so as to not over fill the plate but also to be able to get a taste of all these delicious looking treats. Back to the table and settled down to devour as much as possible. The band had by now started to play. This was a great pity as up to this stage we had been able to chat but the volume of the band drowned any possibility of conversation. I am sure that this suites some people but not me. I saw a few of the braver Achilleans do some jiving on the dance floor but decided that it was now Pudding time. So again we led the procession of people to the pudding table. There were some delicious tarts, Ice cream and jelly. My favourites! By now we were all quite stuffed but still we managed to drink the compulsory cup of coffee while cracking the Christmas crackers. I saved ours for Ally.
At about this stage I think that the band was becoming quite irritated with us as no one really responded to their efforts to get us to get onto the dance floor en masse. So they turned the volume up a few more decibels. For me that was the signal to look in the direction of the door. I glanced across to Tim, Barbara and Suzanne and saw total agreement. We said our good-byes to Keith who was the main organiser and headed home. Just as we got into the car Jessica phoned us to say the movie was finished and would we fetch her. Talk about perfect timing! So that was the end of the evening for us. We collected Ally and then Jessica, Dropped Tim & Family home and did not last long before we were in dreamland.
I had arranged to meet Tim and Ron for a cycle on Sunday morning so was up at 04.30. I always try to have the bike and kit ready the previous evening. So was ready at 04.45 and met them at 7th avenue at 5.00. We decided to take the Buffelsfontein road, over Mount Pleasant and left at Heron road. The Sardinia Bay road past the restaurant where we had spent the previous evening and the down to Schoenies for the Marine Drive section. We had a short Jube Jube break at Willows and then it was our next little adventure as we passed the university a man in an old Mercedes hooted behind us as we were riding three abreast. Tim saw fit to get into an argument with this man and so there was quite a bit of “Argy Bargy”, no actual hitting with fists but plenty of word wars. After that little incident we headed home. The ride this morning took us about 2.30hours including the interruptions.
Barbara was due to sing in the music group at church and Ally did not feel like church so I stayed at home. When Barbara got back we packed up for Nippers and headed down to the beach. It was a perfect PE day. Not extremely hot, little wind and flat seas. We decided to give the U10’s a real lesson in water sports. We started off with the Malibu Boards. A few of the Nippers were confident in the Malibu Boards but many of them had hardly used one before and it was really great to see them quickly develop confidence as we sent them out in small groups. There were enough coaches to give them individual attention as soon as they looked nervous or as a big wave loomed ahead.
It was the first time this season, apart from the Plett Carnival, that the conditions allowed us to give them this training. The next item was the boogey boards. Again we sent the Nippers out in small groups and they were soon able to surf back to the beach on waves that would have scared them earlier. And they were actually asking to be allowed to go out a second, third and fourth time. Finally we swam out and around the buoy before packing it up for the morning. The Nippers seemed quite surprised that Nippers was over but they had been at it from 11.00 to 13.00 and those two hours had flown. We could see that they were becoming quite exhausted. Each one of the Nippers was rewarded with a Chocolate or Chips.
Donald had made a Disc of the photos that he had taken at the Plett weekend. We had seen these at the Awards evening the previous Thursday where Ally was awarded with her Certificate. We all agreed that this was one of the best Nippers sessions that we had had this season. Chris is a very good coach for these youngsters as he gives them a bit of technical training on the beach and then confidently sends them into the water.
We washed and packed away the boards and headed off home. Ally got stuck into watching the photo disk and I washed the car. A little later we went over to the Gendalls for tea. They were polite enough to watch the disc of the Plett Carnival while we bragged about Ally.
On Monday morning Ally starts a Soccer week. It sounds like it should be fun and she is looking forward to the activity. Especially seeing as how she has never played soccer before.
And that just about sums up Sunday the 4th December 2005.
Peter Giddy
4.12.2005.
Last evening we had the Achilles annual Year-end supper and Dance at the Old Cash Store in the Sardinia Bay road. Ally had gone off to Mike & Lene earlier and we collected Tim, Suzanne and Jessica. We dropped Jessica off at a friend with whom she was planning to go to movies later. Then it was off to our party.
We ordered a few drinks including a sherry with Peppers. I said to the bar-lady that we would try it. Big mistake! It was disgusting and so I had to order a second sherry for Barbara. We found ourselves a table that could accommodate ten people and were soon joined by Duane and his wife. But when I asked them to join us they said they were waiting for Casey. So it was the four of us for the evening. We had been told that there were some starters of Pate, soup and salads so as soon as we had waited a polite period we made our way to the eats table. Our table just happened to be the closest to the eats. The starters were excellent. A delicious soup as well as Rooster Brood and Pate.
Shortly after that Geoff made his very short speech. Heidi was back after a nasty encounter with a Boerbul dog that attacked her while jogging and had left her arm and leg scarred. Heidi told us that the left hand had no feeling but that she was now able to move her fingers and joints. Martin had also recently had an accident while cycling.
As soon as the speech was over we again lead the team of hungry Achilleans to the eats table for the main course. There was a huge amount of food on display and the problem was choosing just the right amount of each dish so as to not over fill the plate but also to be able to get a taste of all these delicious looking treats. Back to the table and settled down to devour as much as possible. The band had by now started to play. This was a great pity as up to this stage we had been able to chat but the volume of the band drowned any possibility of conversation. I am sure that this suites some people but not me. I saw a few of the braver Achilleans do some jiving on the dance floor but decided that it was now Pudding time. So again we led the procession of people to the pudding table. There were some delicious tarts, Ice cream and jelly. My favourites! By now we were all quite stuffed but still we managed to drink the compulsory cup of coffee while cracking the Christmas crackers. I saved ours for Ally.
At about this stage I think that the band was becoming quite irritated with us as no one really responded to their efforts to get us to get onto the dance floor en masse. So they turned the volume up a few more decibels. For me that was the signal to look in the direction of the door. I glanced across to Tim, Barbara and Suzanne and saw total agreement. We said our good-byes to Keith who was the main organiser and headed home. Just as we got into the car Jessica phoned us to say the movie was finished and would we fetch her. Talk about perfect timing! So that was the end of the evening for us. We collected Ally and then Jessica, Dropped Tim & Family home and did not last long before we were in dreamland.
I had arranged to meet Tim and Ron for a cycle on Sunday morning so was up at 04.30. I always try to have the bike and kit ready the previous evening. So was ready at 04.45 and met them at 7th avenue at 5.00. We decided to take the Buffelsfontein road, over Mount Pleasant and left at Heron road. The Sardinia Bay road past the restaurant where we had spent the previous evening and the down to Schoenies for the Marine Drive section. We had a short Jube Jube break at Willows and then it was our next little adventure as we passed the university a man in an old Mercedes hooted behind us as we were riding three abreast. Tim saw fit to get into an argument with this man and so there was quite a bit of “Argy Bargy”, no actual hitting with fists but plenty of word wars. After that little incident we headed home. The ride this morning took us about 2.30hours including the interruptions.
Barbara was due to sing in the music group at church and Ally did not feel like church so I stayed at home. When Barbara got back we packed up for Nippers and headed down to the beach. It was a perfect PE day. Not extremely hot, little wind and flat seas. We decided to give the U10’s a real lesson in water sports. We started off with the Malibu Boards. A few of the Nippers were confident in the Malibu Boards but many of them had hardly used one before and it was really great to see them quickly develop confidence as we sent them out in small groups. There were enough coaches to give them individual attention as soon as they looked nervous or as a big wave loomed ahead.
It was the first time this season, apart from the Plett Carnival, that the conditions allowed us to give them this training. The next item was the boogey boards. Again we sent the Nippers out in small groups and they were soon able to surf back to the beach on waves that would have scared them earlier. And they were actually asking to be allowed to go out a second, third and fourth time. Finally we swam out and around the buoy before packing it up for the morning. The Nippers seemed quite surprised that Nippers was over but they had been at it from 11.00 to 13.00 and those two hours had flown. We could see that they were becoming quite exhausted. Each one of the Nippers was rewarded with a Chocolate or Chips.
Donald had made a Disc of the photos that he had taken at the Plett weekend. We had seen these at the Awards evening the previous Thursday where Ally was awarded with her Certificate. We all agreed that this was one of the best Nippers sessions that we had had this season. Chris is a very good coach for these youngsters as he gives them a bit of technical training on the beach and then confidently sends them into the water.
We washed and packed away the boards and headed off home. Ally got stuck into watching the photo disk and I washed the car. A little later we went over to the Gendalls for tea. They were polite enough to watch the disc of the Plett Carnival while we bragged about Ally.
On Monday morning Ally starts a Soccer week. It sounds like it should be fun and she is looking forward to the activity. Especially seeing as how she has never played soccer before.
And that just about sums up Sunday the 4th December 2005.
Peter Giddy
4.12.2005.
PARMALAT 42KAY MARATHON DECEMBER 2005.
PARMALAT 42kay MARATHON
SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2005.
I am not quite sure why I decided to run this race. I know that I have not been able to do the required preparation, such as longer runs in the weekend nor the extra that I should have been doing during the week.
I had run a few 10kay events recently and had been able to run them in marginally less than 5mins a kay. Maybe that gave me confidence. I should have known better. There is a huge difference between a ten kay and the Marathon event. I had seen Liz Austin at the 10kay evening run and had observed how well she was running. Also I had finished the 2005 Achilles marathon in January with her, Roger and Tim. So I had confidence in her ability to be a team captain. So when I saw Liz on the morning of the event I asked her if I could try to stick with her. Liz knew what she was doing and had a specific time in mind. For her to achieve two points for the club participation league she had to do less that 4.18. The fact that she knew this target plus the fact that she had her permanent number for the Crusaders Parmalat Marathon added to my confidence in her ability to lead me to a finish today.
So off we walked, to the start of the run. I said 10kays and hour and Liz replied 10kays in 55mins. She was definitely in charge! It was good to see all the Achillean participation at this Crusaders event. And soon after the normal pre-race banter, the gun went off (05.00am) and we trotted along. Just in front of us for quite a long way was the MPRG consisting of Andy, Kobus, his son, Kurt doing his first 42, John also a maiden in the marathon, Cathy, Stuart & Susan. Gerald and Pat were on Bicycles.
I thought that both the MPRG and ourselves, were going too fast as we got the Butterfield turn off (10Kay) in well under 60mins. Liz said that she had a planned walk so as soon as we reached the top of the Butterfield Hill we rewarded ourselves with a brief walk. Liz had a whole lot of theory as to why this was a good idea. For me it was a relief to be able to walk. Then off we plodded again. Over the freeway and past the fire station to the 15kay mark. Here we were greeted with great enthusiasm by the Achilles watering table. Steve, Kosima, Graham, Bill, Milka and others gave us renewed energy as they cheered us on.
From there it is a right turn to the old Cape Road where we turned left for a short while before another left turn down the Draafontiein road. This is a long stretch of gradual uphill to the bridge under the N2 freeway. We turned left now heading back home again but we were only at 21kays and had 6 to go before we would meet up with the Achilles people again. At the 22 kay we treated ourselves to another walk. It was here that Bradley, Warren and their group passed us. Susan had fallen off the MPRG bus and we caught up with her briefly. I was able to introduce Liz to Sue. Susan Burri is the third lady in the world to have achieved 20 X 2 Oceans Marathons. I always feel privileged to be able to introduce this famous athlete.
At the 27kay we were again given a royal welcome at the Achilles table. It really is good to have that kind of encouragement but I was starting to tire. So when we got to the bridge over the N2 I asked for another short walk. Liz agreed and we were to lose Susan. Then it was onto the Butterfield road again and past the 30kay mark. Liz pointed out how well we were doing as we were under the 3-hour mark a that stage (2.53 I think). We saw Earl here and he gave us the encouraging news that the MPRG was not far ahead. But it was here that I really began to tire. I again asked for a walk. I think that Liz may have been getting a little agitated as she still had that 4.18 in sight while I was thinking that if I was to finish in one day I would be quite happy. Also this is where we began to be passed by other athletes in numbers.
So it was a left turn back onto the Kragga Kamma road and we had 10 kay to go. I think that it was beginning to get hot. Heat has an incredible draining effect on runners. On the Kragga Kamma Road it is necessary to run in single file as there is quite a bit of traffic. I let Liz go ahead hoping that she would leave me to my own misery but, being the captain, she insisted on staying with me and ran on the side of the road. This was up to the 8kay to go mark where I took another walk and she finally pressed on. A little further on, I saw that she had caught up to Paulette and then she turned round to see where I was. I put on a burst of real running hoping to catch them but Paulette stayed behind and Liz ran on.
So then, as Paulette was walking, I caught her and we chatted for a little while as she explained that she had an injury and had a planned bail ahead. So off I went again with 6 kays to go. Here it is a right turn into Welcome Avenue and I heard Liz’s voice from behind as she came out of the bushes. Now! Thought I. If I can just keep up the miserable shuffle that I had going, then I could again stick with Liz. No way! Liz soon caught me and passed me as if I was going backwards. As did the Keith and Sue Bayliss steam train a few minutes later.
I determined that I would run from here on. And so I did, until I got to the three kay to go. Around here I met up with Cathy from MPRG. She was almost as stuffed as I was. There was a Crusaders watering station (I overheard one of them comment “Peter seems to have lost his good Humour”) and I took coke and water and walked and walked and walked until I got to the 2kay mark. Okay thought I, I can shuffle in from here. The walking had the effect of cramping my calf muscles up and breaking into that miserable shuffle was harder than I thought but eventually I got to one kay to go. At this stage I thought that I may be able to catch Cathy but it was only with superhuman effort that I maintained a jog to the finish.
In the end I think that I had achieved the 4.18 that Liz had set for us but she had done way better than that with a 4.09 which was about a minute or two better than the Achilles Marathon that we had done in January. I was shattered. But thanks to Liz and the encouragement from other friends and Achilleans, I finished. At the end Paulette handed out “The Achillean” and I read later about Kosima’s thoughts on the Chatterbox on the run. I cannot think when she has run with me but I was certain that it could well be that she was referring to. I think that I do talk-a-lot on the run. Perhaps that is why Liz was so happy to leave me. I also looked up what I should have run for this elusive two points. And while it was 4.18 for Liz it was about 4.09 for me who is 10 years older than Liz. Unfair! I thought.
Peter Giddy
4 December 2005.
SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2005.
I am not quite sure why I decided to run this race. I know that I have not been able to do the required preparation, such as longer runs in the weekend nor the extra that I should have been doing during the week.
I had run a few 10kay events recently and had been able to run them in marginally less than 5mins a kay. Maybe that gave me confidence. I should have known better. There is a huge difference between a ten kay and the Marathon event. I had seen Liz Austin at the 10kay evening run and had observed how well she was running. Also I had finished the 2005 Achilles marathon in January with her, Roger and Tim. So I had confidence in her ability to be a team captain. So when I saw Liz on the morning of the event I asked her if I could try to stick with her. Liz knew what she was doing and had a specific time in mind. For her to achieve two points for the club participation league she had to do less that 4.18. The fact that she knew this target plus the fact that she had her permanent number for the Crusaders Parmalat Marathon added to my confidence in her ability to lead me to a finish today.
So off we walked, to the start of the run. I said 10kays and hour and Liz replied 10kays in 55mins. She was definitely in charge! It was good to see all the Achillean participation at this Crusaders event. And soon after the normal pre-race banter, the gun went off (05.00am) and we trotted along. Just in front of us for quite a long way was the MPRG consisting of Andy, Kobus, his son, Kurt doing his first 42, John also a maiden in the marathon, Cathy, Stuart & Susan. Gerald and Pat were on Bicycles.
I thought that both the MPRG and ourselves, were going too fast as we got the Butterfield turn off (10Kay) in well under 60mins. Liz said that she had a planned walk so as soon as we reached the top of the Butterfield Hill we rewarded ourselves with a brief walk. Liz had a whole lot of theory as to why this was a good idea. For me it was a relief to be able to walk. Then off we plodded again. Over the freeway and past the fire station to the 15kay mark. Here we were greeted with great enthusiasm by the Achilles watering table. Steve, Kosima, Graham, Bill, Milka and others gave us renewed energy as they cheered us on.
From there it is a right turn to the old Cape Road where we turned left for a short while before another left turn down the Draafontiein road. This is a long stretch of gradual uphill to the bridge under the N2 freeway. We turned left now heading back home again but we were only at 21kays and had 6 to go before we would meet up with the Achilles people again. At the 22 kay we treated ourselves to another walk. It was here that Bradley, Warren and their group passed us. Susan had fallen off the MPRG bus and we caught up with her briefly. I was able to introduce Liz to Sue. Susan Burri is the third lady in the world to have achieved 20 X 2 Oceans Marathons. I always feel privileged to be able to introduce this famous athlete.
At the 27kay we were again given a royal welcome at the Achilles table. It really is good to have that kind of encouragement but I was starting to tire. So when we got to the bridge over the N2 I asked for another short walk. Liz agreed and we were to lose Susan. Then it was onto the Butterfield road again and past the 30kay mark. Liz pointed out how well we were doing as we were under the 3-hour mark a that stage (2.53 I think). We saw Earl here and he gave us the encouraging news that the MPRG was not far ahead. But it was here that I really began to tire. I again asked for a walk. I think that Liz may have been getting a little agitated as she still had that 4.18 in sight while I was thinking that if I was to finish in one day I would be quite happy. Also this is where we began to be passed by other athletes in numbers.
So it was a left turn back onto the Kragga Kamma road and we had 10 kay to go. I think that it was beginning to get hot. Heat has an incredible draining effect on runners. On the Kragga Kamma Road it is necessary to run in single file as there is quite a bit of traffic. I let Liz go ahead hoping that she would leave me to my own misery but, being the captain, she insisted on staying with me and ran on the side of the road. This was up to the 8kay to go mark where I took another walk and she finally pressed on. A little further on, I saw that she had caught up to Paulette and then she turned round to see where I was. I put on a burst of real running hoping to catch them but Paulette stayed behind and Liz ran on.
So then, as Paulette was walking, I caught her and we chatted for a little while as she explained that she had an injury and had a planned bail ahead. So off I went again with 6 kays to go. Here it is a right turn into Welcome Avenue and I heard Liz’s voice from behind as she came out of the bushes. Now! Thought I. If I can just keep up the miserable shuffle that I had going, then I could again stick with Liz. No way! Liz soon caught me and passed me as if I was going backwards. As did the Keith and Sue Bayliss steam train a few minutes later.
I determined that I would run from here on. And so I did, until I got to the three kay to go. Around here I met up with Cathy from MPRG. She was almost as stuffed as I was. There was a Crusaders watering station (I overheard one of them comment “Peter seems to have lost his good Humour”) and I took coke and water and walked and walked and walked until I got to the 2kay mark. Okay thought I, I can shuffle in from here. The walking had the effect of cramping my calf muscles up and breaking into that miserable shuffle was harder than I thought but eventually I got to one kay to go. At this stage I thought that I may be able to catch Cathy but it was only with superhuman effort that I maintained a jog to the finish.
In the end I think that I had achieved the 4.18 that Liz had set for us but she had done way better than that with a 4.09 which was about a minute or two better than the Achilles Marathon that we had done in January. I was shattered. But thanks to Liz and the encouragement from other friends and Achilleans, I finished. At the end Paulette handed out “The Achillean” and I read later about Kosima’s thoughts on the Chatterbox on the run. I cannot think when she has run with me but I was certain that it could well be that she was referring to. I think that I do talk-a-lot on the run. Perhaps that is why Liz was so happy to leave me. I also looked up what I should have run for this elusive two points. And while it was 4.18 for Liz it was about 4.09 for me who is 10 years older than Liz. Unfair! I thought.
Peter Giddy
4 December 2005.
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