Race report continued

I have to mention the start line to the Comrades as well. I was soooo emotional being a part of something that special. It was pitch black still at the start line at 5:30am and thousands were lined up ready to partake in this ridiculous race. Everyone sang this beautiful song in Zulu that really got us pumped up and everyone was sooo into the song. I wish I knew the words! Then they sang the South African National Anthem in 4 different languages and it ended with Chariots of Fire. I had goosebumps from the cold (it was only 6 degrees at the start) and from the excitement.

After the 30km mark when I was hurting so bad on the downhills, I changed my race plan entirely. Instead of sub 8 the new plan was to finish in the 12 hour cut off. So I distracted myself with calculations of the pace I would have to keep and how long I had to run for before I could walk to rest if need be. So I figured I could walk the last 20km. But when I got to the last 20km I started to have higher hopes. A Bill Rowan medal (7:30-9hrs) was still possible if I just ran a bit further. After the 15km to go marker I started to think that walking was going to take way too long, so why not run a little bit further?? This mentality continued right up until 2km to go and I just kept moving my legs in a running/ shuffling motion until I was running through the downtown streets of Durban with fans going nuts everywhere, the streets completely blocked from traffic and I felt like a celebrity as I kept moving. When I got to the grass route through the stadium I got excited. It was the first time in a race that the last 200m wasn't the most painful part of the experience. I got my 5th wind and just went for it! I raised my arms in the air and smiled at the fans and ran fast!! I finished in a solid 8 hours and 21 minutes and have never been so happy with a race time. I earned it. I know I had more potential but that day was just not mine for running.

But in the end as they carried me away on a stretcher I was happy. And the post race massage also made it all worth it!!