On the road – 4 September 2015

Despite the challenging route, the Mandela Day marathon is one of the fastest growing events on our racing calendar. The event hosts a 10km, 21km and marathon distances as well as a trail run. Twenty Dolphins took up the challenge this year and all performed admirably. Karen Conway placed third in her age category over 10km in a time of 1:00:38, while the first male Dolphin home in the 10km race was Thando Msikane in a time of 43:25 (placing 5th in his age category). The first male and female Dolphin runners in the 21km race was Sibusiso Dube 1:23:50 and Pippa McGregor 1:50:14. Bongani Bhengu (3:22:50) and Pasma Gumede (4:55:41) took the Dolphin honours in the marathon. This race is certainly a “triumph of the human spirit”.

Yesterday I ran my best time for a half marathon. It wasn’t an amazing time but it was my best effort to date. It was tough, with hot, humid conditions and my legs felt like lead. My mind kept telling me “just slow down, the pain and effort isn’t worth it, stay comfortable”. Thankfully, I ignored myself and carried on pushing to the end. When I crossed the finish line I was able to celebrate with fellow Dolphins who have encouraged and supported me. Was it worth it? Definitely. My result won’t be recorded in history and it will soon be forgotten, but I take that small success forward with me into everything I do and build on it. Why do I share this story? Not to blow my own trumpet but you might be someone who is too scared or intimidated to try for your goal and I want to encourage you to try.

We look forward to welcoming everyone down to our new time trial route on Wednesday at the Salt Rock Country Club, starting at 5.45pm. There will be a new 5km route as well as 3.5km and 2km routes. To celebrate the first time on the route all finishers’ names go into a lucky draw. We will be celebrating the new time trial route with a cocktail party, light snacks and some drinks. Come and join the new challenge!

Sarah