At the last minute : Bestmed Campus 2 Campus (50km)

After Saturday's disappointment of having to abandon my race because I was not prepared enough when I got a puncture - I came home and started making some calls to see if I would be able to get a late entry into Sunday's race. I managed to get hold of one of the organisers who said they would be taking late entries - and we prepared ourselves for another early morning. We made sure we got there by 6am only to be told by someone else that 'sorry for me' they were not taking late entries - I was broken and slightly mad but what can you do. Hubby was elsewhere where people were saying they were taken late entries and confusion reigned. I headed back to hubby and then tried getting hold of the person who had told me there would be late entries, thankfully she had diverted her landline to her cell phone and assured me there would be late entries. By 7am me and many others were entered. Shooooooooo!! Me at the start line. I was in the last batch to go. We're on the move!! We had to walk over the timing mats - about the safest way to do it, it seemed.

Off we go!!

Would you believe it, 10 kms into the race and what should happen, I got a puncture. This time I was prepared but it ate into my overall time. It must have taken me about 20 minutes to change the tube and get everything sorted. The best part is I did it myself!!

While I was off doing my thing, the 'support crew' went investigating and exploring. The race took place at one of the Universities in the province and it had huge grounds. It had loads of ponds with ducks and geese. There were Springboks and monkeys as well. They had fun exploring! The finish line!! I was happy to see that finish line. It was getting really hot out there. I was under the impression that I was the last of the 50km entrants and the ones behind me were all the long distance entrants but according to the official time there were still 3 other 50 km entrants behind me. I never saw them. After fixing my puncture I was on my own for the majority of my race.

Woohooo, over I go!!

Drinking a coke after the race and catching up with a friend who had also taken part but come in about 30 minutes before me. Sandy's batch started earlier than mine. We were waiting for her hubby to come in but by the time we left he still hadn't crossed the finished line. We found out later that he had suffered 2 punctures - OUCH!! He had taken part in the long distance race.

I'm glad I did it even with all the earlier 'hiccups'. This is the furtherest distance I have now done. A new personal record for me.

This week is another 'take it easy' week as I have another race on Sunday. A 54 km (33.55 miles) cycle race.

The plan is just to focus on training and speed after this week. Just over a month to go until the BIG race - 94.7 km's.

Have a super week. I'm seeing a dietician today which I am very excited about. I cannot wait to tell you all about it.

I also owe Hanlie a post which I will hopefully get to later today or tomorrow.

Edited to add that my official finishing time was 02:50:05

Hugs

Mich