Emperors Palace Classic : 50 km (7 February 2010)

Past the finish line at the Emperors Palace Challenge

Race Time : 02:22:12
Avg Speed : 21.1 kmph

We had a very early morning. We were up just after 4am as we like to try and get to the start an hour before my start time - this way if there is traffic or any other problems we have some extra time.


I was blessed with an early start.  With the heat we're experiencing an early start is the best.  My official start time was 07:01 but I dropped back 5 minutes to cycle with a friend of mine.  She was in the 3rd group where I was in the 1st, you can drop back but you're not allowed to try and sneak an earlier start.

This was a very flat race.  I was hoping for a 2hr finish but it was not going to be.  My legs faded on me in the last 15km's and recovery only happened 2 km from the finish just as I approached a hill - I was extemely happy to have them functioning 100% up that hill.  I then had a good strong finish.  Hubby was waiting for me just beyond the second timing mats which were just inside the entrance of Emperors.  He was not aware that the actual finish and start line were just around the corner.  Oh well, I was still VERY happy to see him.

Although I enjoyed the race I found my that my shoulders kept tensing up - the traffic was making me stressed and I was constantly telling myself to relax my shoulders, needless to say they seemed to suffer more than my legs did - I was in agony by the time I got home and a headache settled in for the afternoon - luckily I was allowed to chill.   At the halfway turn-around some of the marshalls were not fully communicating with each other and when I was told it was safe to go another marshall allowed a car through.  Luckily I was going slow enough to stop and unclip while the car went through the intersection.  Unfortunately not many races have full road closure, there are only 2 that I know of in Gauteng and of 1 in the Cape.

I have two more races before a long break.  They are in the last two weekends of February.  My next race is the Dischem Ride for Sight (63km's).  I've once again been seeded into the first starting group - yippeee!! (edited to add - these are the open/seeded groups that are behind the licensed racers/Elite racers)

On a side note - I'm going to be attending a Kettlebells workshop.  I'm really exicted about that.  More about that soon.