A Typical Resolution

When the Comrades ultra marathon was last held, I, like many non-participant, could be found seated comfortably in front of the television in my sleepwear with a hot cup-of-something in my hand. I watched as pieces of floppy rubber with jelly legs cross the finish line either laughing maniacally or sobbing away the pain of the past six odd hours. My mother mentioned how someone had told her that everyone should take part in the Comrades marathon at least once in their life.

And just like that, a switch flipped and a decision was made.

I was going to run the Two Oceans marathon.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not crazy. I’ve I’m ever going to run the Comrades, it won’t be before I have many years’ of training behind me. The Two Oceans ultra marathon is half the distance of the Comrades and I could be prepared for it by 2007. I could be ready for the Two Oceans half marathon by next year.

The Two Oceans marathon is considered by some to have the most beautiful course in the world. It start inland then takes the participants along the Indian Ocean, over land again, along the Atlantic Ocean and finally ends inland again. It sounds impressive, but the ultra marathon is only about 42 km (26.25 mi) long and the half marathon is half that distance. With only casual training I’ve been able to do half the half marathon distance, so I recon I could be ready in six months’ time. If I’m not going to be ready, I’ll work for the ultra marathon the next year.

I’ve already started: I’m doing 5 km a day (when its not raining too much). The most important is to work on my stamina. On the floor of my bedroom there is some literature I have to read regarding diet and other exercise. The entire running thing started because it didn’t require too much, but if your in it for the long term, you probably best take the advice of the experts.

Having a longish term project is fun!