You’d think that with a week to go to Two Oceans, I’d feel ready for it.
Well, I don’t.
I thought I was fine when I ran Om die Dam. I even thought I was fine while I hobbled around and rested for the rest of the weekend (apart from the seriously sore blister).
And then I ran 4km at RWFL on Tuesday evening, and felt a familiar twinge in my knee. So I took it easy.
However, I ran 4km last night again, and I was in serious pain again 🙁 I’m sure it’s my glutes again… my glutes are not strong, and I’m not using them or my core when I’m running… which is putting strain on my knee.
So much for my 10km run on Saturday. I’m going to have to rest.
I’m also going to have to do loads of butt exercises again. When I saw this dreadful photo of me finishing Om die Dam 21, I knew that twisting of my leg had come back because I’ve been bad, and haven’t been doing the exercises the physio gave me.
LOL I look exhausted in this photo! It’s not the most flattering photo ever taken.
On that note, the physio found my photos of me running very helpful to diagnose the problem, so there’s a helpful tip for those planning on physio visits soon. I happened to have a few on my phone when I went.
So now I need to pray that I can get my leg sorted before next Saturday. I don’t have time to get to the physio again, we’re driving to CT next week.
This 21km race will be my fourth one. I shouldn’t be nervous about a half marathon anymore, should I? But I am.
There’s just so much hype about this race. It doesn’t help that I’m following Two Oceans on Twitter and Facebook, and that I’m constantly reminded about it with their statuses, as well as the hundreds of articles being shared by Runners World on Facebook and Twitter.
I think it’s also because it’s unknown to me. And everyone just talks about how crap the 21km route actually is because you don’t even see the ocean. And everyone talks about the congestion in the race which will be unlike any other race I’ve run.
In theory though, I should get through it. I’ve run the Dischem 21 with the most god awful hill at the end! And I’ve done that congestion before when I did the Argus cycle race… even though that was 15 years ago!!
Anyhoo, I need to get over this, and remember to pack Transact patches!!
![[Photo essay] Watching Two Oceans ultra marathon](https://i1.wp.com/www.therealjenty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2Oceans-56-supporter-013.jpg?resize=440%2C264&ssl=1)
![[Photo essay] Wandering the streets of London](https://i1.wp.com/www.therealjenty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/London-streets-013.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=200%2C200)
We’ll be fine. The congestion is not catastrophic, you will walk for less than 1km, it’s OK. The route is actually beautiful, ocean or no ocean. You see the wine lands in Constantia, the beautiful forests and Kirstenbosch. And remember, you’ve been training at altitude… It makes a huge difference.
I love the race, it’s really emotional to hear the Kaapse Klopse playing on Southern Cross and have random strangers call your name (it’s printed big on your number).
And you deserve the rest, don’t beat yourself up about it. I’m not running at all until the race.
Just remember, you won’t be first, you won’t be last. So it’s all about the experience on the day.
Xx
I got emotional when I got a bottle of bubbly from RWFL yesterday!! I wasn’t even there yet!
Must remember to pack tissues for the race 🙂
I am excited & terrified all rolled into one! I’m so afraid of not making the cut off Jenty and you know, if it’s not your day it’s not your day!
I really hope you can get your knee sorted out before then!
See you at the starting line!
The route is chips- you have trained more than I have!.The atmosphere is so awesome just enjoy every second ☺congestion is only for the first 10 minutes. It’s an absolute blast- see you there 😉good luck but most of all enjoy it.
Jents you are going to be fine – rest that knee, ice it and transact every night till race day! You will be absolutely awesome! I think its a good thing to be a bit nervous before a race, it will only help get you across the line! I have serious FOMO that I won’t be running with you this race but you will rock it!
Can’t wait to see your finish 🙂
xx
Transact on right now! And already done loads of butt exercises today
You will be fine… Just enjoy the lead up and the day will be what it’s meant to be. I also have serious FOMO and will be with you guys in spirit!
We’ll miss you there!
I agree with Heidi ..
‘you won’t be first and you won’t be last. So it’s all about the experience on the day’
.. and take plasters too 😉 xxx
Plenty plasters! I’ve found fabulous plasters for exercise that don’t come off
Having run majority of my races in Gauteng, I’ve always found Two Oceans half quite easy. I’ve even had my PB on that route. Yes there’s congestion but watching the sun rise as you head towards Constantia is just awesome. With less than a week to go, rest is your friend. Nothing else you can do now. And the training is done. You’re ready. You are! It’s gonna be epic! See you there!
Really hope you’re right about the altitude, see you there!
Love the idea of that sunrise
You’re going to rock it! I so wanted to do Two Oceans this year but I simply couldn’t get an entry on time. I’m definitely joining a club soon, so I can get entries into events like this…
Also, all the stuff Heidi said. You can do this!
Hey Jenty, the rest will do you good … you’ll ace the race. The experience really should be a memorable one! I have the same ‘congestion’, nervousness at the ‘unknown’ & that I trained for this but ..” emotional roller coaster in the lead up to Paris, which is 2 weeks today! But truth be told, it’s an adventure! Time is irrelevant … 21km you can do … and rest will help the knee and body. Have a blast, and legs on wings!