TopForm Athletic Club hosting the Bay to Bay 15 & 30km
Well talk about getting up with the birds! My alarm was set for 02h50 as Leonie and Johannes had arranged to collect me for 03h30. Goodness knows what time they got up as they drove through from Melkbos. From Sunningdale we drove through to Tracy and Nick in Milnerton who very kindly ferried us through to Camps Bay. These canny folk had done this before as Nick knew exactly where to park. Uninterrupted parking just a stones throw from the Camp Bay’s High School.
Arriving quite early definitely has it’s perks. Indoor loo’s. Yup no porta potties for us thank you. A bit of a queue but nothing to write home about. Totally done and dusted for 05h10 I chose to remain indoors because believe it or not there happened to be a few rain drops around and it was much much warmer indoor.
Before long it was 05h25 and time to venture on to the field in anticipation of facing the 30km that lay ahead. I spotted Monique Schutte who would be leading the 03h30 bus and wondered if I’d be able to be a passenger and stay a passenger. Starting off out of the sports field is always busy. Folk determined to start from the very front even though they weren’t there in the first place? So be it.
Right, onto the road we went and I can honestly say that the first 10m – although some of it hillier than the rest, was doable. The route included running through Bakoven, Llandudno, Oudekraal up to the top of the hill then a downhill run into Hout Bay. Unfortunately for me my hopes of staying on the 03h30 bus starting to dwindle as I could hear Moniques voice getting further and further ahead of me. I did try. Running down the hill Michelle Minnaar gave me a shout as she sprinted up Suikerbossie, looking as strong as ever. As pleasant as the downhills sound, my poor toes were taking quite a hammering trying to control my pace. The turnaround point is always World of Birds. Just the very thought of World of Birds drives me to distraction. It’s that mindset thing. A dog leg just to fill in the 30km’s. Running along, minding my own business I could have sworn blind I heard someone call my name. And yes they had. It was Carl. My very own husband Carl who had decided to ride through on his bicycle. This was great support and a training ride for the forthcoming Argus Cycle Tour. Once I’d made it to the turnaround point it was time to head back to Maiden’s Cove. Elton, Natalie Toner, Mike Kellett and Hlubi Mbodla waved and said hallo as they headed up to the halfway mark. It was here that I came to meet Tracy Gooch who was just about to tackle the inevitable Suikerbossie Hill. We chatted and stopped for photo’s but from that time onwards it was every man for himself.
The mere thought of Suikerbossie fills most with dread. Me included. But it happened to be part of the route, part of the race. So what’s a gal to do other than run up the hill. In my own fashion of course, following the wise words of handoncoach Alan, take small steps and lean in from the ankles. I actually counted out loud as I fought my way up – and then Voila! I’d made it . I had made it up Suikerbossie. Oh the exhileration of knowing that now the very worst was behind me just lifted my spirts instantaneously. Job done. Now onwards to the finish.
Going back offered the same scenic route but oh so much cooler. We were now on the sea side with the most refreshing breeze coming and going as it pleased. Down and down we went until we entered Bakoven once again which flatted out the road somewhat but included busy traffic. It was now a countdown game. Each km board was just a km closer to the finish. And thank the Lord for that.
The very last little hill, if one can call it that was to the approach of Maidens Cove aka Glen Country Club sports fields. You know the one where all the finishers before you are walking to their cars shouting words of encouragement? Yes, that one. Once I turned into Maiden’s Cove it was all but finished. It was now meters to the finish line. The finish line that was long awaited and couldn’t come quick enough. And then it was done. I’d crossed the finish line, received my medal for running 30km, helped myself to as much coke as I could carry, and it was off to the West Coast gazebo!
I would like to offer a HUGE thank you to the organizers of this epic race. The water tables were just 100% par excellence. Plenty and plenty of water – with some tables offering coke and marshals along the way stepping out with cups ready to be taken. Honestly this club has it’s ducks in a row. The organization was just second to none.
The West Coast gazebo was abuzz with activity. The 15km runners were in as were a number of 30km runners too. Anelle van Heerden took up the helm with the assistance of Billy Engelbrecht and between the two of them there was no stopping them. Handing out drinks, welcoming everyone home, offering seats, organizing group photo’s, cheering folk in as they crossed the finish line. Very well done. Very well done indeed.
On the way back to the car however we came across my all time ever ever favourite running personality and cousin of mine – Gerda. I was in there quicker than a flash, telling her how much she is loved, adored and admired. Gerda is such a treat. So approachable and grounded. So all in all I think a good day was had by all. I must say this was probably my best Bay to Bay 30km that I’ve run so far. And as usual folks, this is purely my point of view. I mean no harm or umbrage to anyone, it’s for reading and entertaining purposes only. See you on the road – Gill x
