OK, so this was a very poorly organised event. We were scheduled to begin at 06h15 and only got going around 06h25. No biggie. But I couldn't understand why they sent the 10km runners off, then the 21km runners and then after all that, the 42.2km guys? The race started well, although it was hot (24.5 deg at 6am). The pace was easy and I was on track to achieve my goal going up to 30km mark. I'd managed my nutrition and pace in anticipation of the last 10-12km uphill push home. Then, water points ran dry, no coke, no water sachets for the last 12 or so km's. My temperature monitor hit a high of 42deg during the race, even with a 5deg margin of error, we're looking at 37deg. Cramp started to threaten at around 35km's and so it was run/walk for the balance of the race. Official time was 5h34, although for qualification purposes they send Comrades mat to mat time which in my case was 5h24. Either way, I'm in for another qualification run. I think this time it's gonna need to be an event that doesn't carry a rating of 4 in terms of difficulty. I've been told that the Akasia 3-in-1 is rated at 2, and being at the end of Jan, I think that will be my next attempt. Quite possibly a little more of a scientific approach to my training may also be in order. I'll keep you posted. in the interim, have a look at Strava for more info on my morning of pain and suffering, have a look at that route profile as well... EDIT: Can't find entry details for either Johnson Crane Hire or Akasia. Anyone have a URL for me?
