Hmmm... okay. Time to confess. I have only improved by 3-4 minutes. Apparently. But - conditions in last year's Winelands were supreme. Yesterday, like the rest of the Cape, we were blown to smithereens on the way out. Up to 25 k's, where you turned, plus a bit on the way back, you got NAILED by the wind. Then, as we turned we got a lekker downhill - and right there at about 26 k's, I hurt my one foot somehow. Know not how... just halfway down the downhill I felt an OUCH! in the foot. It's not as if I'm not used to downhills, I do trail runs more often than not! Anyhow, I ended up compensating from there, the rest of the leg getting hurt along the way. My calf was terribly sore and knee was extremely stiff towards the end and afterwards. Was fearing ITB issues. And in reality, was pretty sure my UTCT is stuffed completely. So got home in a 4:20. Not happy, but I completed it and,,, ja, I guess I must be happier. I did better than a lot, the wind was a HUGE factor and I finished running with an injury for the last 15 or so k's. And still got there... running a marathon is still actually a big thing! Today the foot and the knee feel better. BUT... I have had my warning and I am heeding it. I will definitely go to an expert to help me through this and get me sorted to train and take photo's on the UTCT. Definitely doing that one with my phone within easy reach, taking photo's all the way! I am NOT going to race that, having fun, taking shots and getting to the finish is the aim.
