Cyclists with a "Running" Problem

[Lexx]

Jessica did an amazing time... Gerda is a machine. Well Done to everyone

[Stretch]

I think a lot of people have to eat some humble pie about Gerda... And a lot about the record... Including mr Bruce Fordyce himself

Edited June 10, 2019 by Stretch

[Hacc]

My race report: 

 

Driving through at 4 am yesterday morning to support our team was the best decision I made. When we stopped at Harrismith it was -3.5 degrees and the TV was on Comrades. I saw Ann was in front and Gerda second. I couldn't wait to get to Pietermaritzburg.

 

We got a parking not too far from the finish, luckily I put my gin in a water bottle as the security checked everything.Our club tent was at Tier 2 which felt like a 2 km walk... 

 

We got to our gazebo about 45 min before the winner came in. It is really something else to see the elite runners come in. They are a different specie... It doesn't look like they just ran 87 km.

 

I am super stoked for Gerda!! She deserved the win. 
 

Overall our club performed well. We got two ladies that got BR's for the first time in I don't know how many years. Two of my friends didn't make it with 2 minutes... It is heart-breaking to see those last runners not making it before the gun went off.

 

I saw Stu at the finish, all smiles! Well done! 

We drove back last night, I got in bed at 2 am and back at work today. 

Congrats to all that finished!! This is still one of the most brutal and inspiring races. 

So let the 2020 training commence....

[Mokgaga'a mmakubela!]

Got my back2back medal yesterday ????. The race was brutal but I enjoyed every minute of it

[Lexx]

I think a lot of people have to eat some humble pie about Gerda... And a lot about the record... Including mr Bruce Fordyce himself

Absolutely. Myself included. I thought Camille would win it again. But Gerda looked so comfortable. Nick Bester almost cried at the finish line when they tried to talk to him. He is a world class coach.. And how about Shaun Meicklejohn running under 7 hours for his age..

[Chris_]

Its been fun to catch up all the posts over the last week or so this morning. Predictions, the ASA sh*tshow, and some results.

 

(ArthurPTA you must be a prophet or something based on your predictions.)

 

I must say I really enjoyed watching the race, yes the coverage (and especially commentating) is still far from great, but it was hot at the front and its a really great event. And dangerously tempting from the couch.

 

Good job to everyone who ran, I hope you're not reading this but rather lying on the beach today.

[Andrew Steer]

Absolutely. Myself included. I thought Camille would win it again. But Gerda looked so comfortable. Nick Bester almost cried at the finish line when they tried to talk to him. He is a world class coach.. And how about Shaun Meicklejohn running under 7 hours for his age..

I saw Camille at 40kms... she looked shattered already. Incredible run from Gerda, can’t wait to see what time she might do next year

Edited June 10, 2019 by Andrew Steer

[Lexx]

She blew that field apart. I dont think anybody think she will run that hard and fast. That was def Nick's strategy.

[ScottCM]

So now the question is, who had the most legendary run, Gerda or Frith? 

[Stretch]

So now the question is, who had the most legendary run, Gerda or Frith?

Both equally legendary. There is nothing between them bar a few places in the overall field

[ScottCM]

Both equally legendary. There is nothing between them bar a few places in the overall field

 

Agreed

1989 (Down Run) 

Frith Van der Merwe

15th overall

5H54min43sec

 

2019 (Up Run)

Gerda Steyn

17th Overall

5H58min53sec (Broke the record by over 10min)

 

Seen as Firth still holds the record for the down run, who knows what Gerda might do over the next two years "down" runs. Provided she doesn't over train and hurt herself like Caroline. I for one surely hope she stays injury free!

[Stretch]

Agreed

1989 (Down Run)

Frith Van der Merwe

15th overall

5H54min43sec

 

2019 (Up Run)

Gerda Steyn

17th Overall

5H58min53sec (Broke the record by over 10min)

 

Seen as Firth still holds the record for the down run, who knows what Gerda might do over the next two years "down" runs. Provided she doesn't over train and hurt herself like Caroline. I for one surely hope she stays injury free!

She won't because she's focusing on the Olympics now

[ScottCM]

Yeah but 2021 is down too. So maybe she can carry the speed from olympic training in 2020 over to 2021?

[dave303e]

well done to all the comrades finishers     

 

I had a small personal victory, ran my first proper run in 3 weeks yesterday, managed a 1:35 half marathon. Legs were fine, Heartrate was about 5-10% higher than usual but all in all think am through the pneumonia with not too much fitness lost thankfully.

 

I don't see a 75min half marathon for me in 6 weeks, so good luck vansocialmediaism, Good luck recovering from your injuries afterwards

[Stretch]

I must say.. That Irish women.. Jennings.. Was pretty impressive yesterday. Having not run more than a 42 before and to come and tackle the comrades with hills and climate to deal with is pretty impressive

[Lexx]

I was also impressed by Carla Molinaro. Only did 170km in training, and the longest one was 15km and still be able to run a 7:53. She said she only did cross training.