Phew. This 10K left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I came away with a shiny new PB. On the other… I’m starting to realise that at 58, getting a podium place in the 50 – 59 age group is getting harder.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge is a fabulous event: women only, wonderfully inclusive, and those 18,000 entries are quickly sold out. It’s loud, fun, relaxed, and full of runners proudly graduating from couch-to-10K programmes. But there is also a highly competitive side to this race.
As part of their elite and age group programme, runners from across South Africa are invited, and I got the nod for the 50 – 59 category. At first I was flattered. Then I realised the scale of the field and I got worried.
The day before the race, all 120 of us were called in for a briefing, where we were spoiled with a full buffet. While we were gobbling away at the snacks, we learned that we would start at 6:45am, a full 30 minutes ahead of the masses, on our own carefully designed course: no sharp turns, proper asphalt, and closed roads.
With the start line a convenient 10-minute walk from my house, I set out at 5.30am the next morning. Kai – promoted to “coach” for the day – joined me, which meant I had moral support and someone to witness any potential drama. At the stadium things got official: shoes inspected, outfit checked, forms filled in. We were even warned about anti-doping checks. They didn’t materialise, which was slightly disappointing. It would have made for an interesting story!
The warm-up was a mix of friendly chats and quiet nerves. I ran and talked a bit with Obertina, carefully avoiding our 30K effort from two weeks ago. Anne, last year’s age group winner at this race and clubmate, was also there. She mentioned that this year might be tougher with younger competition. She was right!
At 6:45 sharp, the mayor of Cape Town started the race.
The odd thing about a field with 120 women is how exposed it feels. There’s no crowd to disappear into, no comforting pack to sit behind, just long stretches of road and long gaps between runners. The elites were gone within seconds, and the rest of us settled into our own private battles.
I could see Obertina ahead, Anne not far behind her, and set about finding my rhythm. I hit the 5K-mark at 20:38, exactly where I wanted to be. More importantly, the gap to Anne was shrinking, which gave me something to focus on.
So I kept chipping away.
By kilometre 8 everything was hurting. I was extremely grateful for my self-imposed “Chase Annie” game to divert my attention away from the pain. With about half a kilometre to go, I finally caught up with her. And then I hesitated. Overtaking the reigning queen of our running club felt slightly inappropriate, if not outright reckless for future training dynamics. So I stayed where I was, and we crossed the line almost together.
41:05. A new PB! Eighth in my age group out of 410. Anne was ahead of me by one second and Obertina was ahead by 26 seconds. The podium winners were all sub 40 minutes. (Results here).
So yes, mixed feelings.
I am super happy about the PB. But with such fierce competition, it wasn’t enough for the podium. There are just too many younger age groupers to contend with.
Which means there’s only one thing to look forward to: turning 60 and starting fresh in a new age group!
- Are you driven more by competition, or by personal progress?
- Are you looking forward to a new age group?
I am linking up with Jenny from Runners Fly and Jenn from Runs with Pugs for Tuesday Topics as well as Runners’ Roundup with Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs!
Amazing! It sounds like Plan (P) B was equally as good as podium all things considered. It also seems like a special place to be able to race with people you are friends with and train with. Again… still managing to look so fresh through the pain is a skill you have honed very well.
I love that you can’t wait to become 60 so you can get to the podium! I had similar thoughts on how to push myself for Boston – maybe if I start training for the 45 age group, then there might be a sliver of a chance.
Haha, Plan (P)B might just become my new race strategy 😄
You’re so right, there’s something really special (and slightly awkward!) about racing people you actually train with. It adds a whole extra layer to those final kilometres…suddenly it’s not just about legs and lungs anymore!
Oh, don’t be fooled by the “fresh” look, that’s just being very selective about the photos 😉
I had to laugh at your Boston strategy. But who knows what will happen in Paris? You might surprise yourself! Good luck, Monica! Can’t wait for the results and the recap!
Congratulations on the new PB!!! For me, running is a single sport all the way, from training to events (if I ever took part). That probably makes me a really, really bad competition person – I only care about how I’m doing compared to me. 😀 Like Monica in Friends: “In your face, last year’s me!”
Riitta! Thanks so much! I love your approach – racing yourself is the best kind of competition, and way less stressful than worrying about everyone else. “In your face, last year’s me!” – exactly, Monica knew what she was talking about! That’s the kind of victory that really counts.
I hope everything is going well – the days are getting longer for you now!
Congratulations on your PB. That is another fantastic run. London looks promising, fingers crossed for perfect conditions. I always think PB>podium because you can’t control who your competition is. I mean, would you be super happy with a podium finish and a 45-minute 10K on an easy course (I would be ecstatic, but would you?). Since I am usually further back in the pack, ahem, the only time I really concern myself with my place is during cross-country season, when improving my placing can mean a placing for my team. Moving up in an age group is one of the joys of getting older as a runner.
Thanks, Melissa! That’s a good point about PB’s being under your control, unlike podiums. Your example with the 45-minute 10K on a super-easy course makes sense.
I love your perspective on cross-country too – there’s something so motivating about helping the team while also chasing your own improvement. And yes, moving up an age group does come with its perks! Suddenly you feel fast all over again!
London is in 3 1/2 weeks away… soon I’ll start stalking the weather. I hope your training for Berlin is going well – less than 6 months to go now!
Eine neue Bestzeit! Yeah! Gratulation! Das ist erstmal das wichtigste 🙂 Und vermutlich ein (sehr) guter Indikator für einen tollen London-Marathon.
Für mich zum Verstehen: 18.000 Teilnehmerinnen ingesamt, wer genau sind die 120 gewesen? Die Läuferinnen aus deinem Club?
Ich bin ja ein Jahr älter als du und schiele eigentlich nie auf die AK-Wertung. Wenn ich da eine Platzierung erreiche, dann ist das nett, aber eigentlich gehts mir nur ums Mitmachen. Allerdings läuftst du wesentlich mehr Wettkämpfe als ich, da kommt dann wohl der AK-Ehrgeiz her 🙂
Diesmal kein Obertina-Struggle, aber Anne hättest du dir doch noch schnappen können, oder? Königin hin oder her, es ist ein Wettkampf 😉
Wie auch immer, tolles Rennen, tolle Zeit, gut gemacht, du bist fit für London!
Danke, Oliver! Ja, die neue Bestzeit fühlt sich richtig gut an!
Die 120 waren die Läuferinnen im Elite- und Altersklassenprogramm von ganz Südafrika. In meiner AK waren es 18 Frauen, darunter waren 5 von meinem Laufclub in Cape Town. Unter den 120 waren auch drei 80-jährige Damen dabei, das war wirklich nett.
Stimmt, mein Ehrgeiz für die AK kommt wohl von den vielen Wettkämpfen. Man kennt sich mit der Zeit und man checkt bei jedem Lauf die Konkurrenz ab… und rechnet sich schon beim Start die Podiumschancen aus. 😉
Von Obertina habe ich diesmal nur Staubwolken gesehen… und Anne hätte ich schnappen können, aber die Königin meines Laufclubs zu überholen fühlte sich irgendwie verboten an 😄 Zuviel Ehrfurcht!
Danke fürs Mitfiebern, London kann kommen! Düsseldorf kommt es auch immer näher – ebenfalls viel Glück dafür!
Liebe Catrina,
Podium hin oder her, gaaanz herzliche Glückwünsche zur neuen PB! Das mit dem Podium hängt ja auch von der Anzahl der Teilnehmer insgesamt ab, je mehr, je mehr Konkurrenz. Aber du hast alles rausgehauen, das zählt! Warum du allerdings hinter Anne bliebst, verstehe ich nicht so ganz. Es ist ein sportlicher Wettkampf und da kann und muss jeder beweisen, was er kann oder eben nicht (Musste Obertina neulich ja auch erleben…hüstel).
Und als Eliteläuferin eingestuft zu sein, wow, welch eine Ehre! Das ist doch sicher auch ein Riesenmotivationsschub.
Was die Altersklasse angeht vermute ich, dass in deiner aktuellen ja noch einige “Haudeginnen” unterwegs sind. Wer in dem Alter läuft, hat ja durchaus ein gewisses Maß an Ehrgeiz und Willen und trainiert auch. Nach meiner Beobachtung nimmt das aber ab der 60 dann ab. Kommt natürlich auf den jeweiligen Wettkampf an, aber ja nach Konstitution verlangt es dann teils mehr Einsatz. Ich habe gerade mal bei deinem Rennen in die nächste AK geschaut, ….ha, Catrina, die paar Sekündli hättest du geschreddert!
Liebe Grüße
Elke
Liebe Elke,
Danke vielmals! Ja, in diesem Fall zählt die PB definitiv mehr als ein Podium, besonders bei so einem starken Feld. Im Ziel fühlte ich mich übrigens halbtot, also es war wirklich alles gegeben 😅
Du hast schon recht, im Wettkampf gewinnt natürlich die Schnellere. Aber irgendwie fühlte es sich nicht richtig an, Anne zu überholen…sie ist eine Institution im Laufclub und die absolute Podiums-Königin. Eine Sekunde hinter ihr ins Ziel zu kommen schien mir einfach besser, völlig unlogisch, ich weiss! 😂
Und Judy Bird, die 60-Jährige – wow! Die war die ganze Zeit in meiner Nähe und richtig stark. In zwei Jahren wird sie definitiv eine ernsthafte Konkurrenz. Ich bin schon gespannt auf die nächste AK – etwas kleineres Feld, ja, mal sehen, wie sich dass dann anfühlt!
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnigen Cape Town!
Liebe Catrina,
also vielleicht liege ich ja falsch, aber für mich sieht es – zumindest in der Ergebnisliste – so aus, als hättest du Anne sehr wohl noch geschnupft! Zumindest in der Netto-Zeit, was heißt, obwohl du nicht bei ihr vorbei gelaufen bist, warst du schneller. Oder?
Aber egal ob, und wenn dann, und überhaupt – du hast eine neue 10k PB und dazu: Hipp-hipp-hurra und Gratulation! 😀
Dass es bei 10er Schritten in der AK-Wertung gegen “Ende” immer schwieriger wird, ist klar. Aber wie du schreibst – bald kommt die AK60 und dann rennst du sie alle in Grund und Boden. 😉
Tolle Veranstaltung, klingt alles sehr relaxed und das Startersackerl geht ja fast als Wochenverpflegung durch!
Liebe Doris,
Du hast recht! In der Netto-Zeit habe ich Anne tatsächlich noch geschnupft 😄 Aber die Organisatoren benutzten nur die Bruttozeit für diese erste Gruppe. So ist meine “eine Sekunde langsamer” Strategie in der offiziellen Rangliste aufgegangen, aber inoffiziell war ich eigentlich doch schneller… so fühlt sich alles richtig an, finde ich!
Danke für die Glückwünsche! Die PB macht mich wirklich happy. Und du hast recht: die AK50–59 ist stark besetzt, aber AK60…da kommen neue Chancen 😏
Haha, das Startersackerl! Ich habe es nachher meinen Studentinnen gegeben, die haben sich super darüber gefreut! 😄
You did an amazing race! I feel your pain about the age group but you seem to be in great form, forget about the podium! You did a PB, you ran the Comrades last year and you have London marathon ahead of you. Not the case for everyone at 58! You need to be mighty proud of yourself. But I get it, fitting into a new age group will be a new fresh inspiring start!
I only compete against myself. The exception is during a Zwift ride when there’s a prompted sprint and I see that I can beat the person next to me. That’s where the competitive part of me shows up!
Thanks so much, Susanne! Yes, I should forget about the podium and focus more on the PB. It might not happen so soon again!
You mentioned the Comrades – everybody here is getting ready for it right now which makes me think of it often. It seems almost like a distant dream now 😅
I’m so looking forward to London! Less than 3 weeks to go!!
I love your approach of competing only with yourself. I guess taking note of your lifts/weights/reps really helps to keep that focus. The Zwift sprint sounds hilarious! That’s where the inner competitor sneaks out, I totally get it! 😄
Yes, tracking progress is so important and helpful! I wish I had saved all old blog posts, but I have a lot saved in Garmin and in the Shrug app. Now I’m thinking of building my own fitness app to use on my laptop.
To be honest, the sprints are part of what makes Zwift interesting! 🙂
Exactly! Without my Garmin, I would have never realized that it’s a PB. It’s so good to have a reliable tracker!
Building your own fitness app sounds like a proper project, but also very YOU, Susanne! With your IT skills, that feels like a natural next step. I’m curious to see what features you will include.
I think I’d be addicted to those Zwift sprints!
Team Personal Progress all the way! The podium means that you were better than everyone else in the moment, but a PB means that you were better than yourself. Also you have the satisfaction of knowing that you could have beat Anne if you wanted to.
Congrats!
Birchie, you summed it up so perfectly! You are right, personal progress is the ultimate win, because it’s all about beating yourself. And it’s exactly that, just knowing that I *could* have beaten Anne is fine for me. It’s a secret little bonus victory in itself 😉
Thanks for the congrats!
First of all, congrats on being invited to participate in this race! What an honor and it proves that your hard work is paying off! But you know as well as I do, that no matter how fast you are, there’s always someone faster! It’s so humbling, especially at our ages because the amount of older women runners really declines. I always say that the fast women in our age groups are really fast! So as much as I enjoy competing and receiving AG awards, I mostly compete against myself now. My PBs in are the rear view mirror, but I won’t deny that I enjoy seeing fast-ish splits on my Garmin! Congrats on your PB. You continue to amaze me!
Thanks so much, Wendy! Yes, being invited was a real honour – I was so thrilled! And yes, there is always SOMEONE faster, especially in big races. It keeps us humble, I guess!
I love that you focus on racing yourself, I think that approach is the healthy way to go. PBs may be in the rearview mirror, but there’s nothing like seeing those fast splits on the Garmin to make you smile. And you can always share them with us, your virtual running squad!
Thanks again for your kind words, it really means a lot!
As always, Catrina, I love your attitude! And also am in awe because 41 minute 10km is really, really incredible. But I love the attitude that you have that when you turn 60, you’ll be the spring chicken on the block! That’s the spirit! Too bad about the podium but wow, 41 minutes!!! That’s really phenomenal, truly.
I am still a little mad at Obertina’s poor sports(wo)manship, but I’ll let it pass!
I think it was very classy of you to come in right behind Anne!
Congrats on your new PB and also to be invited to the race – what an honour!!!
Thanks so much, Nicole! Haha, I think competitive age group runners must be the only humans actually looking forward to getting older! 😄 Yay for being a spring chicken!
I’m so happy with the PB, I still can’t quite believe it.
Obertina left me in her dust this time – and was a lot more talkative at the finish line! 😂 Respecting the reigning Age Group Queen Anne felt right – and knowing I could have passed her is good enough.
I felt so lucky to be part of this event. Thanks again for cheering me on!
Now you know how I feel in my age group… you could have a great race and not win. It depends on who shows up. Congrats on your effort.
Can’t wait to see how you do when you age up. You know those older runners can be speedy ie Jeannie Rice.
Oh yes, it all depends on who shows up! If the best women country-wide are there, things can get very tough! But you are consistently getting your AG wins, so you are doing a lot right, Darlene!
I’m already curious about aging up – I’m stalking Jeannie Rice on Strava like it’s my job. She has just done another marathon last weekend. She’s amazing!
She’s not normal. She’s almost 80!!!!
I know! It’s easy to forget how old Jeannie is!!
First of all- congratulations!!! That is a fast time! And the whole time I was reading this I was thinking how happy you’ll be when you age up. You’ll crush the 60-69 AG.
To answer your question… nowadays I’m driven more by personal progress. That works out well, because I’m not running fast! In my last race, there were 11 people who finished my distance and I was 5th. Hooray, top half! My husband said something about how I should feel proud, and my response was, yes, I’m proud, but I would also be proud if I came in last. Nowadays, for me, it’s just about getting out there and completing the distance I said I would.
Thanks so much, Jenny! 😄 I love your approach, it’s all about personal progress and showing up, and that’s really what running should be about. And yes, I just read about your race results! 5th out of 11 is already great, but considering that’s your overall result, including men, that’s even more amazing! Well done!
I’m definitely looking forward to the 60 – 69 AG. You’re already there, I’m sure right now you would crush that AG as a new “spring chicken”.
You’ve got the perfect mindset: proud of yourself no matter what, and still enjoying every step. That’s what keeps running fun!
Ja sag‘ mal, Catrina! Wo kommen denn bei euch dort so viele so irre schnelle Damen der höheren Altersklassen her? (hab‘ ich das Wort „alt“ nicht elegant vermieden?! 🤭)
Auch von mir zur fulminanten neuen Bestzeit ein dreifach donnerndes und gleichzeitig ehrfürchtig wisperndes „Congrats!“
Mit der AK-Thematik hast du mich drauf gestoßen, dass ich ja nächstes Jahr in die AK65 wechsele (früher hatte ich das immer auf dem Schirm aber mit den lauflosen Jahren hat es sich verloren) und nun überlege ich, ob daraus nicht eine in irgendeiner Form geartete Motivation zu basteln ist … 🤔 … zum Beispiel könnte ich mir kleine, nicht sonderlich attraktive Läufe raussuchen (bei den anderen sind auch hier viel zu viele auch nicht mehr ganz junge Läuferinnen auf der Piste) und dort als einzige Teilnehmerin der AK65 nochmal eine Medaille durch Treppchenplatz einsacken 😇
Genieße du noch ordentlich das Gefühl und Wissen, dass du in der Form deines Lebens bist! Es wird immer spannender …
Haha, Lizzy, das frage ich mich auch! Und wunderbar gesagt! “Höhere” AK klingt VIEL eleganter als “old ladies club”, wie ich immer zu sagen pflege! 😂
Danke dir! Diese 10K liefen übrigens auf ungesunden Keksen und Salzgebäck, jetzt bin ich wieder auf Gemüse umgestiegen.
Ooooh, ein frischer Einstieg in die 65 AK! Das schreit ja geradezu nach einem Neustart – deine Strategie ist super, das nenne ich mal kluge Rennplanung! 😇 Vergesse nicht, darüber zu berichten, damit wir alle mitfiebern können. Jetzt, wo du voller gesunder Vitamine bist, wirst du bestimmt durchstarten!
Das war jetzt der letzte Lauf vor London! Hoffentlich kann ich den Schwung mitnehmen!
First, huge congratulations! What a great effort.
My sister is an ultrarunner and she was VERY happy to turn 50 and it became a lot easier to quality higher in things!
Your race is getting so close! How exciting!!! Do you have any more races between now and London?
Thanks so much, Elisabeth! Oh, I didn’t know your sister runs ultras! I can totally understand her, entering a new age group is a whole new thing!
And yes, just a little over 3 weeks to London! No more races until then… just wrapping up my training and managing any impending injury/flu paranoia!
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Well done, Catrina!!! Very well done!! One thing I’ve noticed, at least in our age group, the competition has not gotten any easier. The field is noticeably shrinking, but those remaining are the true go-getters, LOL. I oftentimes place at smaller “local” events, but I’m a confirmed “fast” mid-packer otherwise. I do see an occasional PB, and that’s rewarding, but I’m just grateful for any finish line I can cross.
Thanks so much, Kim!! Yes, you’re absolutely right, the field may be shrinking, but the ones who stick around are seriously tough competitors. No easy wins there!
I love your “fast mid-packer” description. That’s actually a great place to be, especially with the variety of workouts you do. And those occasional PBs really do make it all worthwhile. In the end, getting to the finish line healthy and still enjoying it is what matters most.
I’m looking forward to your recap of the Fight for Air climb!
Congrats on achieving that PB, Catrina! What a bummer it would have been to have missed PR’ing by a second because you were politely staying behind Anne. I’m too competitive with myself and others to have been so kind.
My next age group will be the “and older” age group so I can’t really say I’d be looking forward to it if I were still running. Yikes!
Thanks so much, Debbie!
Oh yes, that would have been a very different story! Luckily, my PB was by over a minute, so I had a bit of a safety cushion.
I totally get your competitive streak! I think we’re all a bit wired that way if we sign up for races in the first place.
And the “and older” category…don’t get me started! I really think it’s time to give the 70s and 80s their own brackets. At this race we had three women in their 80s in the elite group, and they did brilliantly! In fact, they were faster than a 20-year-old running friend of mine who ran the 10K in 1:20. That really puts things into perspective 😄
Woo! Big congrats to the PB, and winning over the queen which you left her to win. That’s so kind of you but I understand the why too.
I’ve always treated running as personal growth, never competitive to podium because that’s so unreacheable (until last week). Am I going to start chasing podium? Not really. I enjoy the personal goal setting and progressing more. If it comes with a podium surprise, that’s great, if not, finishing it feeling strong is even better.
What shoe do you use for racing and training?
Thank you so much, Coco! Haha, yes, “winning without winning” might be the best way to describe it!
Oh yes, I remember your recent podium well! I thought it to be special because you weren’t chasing it, it just happened. That’s such a nice way to experience it. I really like your approach of focusing on personal progress and letting the results take care of themselves. Finishing strong is always the bigger win anyway.
For shoes: I race in the ASICS Metaspeed and use ASICS Cumulus for every day training. The Metaspeed is an amazing shoe, but I’ve notice I get blisters in them. I’ll have to think of a solution!
Wenn das so weitergeht, stehst du in London auch auf dem Treppchen !! Super, ganz herzlichen Glückwunsch, du bist super! Freue mich für dich, mit dir! Viel Glück weiterhin und pass auf dich auf!! Liebe Grüße von unterwegs !!
Haha, das glaube ich nicht, aber es wird auf jeden Fall spannend in London. Ich werde auf jeden Fall mein Bestes geben, gesund ankommen ist sowieso das Wichtigste.
Vielen lieben Dank, Margitta!! 😄
Liebe Grüsse zurück und geniesse deine Zeit unterwegs!
Congratulations! 🎊 Wow they sure gave you a pile of stuff in the grab bag. The buffet sounded like a nice treat. Also I bet you had special portapottys 😅💦💦💦
Great racing and following your own plan is surely the best way. Your first 5km were similar to your second. Well done.
What I am confused about is all the training you have been doing in surging in the last km, did not allow you to surge past Anne. Did you hold back or was she that fast to keep you behind her or something else?🤔🤔🤔 hmmm.
Well the good thing is that you are not injured just before London. Protect your body. Long hard runs won’t give you more now. The London training is done. Now is the time to absorb that training w tapering and keeping it easy. I know you know. But an outside reminder is always good.
As for me! I am toast. Deferred my 30km to next year and the marathon will be downgraded. Yeah tried to run and it is not good. Oh well 🙄
Thanks so much, Yves! 😄 Isn’t that grab bag absolutely wild?! Green peas and deodorant, tea and Vaseline – I handed it all over to the students we mentor, and they were over the moon. The buffet was fantastic too, like a mini barbecue with cheeses, crackers, and an alarming amount of cake. And REAL toilets! For once, no bushes for me, ha! 😅
Yes, I could have passed Anne. It wouldn’t have been easy, but it would have worked. Somehow, though, it didn’t feel right. She’s our club’s reigning queen, so I let her have that tiny victory. Being a second behind her was fine with me, PB secured! And when I looked at the net times, I was actually a second ahead, so everyone wins 😉
You’re absolutely right about London! No point risking anything now. But with 25 days to go, I’m still thinking one last long run this Saturday.
I was so sorry to see your Strava news yesterday, but I completely understand. It’s good you could defer your 30K entry. Are you downgrading the marathon to a half or a 10K?
Either way, you’ll come back stronger next year, all that consistent strength work will pay off. I’m also very curious to see what other activity you’ve got up your sleeve that you mentioned!
Sending you lots of good vibes for recovery, Yves!
haha! I read that you did not feel right passing her. Well this time anyhow. The second behind her was a tap on the shoulder that next time no more. hahahah. I am for altruism but a race is a race especially when in the elite group. As for the general population, it is about personal runs.
Yeah I am bummed out about not being able to runs those two races as I was meticulous about the training and the slow build up and yet booom, pulled hamstring. Maybe long runs are not in my future and will be relegated to 5km and 10km? thx for the vibes.
Yeah being in the elite camp is better without a doubt and the toilets is the big thing! hahahah. I am glad your mentees loved the goodies. That was a crazy amount of stuff.
Good luck on your last slooooow long run.
Yes! That’s exactly what I’m thinking. Next time, she won’t be surprised and it will be fine to overtake. No more altruism anymore! 😄
I’m really sorry about the hamstring. You were very careful with your training, that was very clear. But I wouldn’t write off the longer distances just yet. Sometimes it’s just bad timing, and with your consistency (especially the strength work), I’m sure you’ll get back there. In the meantime, 5K and 10K can be a lot of fun too! 😉
We had about 30 toilets for 120 runners! If only we had that many PROPER toilets at every race! 😂
Good luck with your recovery, Yves! Take it easy, and come back strong!
Well done! I bet Anne would not have minded if you passed her but it was a polite thing to do. It is hard to compete when you are on the older end of your pace group. But soon you will be the young pup of the group that the older ladies will be envious of. You ran a super strong race and should be very very proud of your PR! And it really something to be included in this elite group of runners!!
Thanks so much, Lisa! 😊 I’m sure Anne wouldn’t have minded either, but it just felt like the right thing to do.
You’re so right, being at the older end of the age group does make it tricky, but soon enough I’ll be the newbie that the older ladies will be eyeing! I’m really happy with the PB and being part of this elite group was such an honour. It definitely made the race extra special.
Congratulations on your PB! I’d definitely call that a win. It’s so hard to keep making improvements in our 50’s and feels so good when our hard work pays off
Thanks so much, Deborah! 😊
Yes, it definitely feels like a win, those improvements in our 50s are hard-earned, and when it all comes together, it’s such a great feeling.
Every PB really does make all the training worth it!
So much strategy involved — including considering relationships with teammates. LOL on having a reason to look forward to getting older! You’re impressive regardless.
Thanks, Coco! 😄 Yes, this race was part strategy, part diplomacy when teammates are involved!
And hey, having an age-related “perk” to look forward to keeps it interesting. You’re so kind…I’m just trying to keep up with all the fast ladies out there!
That’s a really strong effort, but I can understand the mixed feelings as well. A PB is incredible, though, and I’m sure your new age group will be incredible for you! Congratulations!
Im a dedicated experience runner, so I am spurred on by individual progress, vs the podium.
Thanks so much, Debbie! 😄 Yes, that’s exactly it, the PB feels amazing, but the result still leaves you thinking a bit. I guess that’s part of the fun (and frustration!) of racing.
I love “experienced runner”, that’s such a great way to put it. Focusing on personal progress really does take the pressure off and keeps it enjoyable. And in the end, those are the wins that actually stay with you!
Congrats! Thats awesome that you got a new PB. I am looking forward to my BQ time going up by a few minutes when I turn 45. Its stayed the same for so many years because even as I got older they adjusted the qualifying time!
Yes, I know exactly what you mean, Lisa, those qualifying times have a way of chasing us as we age!
Hopefully you’ll finally get a bit of breathing room at 45. You would deserve it!!
It’s funny how we start looking forward to getting older for completely different reasons as runners 😉
Liebe Catrina,
zuerst auch von mir einen tiefen Bückling und HERZLICHEN GLÜCKWUNSCH zur PB, die übrigens nur 16 Sekunden langsamer ist, als meine in dem Alter gelaufenen Zeit. (Ich war umgestiegen ins Ultralaufen und lief und trainierte kaum noch kurz, Intervalle sowieso nie.) Aber richtig toll und ganz starke Zeit!!! 😀
PB geht vor AK-Platzierung. Ich hab nur in der Zeit meiner 10er-Laufcup(Serien)läufe (zw. 2008 bis 2010 – AK 50) etwas dorthin geschielt, auch um zu wissen, ob ich ne Chance auf eine vordere Serien-AK-Platzierung habe. Es hatte eigentlich immer geklappt. In dieser Zeit hatte ich mich auch auch auf ne neue AK gefreut! Sonst hab ich seltenst auf die AK-Platzierung geguckt, war eher an einer Verbesserung meiner PB interessiert, bis es ab 40 nicht mehr ging. (Hab ja 58 x 10er mit u40er-Zeiten, reicht oder?) 😜 Danach ging es dann um AK-PBs.
Aber nach DLV-Wertung (Nettozeiten), bist du eh ein Platz weiter vorne, egal wie zu sehen. Zudem wäre interessant, wieviele in deiner AK nach DLV wären. Wir rechnen hier immer in 5er-AKs. Die 10er-Jahreswertung hab ich erst im Ultrabereich kennengelernt. Auch rechnet der DLV einen Läufer zur ‘neuen’ AK ab dem 1. Januar, bei Senioren-EMs ging es dann ab Geburtstag. Da hatte ich mal ‘Pech’!
Jetzt stimmt die Schnelligkeit, aber in London geht’s ja auch um die (Langzeit)Ausdauer. Und beim Marathon ist AUCH der Kopf mitentscheidend. Da du jetzt diesbezüglich tolle Erfahrung gemacht hast, wirst du es rocken! 👍
Ich wünsche dir weiterhin viel Spaß und bleib gesund!
Ach ja, CONGRATS zur Eliteläuferin!!!
Aus dem kalten, aber sonnigen Darmstadt liebe Grüße Manfred
Lieber Manfred,
Danke dir!! Haha, ich fühle mich geehrt! 😄 Und nur 16 Sekunden hinter deiner damaligen Zeit! Ok, du warst schon im Ultratraining drin, da hast du die Pace nicht so im Fokus. Aber ich nehme das jetzt einfach mal als riesiges Kompliment!
Ich bin ganz bei dir: PB geht vor AK-Platzierung. Aber ich merke schon, dass die AK bei mir mittlerweile mehr in den Fokus rückt, vermutlich einfach, weil die PBs nicht mehr ganz so selbstverständlich fallen wie früher. Deine 58 Sub-40er-Zeiten sprechen natürlich für sich, da ist das Kapitel mehr als würdig abgeschlossen! 😜 Was war denn eigentlich deine beste 10er Zeit?
Und ja, du hast recht mit der Nettozeit — da bin ich tatsächlich einen Platz weiter vorne. Diese unterschiedlichen Wertungen sind schon spannend, vor allem mit den 5er- vs. 10er-AKs. Da merkt man wieder, wie relativ solche Platzierungen eigentlich sind. Und diese Unterschied zwischen 1.1. und Geburtstags-Stichtag haben wir auch: die Junioren sind nach Geburtstag, die anderen ab Kalenderjahr. Eigentlich macht es die DLV besser, wenn sie die Senioren nach Geburtstag misst!
London wird dann wieder eine ganz andere Geschichte…ich freue mich!
Danke dir für die guten Wünsche und beste Grüsse aus dem abendlichen Cape Town!
Liebe Catrina,
herzlich gerne darfst du dich geehrt fühlen! Meine WK-Zeiten mit Jagd nach Bestzeiten war da definitiv vorbei, aber nach AK-Bestzeiten habe ich bis etwa 2012 (Mitte 50) geschielt.
Bestzeit auf einer 10er-Strecke: 33:39 Min. Auf einer etwas längeren Strecke bin ich mal bei km 10 mit ner 33:13 Min. durchgelaufen! – Aber … Schnee von gestern und heute für mich eigentlich nicht mehr vorstellbar … war auch in einem anderen Jahrtausend! 😆
Ich habe mich auch als Senior immer auf den Jahreswechsel gefreut, da ich relativ spät im Jahr Geburtstag habe! 😉 Ich war z. B. erst einige wenige Monate 44 und wurde dann schon in der M45 gewertet! 😛 Aber was soll’s, man muss sich mit den Regeln arrangieren!
Aus dem wärmer werdenden Darmstadt
liebe Grüße Manfred
Lieber Manfred,
Uff, 33:39! Das ist schon SEHR SCHNELL!! Und 33:13 bei km 10 auf einer längeren Strecke… das sieht dann doch nach unter 33 Minuten aus! Ist schon super, wenn man auf solche Zeiten zurückblicken kann. Die Zeiten hast du gemacht, egal wie lange her das ist. Keiner kann dir das wegnehmen! 😄
Und das mit dem frühen Hochrutschen in die nächste AK ist ja ein genialer Vorteil. Einer der Jüngsten in der neuen Kategorie zu sein, nimmt man doch gerne mit 😉 Manchmal sind die Regeln auch ganz praktisch!
Liebe Grüsse aus dem noch dunklen Cape Town!
Wow Catrina! Congratulations on a PB at an invitational race no less! I know you could’ve overtaken Annie if you wanted to and finished even faster. Ha! Looks like a fun (and fast) event and holy race swag Batman!
Whoops! Anonymous above is me, Marcia! Haha!
Hi Marcia!! 👋🏻😂
Thanks so much, Marcia! 😄 Yes, the PB feels amazing! You’re right, I could have passed Anne, but it just didn’t feel right. She’s our club’s reigning queen, so I let her have that tiny victory… PB secured anyway!
Those race goodies were something else, haha!
Congratulations on your PB! I think 10-year age groups are so tough especially as you get older. Competing against women who are 8-10 years younger is definitely a challenge. Especially when they are the best age group runners around! Just think, in a couple of years you’ll be the baby in the 60-69 group!
Thanks so much, Debbie! 😄 Yes, those 10-year age groups are no joke, lining up against women who are nearly a decade younger definitely keeps things interesting!
I’m very much looking forward to being the “young one” in the 60 – 69 group. Finally a bit of an advantage !
That was really intense competition you were up against, Catrina. What a strong run you had. Congratulations. You are so amazing. I’m curious is the number “55” the age group number on the run jersey? I will be in the 70-80 year age group in a couple of years. Where has the time gone?
I was so happy it went well, Carl!
Yes, at 58, I’m in the 55-59 age group. In a few years you will be in the 70-80 age group! It’s crazy how quickly time goes by. Life is so precious!
I hope all is going well for you and that you are enjoying some lovely spring days before summer hits.