After a final dose of cultural outings, I’m back in Cape Town for spring, where I’ve taken on an unexpected role as an Bottle Transporter for an elite runner. And there’s plenty of running excitement ahead!
Daily life in Cape Town
Post-Race Fog and Future Plans
Two weeks after the Cape Town Marathon, I am still in that in-between space of recovery and restlessness. I look back at the moments that stayed with me from race day and what is coming next: a mountain half-marathon in Switzerland, a Hyrox race in Cape Town, and the possibility of another major marathon in 2027.
The Cape Town Marathon!
Cape Town delivered the perfect race day: cool weather, great crowds and the luxury of racing practically from my own doorstep. There were nerves, strange mental games to keep the pace going and the infamous “Loop of Death”, where the course takes you past the finish line before deciding you haven’t suffered quite enough. Somehow, everything clicked.
Post-London, Pre-Cape Town
Four weeks between two marathons sounded manageable on paper. In reality, my post-London “recovery plan” involved apple cider, junk food and enough prosecco to make my Garmin deeply concerned. Now, with Cape Town Marathon less than two weeks away, I’m trying to transform myself back into a responsible runner again.
A PB, But Not a Podium
Phew! Ran my fastest 10K ever at the SPAR Women’s Challenge, but the podium stayed out of reach. Eighth in my age group at 58 – proof that getting faster doesn’t always mean finishing higher. Can’t wait to hit 60 and start fresh in a new age group!
Dress Rehearsal Drama
A “dress rehearsal” 30 km race quickly turned into a full-blown showdown. I battled the hills, kept one step ahead of Obertina, and survived the relentless instructions of her yelling coach. I crossed the finish line first in my age group, exhausted but triumphant…
London, I’m hoping for a calmer run!
A Day in My Life
Swiss news. Lemon juice. Harbour sunrise. Threshold intervals. CrossFit chaos. Wordle with my dad. A cannon at noon. Tea, Netflix, bed by nine. Nothing spectacular, just the small rituals that quietly make up a good day.
Same Race, Different Ending
I returned to the Peninsula Half Marathon two years after a stress fracture derailed my season. This time, everything clicked: good legs, kind weather, a small personal best, and a confidence boost heading towards the London Marathon.
Training for London, One Sensible Habit at a Time
Less than three months to the London Marathon, and I’m juggling early-morning runs, blood tests, and an annoying Garmin. Join me for the ups and downs of marathon prep.
When Downgrading Feels Right: Bay to Bay 15km
Back from snowy Switzerland and feeling decidedly “unproductive” (thanks, Garmin), I faced a 30 km race… or a 15 km race. I chose less—and wow, what a difference! Hills, laughs, overtaking exhausted runners, and a second-place finish later, I learned: sometimes less really is more.