Half-day Holiday

Last Friday, a public holiday in South Africa, there was a race on in a nearby town and, since I've only done one race to date this year (what?!), I was itching to get out there and run.  Will, who was away on business for the week, kindly offered to watch the kids while I took a quick half-day running holiday - thanks, Honey!

True to style, the race start was (literally) freezing - so much so that I honestly didn't feel like a) getting out of the car or b) running.  I'm becoming such a fair weather runner, haha!  But, surprise, surprise, after running a kilometre or two I loved every minute - the story of my life, right?

Freezing at the start.

The run was goooood: I felt strong and able to push myself throughout - such a great feeling!  Since I knew I was in no shape for a 10 km PR, I decided to run blind (i.e. not check my pace or time on my Garmin) and just ran on how I felt - don't you just love doing that sometimes?  

The race had such an incredible atmosphere: Since it was a small race, three of the race distances (42.2 km, 21.1 km and 10 km) started together and made for plenty of cheering and high fiving from the half- and full marathon runners after reaching the 10 km turnaround point.  Such a cool community.        

I finished the Phokwane 10 km in 52:29 - first lady home and ninth overall - whooooop!  

The official race results.

 Thanks, Will, for my half-day holiday - I'm recharged and ready to roll!