RACE REPORT – Brimstone Slave Route Challenge by Dot Eiserman
What made me enter the 21km without doing enough training you may ask? It was my memory of having recently done the Winelands 21km (it wasn’t that recent) and that a 21km isn’t that far (it is actually quite far), but mostly the promise of a fun day with FHAC and Steri Stumpies on the bus (both proved to be true). Thanks Blommie!
We were a small swarm of runners in our distinctive yellow and black outfits and the energy in the air was palpable. Normally I run incognito in races but the FHAC top meant that people shouted encouragement the whole route, there were many “Go Fishhoek!” calls and even an “Now you’re in our hood Fishhoek!”.
The excitement at the start of the race was just too much for me and I started off way to fast with Bronnie and Marna. For the first 3km I convinced myself I could keep up with them as Bronnie said we’d take it slowly, and then I realized that she meant by slow is not quite what I mean with slow, so I stopped answering questions (yes, they were chatting away without the slightest huff and puff) and slowly slipped back hoping they wouldn’t notice. 😀
The rest of the race was a wild ride between pacing too fast (read downhills) and too slow (Koesister hill).
Let’s talk about Koesister hill. I had not run the race before so didn’t know what to expect, every turn uphill I wondered if THAT was the hill everyone feared, as we hit the cobble stones and everyone started walking, I knew I had found it.
I had to march up the hill as running seemed impossible, the effort was totally worth it for the encouragement from the cheerful crowd and the delicious koesisters at the top.
The view from the top of the hill was spectacular and I had to stop and take a moment.
By 14km I had started losing the plot and couldn’t get a feel for what a good pace was or find an easy running rhythm, I ran too fast and then walked and then repeated this infinitum. It was roughly around here that I started questioning my life choices, thankfully the scenery and vibe was fantastic.
The tunnel into the castle was a sight for sore eyes as I knew the end was near.
My thoughts on crossing the finish line was that I want to run this race again. The history along the route is significant and important for us to honour, the hosting club Itheko hosted us with smiles and encouragement all along the route, the views are amazing and you get a koesister or two, but most valuable is the support you receive from your fellow FHAC club members. I was tired but happy.
