Race Report: Chapmans Peak Half Marathon by Lisa Fernandez

I woke up on Sunday at 3:50am, it was Chapmans Peak 21km. You know the route, it’s going to be great, I thought to myself. I was ready and feeling excited to fetch Moira and Amy, as it was Moira’s first race after Comrades. I was so happy to be with them on such a beautiful and wind free morning. We fetched Celine at Checkers parking, and with lots of banter, headed over Chapmans Peak for the first time that day. We parked at the beach and sat looking at the sea, chatting and laughing. It was chilly and I regretted my decision to be brave and wear short pants that morning.

We were standing at the start, a perfect morning, it was light, and I looked over at familiar Fish Hoek AC faces. The gratitude of standing in Hout Bay, about to run over one of the most beautiful and iconic mountain views crept in and I silently thanked the universe for my beautiful life and ability to run so easily, in such nature and beauty. After living in Joburg for 30 years, I still feel privileged every time I run with sea views. Celine and I had discussed that we would run the 21km with Moira. However, when we told her we would stay with her, she looked perplexed and begged us not to, but to run our own race. Amy said she would stay with her mom, so it felt right that they had the experience together.

The start was an immediate uphill and my legs felt tired and heavy. Oh damn I thought, is this how the whole race is going to feel. I stayed with Moira and Celine for about 2km’s but then my legs started to feel lighter and I started to move away from them. Should I push or shouldn’t I, let me run as I feel rather. I kept thinking about the downhill after we reached the top, and I knew that I could make up some time, as I seem to fly on the downs.

I got to the top and was so relieved to see the downhill side. I did start to push a bit more and relax, having some fun running, on Chappies with no cyclists and no cars, how amazing it felt! The view of Noordhoek Beach is always a wow moment for me.

The uphill again, was a slight shock but not unfamiliar. I occupied myself by watching the fast runners coming past me, giving them some encouragement. Running down towards Noordhoek, I saw Adele, a seriously strong Fish Hoek AC runner. She did not look tired at all.

I started to feel slightly better at the turn around point, as this was my familiar route. I have run Chappies so often, and it never feels old or boring. The run back to the top seemed to go fairly quick, even though the wind had picked up a lot. I only had a walk break twice near the top to catch my breath and take a look at the scenery. I started to calculate that I could possibly do another sub 1:45.. I would have really dig deep and push hard to do it. Running down again, I seemed to be making up time.

I was just enjoying the run and not concentrating on time. Running the last 2km’s down Chappies, felt so good. To my surprise, I was heading up a little road, on some dirt track which felt great, I felt energized. So let’s push to the finish line. I came in at 1:47, feeling so happy as I had finished strong. A little lady with a form pulled me off and asked for my name. You’re second in your age category she said.. wow cool, I wasn’t expecting that at all.
Seeing Moira, Amy and Celine come running in was so wonderful, and such a special moment for mom and daughter. Their love for each other is so beautiful to see..
I was so happy for Moira, she was so emotional. I’m truly truly grateful and so happy for her.
It did feel really good to be on the podium again. Proudly, there were Fish Hoek Ladies on the podium in every age category.

Thank you, Fish Hoek AC, for the support and encouragement you give all your members, I’m so happy to be part of such an incredible club.