RACE REPORT: Zero to Blue at Two Oceans Half Marathon by Andre Blom

Somewhere in 2015 I joined at that time one of the best Running Clubs in the world, Fish Hoek Athletics! Or at least that is what I believed, to be proven wrong some 10 years later. Somehow a very special and much valued roommate did have a final convincing say in the matter of joining. By then I had run one TOM Half in a Temp Licence and one in SANDF colours, nogal in a vest which would be my first and last race in a vest. This body isn’t made for those rags…

Special friend Hein also joined, and we were both quick to note that Half Marathons were seen/treated/valued as training runs and only marathon and above distances recognised. I was not comfortable with this, at that point 21.1km was the furthest I would ever consider running. Ya right, once again I will be proven wrong, many discussions would follow. Do not get me wrong, I very much respect and admire anyone who has and will be doing Ultra’s, Comrades, PuFfer, 100 Milers etc including anyone who does any running whether it is 3, 5km’s etc.

Our club has evolved and has become all-inclusive supporting from our very own “Beginner” groups to our 100 Miler stars. That is what our club is all about, everyone counts.
Anyone that starts running achieves no matter what the distance, not everyone will be a Comrades runner, yet every km done have meaning for each and everyone. A very sensible runner once said to me, do not run any distance you do not want to run, don’t let anyone force you. Very true words, thank you.

Running in FHAC colours (Shirt) became an absolute joy and seeing fellow runners in races adds to the enjoyment. Fortunately, FHAC colours are very distinctive and easily recognisable by us of lesser sight. Not to mention the support along the routes, which remains one of the most amazing and heart-warming experiences I would enjoy and still do.
Hein and I ran many different distances, note (up to 21.1km) road & trail. Our tradition of enjoying a cigar and a few cold ones after each race confirmed our belief that we are “smoking” fit thus capable of running. I am glad due to the rising cost of cigars, the cigar tradition has faded away, the cold one tradition shall remain. Arriving way too early for a nighttime trail run, where you are chased by “monsters” that try and grab your race marker was one of the most hilarious races I have enjoyed with Hein. Whether it was the wine before the race and/or just the running in the dark, getting lost and warning off the “monsters” I am not sure.

The injury spree also had plenty attempts to discourage me from continuing my running efforts, ITB’s being the main culprits and continues to show up regularly. I have been very fortunate to be able to complete every single TOM that has been held from 2014 and have managed to finish every race I had started. This included hobbling home on one leg the last 9km in a Cape Town Run your City Half Marathon. Left ITB, Hamstring and Calf muscle decided to test my resolve coming down Kloof Nek Road. Little did those buggers know and the ambulance staff trying to pick me up that once started I will finish. Took me some 02h47, including my son running back to come find his old man. The flashing pink R500 parking ticket on my car window replaced any pain with very much f… cross emotions.

Weekends away running Voet of Afrika has become one special tradition as is going for an easy run whilst camping. I suppose one can say running has become part of life.
The virtual TOM during the pandemic, running around a 6m x 3m pool, through the house etc remains one of the most astonishing mental challenges conquered for everyone that joined in that morning. Never again though!

Keeping the goal of earning my Blue Number in the TOM Half running continued comfortably until Mr Hein came up with the brilliant idea of doing only 1 Marathon that would become 3 for me and many, many more for Hein. Just look at what an awesome runner Hein has become. Congratulation Hein, you are running incredibly strong and achieving so much more.

2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon entries open and I am very happy to receive the first opportunity to enter to earn my Blue Number. 6 Months to train and stay injury and healthy, although the training part faded quickly. Making sure you stay injury free became more and more important as 06 April 2025 approached. Taking the grandkids fishing on the rocks in Strand the week before TOM took some serious concentration so as not to sprain an ankle or fall injuring myself. One does not want to be over cautious as that is when you injure yourself. The FHAC traditional TOM Ultra support Gazebo at Chappies was completed, all that remained was to put the feet up and relax for the big day. Resting and relaxing never seems to be that easy, thoughts of did you train properly, is your nutrition worked out, race strategy etc keeps your thoughts filled to the brim. Strangely enough, maybe having done this 9 times already a peaceful sleep was enjoyed. Getting up early enough to complete the by now well-rehearsed routine and confirming all those coming with are awake and ready. Parking in the usual spot, allowing sufficient time for mostly quiet bathrooms to be used allows one to relax, no stress about standing in long queues and getting to your batch late.

Walking to my batch the congratulations on doing your 10th by fellow runners starts to increase the excitement, yet one does not want to become too confident, there is still 21.1km to be done. Arriving in your batch, seeking out a kerb to sit and let the legs have a last rest is a priority. Not surprisingly, fellow FHAC runners join and conversations about all kinds of experiences etc flow easily. Fellow runners join in as if you are all best friends yet most probably never to be seen again. I have always been inspired by the spontaneous chatter and warmth of fellow runners. Not long to go and we start moving forward. Go Go Go the stater announces and we stumble forward, very much aware of cat eyes and other obstructions on the road.

Such a well known route by now the body instinctively sways to remain on the most level part of the tar, avoiding all the cat eyes, road signs and other possible dangers.
I had already decided beforehand I was going to make sure I enjoy every metre of this race, am in no rush and aimed to observe as many sights as possible and scenes along the route. Checking my watch, I realise it is measuring time and pace but not distance. Contemplating restarting or just monitoring the distance once the distance kicks in and re-calculate against distance boards. I decide on the latter and for every distance board I had add 1.3km. Kept the mind occupied at least.

As we start going up on the M3 a familiar FHAC face shouts encouragement which would follow regularly along the route. Some FHAC supporters running faster than me and supporting again from further along the route. We have some speedy FHAC runners LOL.
Congratulations on your 10th is regularly received as we go up and over Wynberg Hill. The sight of Muizenberg and the ocean in the distance is one of my favourites on this route. A loud thud sound of a poor runner tripping over a cat’s eye is a stark reminder to remain in the middle of a lane and pick up the feet. After enjoying the downhill, not overreaching (as I have learnt) the flat part before venturing up to Kendall Road always makes your legs work hard.

Once again mindful of the gutter on the right, picking up the feet, appreciating Trevor’s yearly encouragement there you are almost swallowed up by all the supporters. This year I decided to run as far left as possible, couple of extra metres would be ok, just to spot a familiar FHAC face. And I was rewarded, thank you Jacky, Nic & team.
Turning up on the Ladies Mile Extension I knew Mr Campbell and Co would be there with a cold one. Thank you, Andy & team, that cold one was much appreciated (cold bottle of coke). Time for some nutrition before the never-ending Southern Cross presents itself. Knowing our Iron Lady (Shirley) would be waiting just over halfway up is always a big motivator. As the hill starts talking in earnest to your legs a most unfortunate sight is presented. A runner lying on the side of a route is something nobody wants to see. Seeing CPR being given rattles you, I immediately slow down, observe there is sufficient medical people attending, nothing more I can do. Thoughts of sadness overcomes you; everyone makes way for the ambulance and the mood amongst the runners become heavy. I look at my heart rate, this is only a race, Blue Number or not it is not worth your life is the decision I make and vouch to slow it down, there is ample time to finish. RIP Taryn, Condolences to family & friends.

Shirley was such a welcome sight, friendly face amongst the gloom on fellow runners faces. Traditional chat and encouragement done I trot off to the top and over. Always a welcome feeling overcoming that hill. Thank goodness the loop at the top was removed a few years ago.

Settling the mind and mood, the knowledge that I will make it starts to surface, and I allow myself to get more excited on receiving that Blue Number. Took 10 years of doing this, over and over, so I can afford to be excited. The camber on this section has always been a challenge hence the body as usual finds the level section, even if it is gravel. The different feel underfoot is refreshing. And no loop at Kirstenbosch Upper gate, yeah!!! A whole +- 160 metres shorter route.

Chet’s Hill was different this year, no water table as you start. Disappointing as by then my own supply of water was lukewarm. Fortunately, further along cold water awaits and cooled the old body down. A few FHAC runners pass encouraging you to finish, I am just soaking up the last 2 odd km’s. Had a most enjoyable quick conversation with a huge Namibian runner welcoming him to Cape Town, best city in the world. Ashley catches up to me and we decide to finish together. Thank you, Ashley, an honour to finish a race with you. Hope we continue to do so multiple times in the future.

Down the dry grass finish, thinking back of one TOM where the grass was so wet and muddy you could slide all the way down to the finish line.
A friendly face catches my arm and shows me to a separate area on the side. There are several qualifying Blue Number runners gathered. I frown at the two pieces of Carlton paper handed to me. A friendly TOM staff member explains it is to wipe the sweat and shininess off your face before the photos are taken. I should have asked for a Lukewarm cloth but obliged and actually sommer felt better. One by one your own number is handed over and flashes go off as you are congratulated by legends of TOM’s.

Gathering myself, proudly clutching my Blue Number 2282 I seek the path to the famous Blue Number Club tent for the refreshments. I did pay 10 x TOM entries thus wanted to enjoy my fair share of what was offered, LOL. First you must go up and over that f*&*.g bridge. Surely there should be an easier path??? First entry into the hospitality area and spot those upper-class bathrooms. First call will be that a proper loo with a top flush button, soap, proper 2 ply toilet paper and hand towels to dry your hands. It was a luxury to say the least.

Into the hospitality tent, armband on, a food parcel and choice of any two drinks was on offer. Choices, Black Label to celebrate all the running with Hein and a Castle Lite as per the norm after a run. I was called over by a gentleman that finished his 20th TOM Half and his wife who offered me a seat at their table. Congratulations were exchanged and a cold one enjoyed. Excusing myself I see another runner collapsing just outside the tent with guards etc running to her aid. I decide it’s time to get to the FHAC group waiting in the Bar Tent (obviously). At least if anything goes wrong with me, I am amongst family. I managed to trot most of the way there, even down the steps, clearly the adrenalin and excitement numbed the pain in the legs.

Thank you to everyone that was there for such a celebratory welcome! More photos and a few cold ones later we part paths to continue celebrating at home.

I am truly blessed that my body has held up to progress from a non-runner to completing 10 TOM’s, something I never saw myself doing. I am very thankful and appreciative for the support and motivation from my beautiful wife and loving family over the years.