Running progressions / Health regressions

Running progressions / Health regressions

I’ve mentioned a few health issues in previous posts; some make reference to ongoing injuries, others mention malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, depression, hormone imbalances, digestive issues and a history of an eating disorder. I struggle with energy, fatigue and generally getting out of bed in the morning, and it has worsened since late last year.

Without subjecting you to TMI, I’ve had a series of small operations for uterine polyps and an endometrial ablation, and have polycystic ovaries and adenomyosis. A year ago I was advised to have a hysterectomy but I postponed it (because I didn’t want to stop running). I held onto hope that the next doctor I saw or procedure we tried would fix my hormones. I’ve continued running despite how I feel physically because it is the only thing that helps the way I feel emotionally/mentally.

It seems that as my running has progressed – from 10km and an occasional half marathon, totaling 35-50km per week – to marathons and ultramarathon training, totally 80-100km per week – my health has regressed. Some consistent blood tests are now starting to come together. I’ve moved around a bit and never had a regular doctor so the puzzle has taken longer to solve. My issues: hormones, digestion, fatigue and depression are all connected. It might appear like individual problems but there is a pattern that involves: hormones, leaky gut, adrenals and thyroid (and we still don’t know the driving force).

My doctor diagnosed hypothyroidism (Hashimotos, an autoimmune thyroid condition). However she does not believe this is my main issue. In the short term, I’m looking for ways to manage my thyroid and continue running. Below are selections of information I have sourced from the Internet. I’m keen to hear from anyone else who deals with similar problems and also refuses to let it stop you from running! I’m interested in knowing if you medicate? I’m looking for positive steps forward. For me, this is a relatively mild health problem and I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful that I can still run, and I want to run as much as my body will allow.

http://www.scienceofrunning.com/2013/04/thyroid-madness-everything-you-need-to.html

Thyroid madness- Everything you need to know

Posted by Steve Magness

What it is and How it’s diagnosed:

The large majority of hypothyroidism occurs because of an autoimmune disorder (Hashimoto’s) which essentially means that your body is attacking itself.  SO, your antibodies essentially attack the thyroid and if nothing is done, the thyroid is eventually “destroyed.” This would be called primary hypothyroidism. Other forms include secondary hypothyroidism and tertiary hypothyroidism. Secondary refers to when the Pituitary gland is messed up and doesn’t create enough TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and tertiary is when the hypothalamus doesn’t release enough Thyrotopin-releasing hormone (TRH) which doesn’t stimulate the pituitary to produce TSH, and so on.

The symptoms of it are unpleasant. You can look those up yourself, but just so people understand, it goes beyond the idea of just “fatigue”. For example, hair loss, impaired cognition, inability to focus, inability to tolerate cold, depression, and on and on.  In fact, occasionally, clinical depression is found to be due to a thyroid problem and not the traditional route.  Bottom line, is it kind of sucks. And it’s an every day suck. If you have overt hypothyroidism you lose ability to go through your normal everyday life.

1.       Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)-

It stimulates the production of T4 which is then converted to T3. It’s not the be all end all like many portray it but it’s the first marker that essentially says, “hey, something is off here.” 

That’s why you look at TSH, freeT3, freeT4, and reverse T3 also. These with TSH provide a broader picture of what is going on. 

Antibodies

2.  Antibodies show up. Not a great sign. Probably means autoimmune disease.

You can have people with normal TSH, but have antibodies. That generally means they have an autoimmune disorder but it hasn’t progressed to overt hypothyroidism yet. Do you wait 5 years until their thyroid is damaged enough to start treatment, or do you treat now?

What do you do if you have an actual thyroid problem and what does treatment entail?

If you are legitimately hypothyroid, then the solution is to take supplemental synthetic thyroid.  The most prescribed drug is levothyroxine (name brand synthroid or levoxyl) which is synthetic T4. Other treatment options are synthetic T3.

Once you find the right dosage, that doesn’t mean it’s the right dosage for the long term, you have to have a blood test every 3-6 months to make sure nothing has changed.

Genetics and a quick theory:

Before ending let’s look at how thyroiditis develops. The majority of cases (85-90%) in the U.S. are autoimmune related. Meaning that the thyroid is essentially destroying itself. The question is how does this develop? 

One thing about the autoimmune version of thyroid disease is that there is a very strong genetic component.  In twin studies, there’s anywhere from 38-55% concordance rate.

So let’s look at how it develops:

(Chart from: Christiakov (2005). Immunogenetics of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.  Journal of Autoimmune disease)

The first two are the interesting and important components.

1.       There is a genetic predisposition.

2.       Breakdown of immune tolerance

The question needs to be asked if a large training stress COMBINED with a genetic predisposition is enough to trigger this breakdown of immune tolerance and lead to Hashimoto’s at let’s say at 20 instead of 50.

The key though is that without the genetic predisposition, you can’t just train hard and get Hashimoto’s.

It’s just a theory at this point, but the thing to realize is that it has to be genetically there. You can’t just train to get it the disease. Whether it is training induced or an environmental trigger that distance running accelerates, it’s interesting to look at the idea.

The chart above also demonstrates how the body develops a thyroid problem, which is an important consideration.  Thyroid disease is generally a slow progression over many years. It’s one of the reasons why it usually is seen in women in their 50’s.

For a more thorough breakdown, read this journal article (http://www.jautoimdis.com/content/2/1/1)

So what?

If you have to have your thyroid removed, you need supplemental thyroid to function in regular life.

If you have Hashimoto’s or an autoimmune disease, you need supplemental thyroid to function in regular life because your thyroid is destroying itself…

Hopefully, you also realize that this isn’t a training caused problem in people with actual thyroid diseases. And hopefully you realize that if you have a thyroid issue, taking the medication does not give you superhuman powers. It simply returns you to functioning.

Above all, the best thing you can do if you face this problem is be your own educated advocate. You’ll know enough to get the right tests, have a thorough evaluation, and see if you have a legitimate problem or not.

http://drknews.com/the-hypothyroid-athlete/

The Hypothyroid Athlete

Competitive athletes seem unlikely candidates for hypothyroidism, a disease that frequently causes fatigue, depression, and malaise.

But some athletes are surprised to learn their dwindling performance and failure to build muscle stems from improperly managed hypothyroidism.

The fact that athletes are typically fit and slender makes it easy for doctors to overlook their symptoms. And like 90 percent of Americans with hypothyroidism, most athletes have Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune condition that thyroid hormone medications alone do not properly address.

As a result, performance declines until the athlete may be forced to stop competing and participating in a lifestyle she loves. Studies show hypothyroidism affects athletic performance in a number of ways. It creates more muscle weakness and cramping, impairs cardiac function and blood flow, and hampers the ability of muscles to use fatty acids for energy, thus limiting endurance.

Athletes should avoid over training

Athletes set themselves apart by their ability to push themselves physically and mentally when most people would give up. However repeatedly pushing the body too far can produce negative health consequences.

What I commonly see in athletes, particularly endurance athletes, is adrenal fatigue, excess inflammation, and sometimes a form of anemia caused by the breakdown of red blood cells, another consequence of over training.

These factors could lend a hand in triggering an autoimmune thyroid condition in someone genetically predisposed, and they can certainly exacerbate and existing thyroid condition.

I have seen many athletes boost flagging performance by adapting changes that include: Lightening up their training schedules, Managing adrenal imbalances, Eliminating foods to which they are intolerant, Repairing inflamed and permeable guts, and Managing any autoimmune conditions.

What’s required to modulate adrenal function and tame inflammation will be different, but most see improved performance and more enjoyment from their sport after tending to these issues.

Taking more thyroid hormones is not the answer

It may be tempting to take very high doses of thyroid hormones to boost metabolism and hence performance, but this is a trap. Too much thyroid hormone can cause resistance to the thyroid and hypothyroid symptoms. Also, studies show taking excess thyroid hormone can overstimulate the production of dopamine, which could predispose one to a dopamine deficiency. It’s more important to address the underlying cause of the thyroid imbalance and address that. For some athletes, due the high amount of stress they subject themselves to, it could mean lowering stress and supporting the body’s stress-handling mechanisms. It is best to work with a qualified practitioner and read Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? to learn the best way to manage your thyroid condition.

To be continued... 

Two Oceans Ultramarathon April 2015

Two Oceans Ultramarathon Saturday 4^th April 2015

Distance: 56km

The world's most beautiful marathon - 56km Ultra Marathon around the Cape Peninsula, since 1970.

http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za

History

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has earned a reputation as the world’s most beautiful marathon. The first race was held in 1970 and saw 26 runners line up to face the unknown challenge. Since then, the race has become a favourite with local and international athletes.

Participants can choose from various distances – the scenic 56km ultra marathon or popular 21km half marathon and the 5km or 2.5km fun runs. The event attracts over 26 000 participants across all the distances and provides them with a mixture of breathtaking scenery, a gruelling test of fitness for both the elite and recreational runner, and an unrivalled race organisation and atmosphere.

Participants consistently vote it as one of the best in South Africa and it continues to attract strong fields and an increasing number of international entrants. The event has become synonymous with the Easter Weekend in Cape Town, with the pre-race activities at the expo, family day, and fun runs on Easter Friday. En-route entertainment on the race day provides fun, excitement, and a unique experience to runners, family, friends, and spectators alike.

Course

The World's Most Beautiful Marathon: In 2015, the Ultra Marathon route will run over Ou Kaapse Weg for safety reasons.  This comes after the recent devastating fires that raged along Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula caused significant damage to Chapman’s Peak’s fragile vegetation, holding a safety risk for runners and volunteers.

The Ou Kaapse Weg detour route starts in Main Road, Newlands, and takes runners along the scenic South Peninsula route, through Fish Hoek and into Kommetjie.  But, instead of heading towards Chapman’s Peak, runners will turn towards and over Ou Kaapse Weg, from where they will run along the leafy Spaanschemat River Road. They will then join the Half Marathon route at the Ladies Mile / Parish Road intersection before heading onto Southern Cross Drive to make their way back to the finish at UCT along Rhodes Drive and the M3. 

Course description

The Ultra Marathon Route is actually quite flat for the first 28 kilometers, with the first big climb being the back of Ou Kaapse Weg. Instead of the Constantia Nek climb, runners will then be treated to the shorter Southern Cross Drive climb. Thereafter the route is undulating until the finish at UCT.

56km Route Profile

Refreshment stations

Twenty five well-stocked refreshment stations along the 56km route will ensure that every runner’s hydration needs are adequately catered for.

The first official refreshment station is at the 3km mark, where only water and Coke will be available. 

Subsequent refreshment stations are spaced approximately 2.5km apart.

Drinking water is manufactured under strict hygienic conditions at K3 Water. Each batch of water is tested and is then transported to a Cold Store Facility where the water is sent through a Blast Chiller Room, allowing the water to reach 0°C and then stored in a Holding Cold Room to maintain the temperature.

Drinking water and Powerade will be provided throughout the race in 100ml plastic sachets (Booster Bags), while Coca-Cola will be served in 250ml plastic bottles. Potatoes, bananas, Bar-One chocolates will be available at some stations. Loobit anti-chafing cream will be available at various points during the race.

Pre-race – (This section always seems so long… )

I arrived in South Africa late Tuesday night (Tuesday before race day on Saturday). This allowed for time to recover from jetlag and satisfy some tourist curiosities like going on an African Safari on Thursday. On Friday (day before race day), there was an International Friendship Run.

Two Oceans International Friendship Run

Distance: 6km run/walk

Good Friday 3^rd April 2015

All International entrants are invited to meet on Good Friday morning for a scenic 6km run/walk through the City of Cape Town, past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, which include the Cape Town Stadium, Sea Point Promenade, Green Point Park and Mouille Point Lighthouse.

Runners from all over the world get into the marathon spirit with their family and friends, who can also participate in the Friendship Run for a nominal fee, jogging with the flags from their various countries.

The friendship run was fun! I met with a couple of other runners from Australia who I’d met on the bus. Australia was the tenth top country with 94 participants (51 participated in the Ultra). The friendship run was not a race, but a group of like-minded runners from all over the world, meeting together (with Haile Gebrselassie), to cruise around Cape Town. I ran faster than I should have but my legs were fresh from a week without running. I felt so alive and happy, my legs naturally carried me around Cape Town at a 5min/km pace. Afterwards they gave us sachets of water and cups of coke. I don’t drink coke but noticed it is very popular in SA. The water sachets are a great idea, I struggle to drink from a cup while running, I usually choke (one of my hidden talents) but sachets are so easy. The environmental impact isn’t great but neither are plastic cups. We sat around the Waterfront and chatted with other runners while the brass band entertained us. I met a lady from Sydney who explained the cultural changes in South Africa since the late 80s/early 90s. Having grown up in SA, she reflected on times when whites and blacks had separate schools and restaurants. One of the aspects I enjoy most about visiting a foreign country is learning about their culture and traditions. I walked back to the motel feeling grateful for my life and this experience. After all, I’d left my very supportive husband back home in Melbourne to take care of our children, while I travelled half way across the world to indulge my ultramarathon dream!

Friday night I had dinner with my sister-in-law and friends who I’d met in Cape Town (they had completed the Ironman in Port Elizabeth a week earlier, and my S-I-L qualified for the World Championships). I didn’t bother with too much carb loading in the days before but naturally had rice with my meals. This would be my first significant race as a vegetarian. I’d become vegetarian at the beginning of the year and although I found the transition relatively easy (fuelled by my ethical convictions) I did encounter some challenges. A significant issue was my iron levels plummeting to 3 and having an iron infusion about a month before I was due to leave for overseas. (To cut a long story short, I’ve always had deficiencies like iron, B12, vitamin D, zinc and magnesium. Blood tests, tested positive for a thyroid autoimmune antibody. Many of my health issues like digestive problems, deficiencies, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, always cold and depression were beginning to make sense).

We had an early night, knowing the transfer bus would arrive on our doorstep at 4:30am. I went to sleep feeling excited and positive that my injured and tired body would NOT fail me this time. It had only been ten weeks since Two Bays 56km – the run that was supposed to be my first ultra. My plantar fascia/extensor hallucis longus had flared a few days before race day to the point where I couldn’t put my foot to the floor. I’d had to pull out of the race, which was devastating because I’d been training so well (I’d run 5 hours on the trail 2 weeks before). But it was a breaking point that had been brewing for months. I’d developed calf/Achilles/PF issues about a year prior from biomechanical changes to my running gait, all due to an unconscious effort to protect the labral tear in my left hip. I was going into Two Oceans 56km with trepidation. I was really nervous I’d experience déjà vu and not even make it to the start line. My training had been cautious and I revised my time goal to “just make it before the 7 hour cut-off.” I wanted 6 hours but would have settled with finishing.

Before leaving Melbourne I’d given my S-I-L (Carmen) my 4-bottle-Nathan-belt, however I’d also packed my Kathmandu hydration pack. For some reason, I had a vision of unmade roads and expected to be somewhat self-sufficient regarding fuel and water. Carmen explained the drink stations were every 2.5km and they provided sachets instead of cups. She reassured me that I wouldn’t need to pack my own supplies. I decided to carry 3 gels (Endura Vanilla) and my iPod (just in case I needed that extra little bit of motivation). I also packed a Ventolin because I knew there had been fires in the area and I was mildly concerned I might have a reaction. The weather forecast had changed from hot and sunny to possible showers. Cape Town has similar weather to Melbourne – 4 seasons in one day. It was looking a little overcast and breezy, but I knew somewhere in the suspected 6 hours, the weather could change.

Race day –

My alarm was set for 4am. I put on my compression shorts, shorts over the top, plain singlet top, compression calf sleeves, Australian temporary tattoos and Australian flag headband thingy – technical term (actually I think it is more like a buff). I grabbed a protein bar and bottle of water with a Nuun electrolyte tablet. I’d already packed a bag of clothes for after the race and handed that to the Travelling Fit organisers (the company I used to book my trip – they were great!) The bus took us to the start line, it was dark and chilly (I’m always cold). We made the standard race-morning toilet stop and then walked around, soaking up the atmosphere. There was a buzz of excitement from the twenty-six-thousand-deep crowd of runners. With about 45 minutes until gun time, I made my way to section B. Carmen and her friend Judy, were a little further back in the pack (they were fine with that, considering they’d just raced Ironman and decided to make Two Oceans a scenic experience rather than a key race).

I met a fellow Australian, Carol, who originated from South Africa and had run Two Oceans before. I chatted to another South African lady and listened to her advice. She told me to watch out for the garbage bags that runners disposed of at the start line (Note to self: garbage bags/ponchos are a great way to stay warm before the race starts).

The organisers made reference to two participants running their 40^th Two Oceans, they played an African song (soulful and emotional) and the National anthem. They blew the horn to signify the beginning of the 46^th annual Two Ocean Ultramarathon! We were off and racing!

The first kilometre was very congested and I settled into a 5:30min/km pace. I dodged the garbage bags and people. A couple of minutes in, I noticed we ran over a timing mat. After a couple of kilometres I had to admit to myself that I needed to stop to go to the toilet. I stopped at the 5km mark, where I had to line up and lost about 3 minutes altogether (unconsciously I paused my garmin).  When I got back out on the course I deliberately picked up the pace a little, knowing that the first 21km were flat and I could survive. I ran 4:45min/km pace and reached 10km by 50 minutes (5min/km pace). This was according to my garmin (with the 3-minute pause so my splits aren’t exactly right).

I felt good! My heart and lungs were working perfectly, I had no asthma and no shoulder pain that I tend to get when I increase respiration rate. I made a conscious effort to relax my body because I knew I had a long road ahead of me. I did feel pain in my plantar fascia (PF)/extensor hallucis longus (EHL) just after the 10km mark but there was nothing I could do about it. Just suck it up!

I planned to take in fluids and gels early and keep having them for as long as I could handle it. In the past, I’d reacted to gels and had a tendancy to suffer from reflux. I believe the earlier I have anything on race day, the better I tolerate it. It also helps if I’m not pushing pace, which I wasn’t. I started with small amounts of water from 5km and gels from 12km onwards. I always had water after a gel, and despite recommendations, I take my gels slowly. The aid stations were every 2.5km, which was awesome! It meant I could take small amounts of fluids more regularly, and always follow up a gel with water.

From 10-20km, I sat on a 5:05-5:15min/km pace. I tried to take in the surroundings and chatted to a few other runners (everyone thought I was from the UK because my head gear was only showing the Union Jack. Clearly they didn’t see the stars of the Southern Cross or the kangaroo tattoo on my arm!) I can’t describe the course very well, which might be disappointing for you as the reader (because it is considered the most beautiful run in the world and now you have no visual reference). I’m terrible at remembering anything when I run, I get lost very easily and I daydream. I can tell you that up until this point, the run was flat and the view was beautiful. There were mountains in front of me and the ocean on my left-hand-side. There were people literally lining the streets encouraging and supporting our every step. The women were energetic and animated, yelling, “Go lady! You run ladies!” Others would use my name in their enchanting African accent. It would always make me smile.

I ran 21km in 1hr 47min (5:05min/km pace). (I didn’t actually know that at the time, but I love looking at my splits on Garmin/Strava after the event). At 22km I hit an elevation and knew the course was about to change. The original course was supposed to run to the top of Chappies Peak. The race organisers made the decision to use an alternate route, which took participants over Ou Kaapse Weg for safety reason. There had been recent fires in the mountains and was a chance of rock fall. Many Facebook fans publicly complained about the change and advised others to automatically add 15-20 minutes to their goal time. Ou Kaapse Weg had a steeper elevation with the peak being 350 metres. I’m not great at judging elevation but it seemed similar to Two Bays (the event I was supposed to run 10 weeks earlier). I knew Arthurs Seat climb (Two Bays) was fairly tough so when I heard about the change it made me nervous. I went into Two Oceans ready for a long, steady climb. I believe I have mental strength, I knew I’d have to drop back to a Cliffy shuffle (a plod) but I could keep going. I had to pace myself, put my head down and put one foot in front of the other. It’s that simple!

Between 22-27km the course flattened out (it was a tease!) so I sat back into a 5:15min/km pace. I was still taking in water and even branched out to Powerade. (I usually have a significant reaction to Powerade or anything like that. I get asthma but I realised I had no electrolytes so decided it was better to try it than fail from dehydration). It wasn’t a hot day, in fact I think it had rained a little around the 21km point (and the wind didn’t affect me), but I decided to eat and drink whatever was on offer. I was about to have my second gel when I came across potatoes with salt! Yummo! I’d always wanted to try potatoes while running. So for the second time on race day, I tried something new (against all rules).

At 27km the hill appeared and thanks to the fires’ destruction of tree life, I could see how far and high it spread. As I’ve said many times before, my default is to run conservatively, so that's what I did. From 27-34km I cruised. Surprisingly I still passed people, but my breathing wasn’t laboured. I knew I still had a long way to go. I dropped back to a 6.05min/km pace. I ran slowly but continuously for the first 5km of the hill and then I gave myself permission to walk a little. I walked the first 400m of the next 2km and ran the rest (averaging a 7:20min/km over those 2km). I vaguely remember having my second gel. As I made my way up the hill, I took the time to look over my shoulder and take in the view. Cape Town is surrounded by endless, rocky mountains and contrasted by the vast ocean below. Whenever I run in a beautiful place in nature, I feel closer to God (higher power, the divine, whatever you like to say… ) It’s peaceful and energising for me. It’s rewarding to feel connected and be granted some meditative time.

I hit the half way point at 2hrs 26min. I passed 30km at 2hrs 38min and 35km at 3hrs 10min (5:25min/km pace).

During the last 8km stretch, my body began to feel the pain, especially my hips. Both hips hated the camber! If truth be told, I started to get a little pissed off because the camber was quite significant. I looked like a crazy person crossing from one side of the road to the other searching for even ground (I wasn’t the only one). Anyone who suffered ITB injuries would have been hurting! And it wasn’t helping my foot either because I was constantly striking laterally to counteract the lean. During the later part of the race, I saw a few individual people in severe pain. One runner was literally stuck, bent over in the middle of the road, clearly cramped and unable to move a muscle. Another time I heard an ambulance near by. And right near the end I saw a man hurled over battling nausea. It’s a strange feeling to keep running when you know someone needs helps. I’ve run a few trails and I always stop when a fellow runner needs help. However, Two Oceans had thousands of volunteers and I knew they would help the injured. There was no point stopping.

At roughly 34km the decent began and I cautiously increased my pace, remembering to protect my quads. Anyone who has run steep downhills knows your quads elongate and contract to control the fall and this can result in very sore legs in the days following. The downhill continued until 40km. I ran 40km in 3hrs 36min and 42km in 3hrs 47min (5:25min/km pace). The official marathon split time was 3hrs 54min. The rolling hill climbed again after the 40km mark and I walked a little around 43km (6:33min/k pace for that kilometre). A lot of people walked after the official marathon marker. At 45km I was running an average of 5:30min/km pace. 47-48km splits were 7:40min/km pace with an estimated 800m walking in total. The uphill seemed unrelenting at this point. We ran majority uphill from 42-48km (according to Garmin). Combined with the camber and my old lady hips, I was feeling it. However my state of mind and general energy was really good! I was honestly loving it! I was still fuelling with water, powerade, and I took my third gel at the 46-47km point. At one of the aid stations they were handing out chocolate bars. My digestion was perfect so I continued eating. There were spectators everywhere and some of them had sandwiches for runners.

I can’t explain the atmosphere and community that surrounded us. I’ve run big events before with hundreds of spectators however this felt different. They weren’t lining up for a high five, instead they spoke words of encouragement and handed out water/fuel, and I sensed they genuinely wanted me to do my best.

At 50km, 4hrs 38min (5:35min/km pace) the elevation increased and I might have walked 200m or so. Although most of the last 8km was downhill. Thank God! This allowed me to maintain my pace. The last 6km were fun. I knew I was on the home stretch and would finish relatively unscathed. I may never be able to hip flex again, but considering the lead up I had, I was grateful it was only my hips giving me grief. I was expecting my left foot to hurt like hell. And I was prepared to systemically struggle, either digestion or fatigue. It was only a month earlier, I had an iron infusion and as little as two weeks prior I struggled to get out of bed in the morning. Whether it was my thyroid or something else, I had lost the ability to function in the morning. I stopped all morning runs and revised my goal to “wake up and drive kids to school.” Some days I drove them to school in my PJs! And now here I was about to complete my first ultramarathon. I was so happy. I had a moment around the 52-55km point where I began to tear up while running. Even writing this now, I feel emotional. I love running and 2014 was a huge year for me. But towards the end of the year I struggled with health, injuries and life in general. 2015 began with my first DNS and everything became too difficult. I had committed to Two Oceans, my husband was sacrificing his work and time to allow me to chase my dream and now I was finally achieving it. The emotion was gratitude. I’m so lucky to have my life, my husband and boys, live in Australia and travel with running. It’s truly awesome! Or as the South Africans might say… LEKKER!

The last kilometre I kicked up a notch and ran a sub 5min/km pace. In typical conservative style, I had enough left in the tank to sprint down the finishing shoot. I felt ALIVE! Crossing the finishing line the clock read 5:16:04. (Official results showed it took me 2min 13sec to cross the start line, which must have been the timing mat. Therefore my time was 5:13:49, 5:35min/km pace). I was stoked! I came in about an hour quicker than I was expecting! Oh so happy!

My Garmin showed I ran 56.6km in 5:14:19 (the discrepancies were because I started before the timing mat but paused it accidentally plus I probably ran a bit further in search for level road).

I gave myself permission to listen to some music from about 43-50km. Something to reward myself along the way :-)

Post-race – Straight after I ran through the finishing shoot, I received my medal and water. I knew my hip flexors were on the verge of complete spasm and if I sat down my body would set like cement. I found a patch of grass and lay down on my front for about 15 minutes and gently stretched my hip flexors. I watched (and laughed) at the guy next to me as he tried to stand up. Everyone looked sore and stiff, but wore a smile from ear to ear. Overall, I felt great! The high of becoming an ultramarathon runner surpassed any other feeling. I made my way through the crowd to the Travelling Fit tent. They provided food and refreshments, and I met runners from all over the world.

About an hour after I finished, Carmen and Judy crossed the line… a fanastic effort after racing Ironman a week earlier. We met up with a local friend and made our way to the car. I used my arm to lift my left leg up each step. (My hip flexors had checked out for the day!) We watched the last of runners come through the straight. The crowd grew louder as the cut-off drew closer. Everyone counted down from ten until the buzzer sounded and the battlers who didn’t quite make it slumped over and slowed to a walk. Personally, I would have been devastated to miss the cut-off by a few precious minutes. But I have great respect for anyone who can run for seven hours.

That afternoon and evening, we managed to show up at the after party. I had a blast! I loved the locals, people in general, atmosphere, drinks, music and all that followed… I returned to our apartment by 9:30pm after one of the most satisfying and rewarding days of my life. I ran an ultramarathon and I finished in tact, feeling strong, healthy and happy. I was so grateful!

Two Oceans results –

Gun time: 5:16:04

Revised time: 5:13:49

Place: 4^th Australian and 2^nd Australian women (first was 5:08 and I actually met her at the start line. Her name is Carol, she was originally from South Africa and had run Two Oceans before).

I still don’t know other placings because it hasn’t been finalised yet. I certainly didn’t break any records ;-)

Lessons - 

1. Have fun!

2. Run faster!

3. Take a garbage bag or poncho to the start line to stay warm.

Race feedback and will there be a next time - 

Two Oceans leaves me feeling similar to after I completed my first marathon, a year ago, in Canberra. I loved the race! The scenery was beautiful and different, so it captivated my attention and I daydreamed more than usual. It’s part of what I love about running, exploring new places and zoning out. The weather was great. A little bit of rain and wind but not enough to hinder performance. The support from the locals and atmosphere at Two Oceans surpassed any other run. People hugged the streets the entire way and offered genuine encouragement and support. The aid stations were every 2.5km which was luxurious. I felt spoilt! I loved the sachets, Powerade and potatoes! (However I’m well aware that on any other day, I could have reacted very differently to trying something new! I was LUCKY!) There was congestion mostly at the beginning but that is bound to happen with 11,000 people in the 56km distance alone. The medal is my favourite and reflects the beautiful scenic course. The only negative (and it was a significant issue for me) was the camber! I hated it! Someone told me that the original Two Oceans course didn’t have the same degree of camber. Overall I rank this run a 9.5/10 and I would run it again (and next time break 5 hours)! I'm so grateful to my family for allowing me to complete my first ultramarathon in such style!

*Although I didn't have an official link to a fundraiser page, I actually researched in depth the charity I chose to run for. I asked friends and family (and Run Whippet Run followers) to consider donating to Mothers2Mothers...

http://www.m2m.org

What We Do and Why

mothers2mothers (m2m) is changing that. We train, employ, and empower Mentor Mothers, who are mothers living with HIV, to work alongside doctors and nurses in understaffed health centres as members of the healthcare team. In one-on-one and group sessions, Mentor Mothers provide essential health education and psychosocial support to other HIV-positive mothers on how they can protect their babies from HIV infection, and keep themselves and their families healthy.  Mentor Mothers’ ties to the community and first hand-hand knowledge of HIV makes them highly effective peer mentors.

Our Impact

The women Mentor Mothers serve are more likely to take antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and protect their health. Further, the infants of mothers in m2m’s programme are more likely to receive ARVs to protect them from HIV infection, and be administered an early infant diagnosis test to determine their status compared to other infants born to HIV-positive mothers.  These outcomes have been shown to have a positive impact on the health of mothers and their children.

m2m’s programme also has a positive impact on the Mentor Mothers themselves. The employment enables Mentor Mothers to gain financial security for themselves and their family.  By virtue of being professionalised, Mentor Mothers become role models in health centres and their communities, putting a face to empowered, strong, and healthy HIV-positive women, and thereby reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

The Mentor Mother Model has been identified as a key strategy in the United Nations Global Plan to eliminate paediatric AIDS by 2015 and keep mothers alive.

m2m advances four of the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that most directly affect the health of women and children.

Expanding Our Reach

While Mentor Mothers are still primarily focused on preventing the transmission of HIV from mother to child and promoting maternal and infant health, m2m is enhancing the scope of our work to enable clients and their families improve their overall health.  Mentor Mothers are currently being equipped with the technical knowledge and skills to offer education, support, and referrals on a wide range of health issues important to our clients.  In order to reach even more women and their families, m2m is moving its Mentor Mother services out into communities.  We are also formalising the education and support Mentor Mothers give to HIV-negative pregnant women and new mothers to help them stay healthy and HIV-free.