Biggest challenge for me EVER

[antoinette]

I have entered for the NIKE SOWETO MARATHON on 02.11.2014 for the 21 km run.

Have only run 5km and a few 10km runs. This will be my first 21km run.

Difficult to train during the week so I train on a Saturday morning, running the Rietvlei Park 5km run.

To get myself fit for the 21km run I am now doing the 5km run twice on a Saturday.

Did my first this morning and felt great.

Finished the first run in 41 minutes.

Straight afterwards did the second run and honestly surprised myself, did it in 44 minutes.


Going to be a tough run for me BUT I KNOW I CAN DO IT !!!!

 

[RavensGryf]

Good for you Antoinette! You'll be able to do it good luck!

 

[Betrisher]

Of course you can do it! We're all cheering you on, you know that!

I think you're amazing to take up this sport as an older entrant, Ant, and I'm sending my very best prayers that you do well: you deserve it.

 

[Bundiibird]

Way to go Ant. We are all behind you. You will be powered by parrot power.

 

[Blancaej]

Good luck!

 

[Anansi]

Go, Antoinette! Most impressive! We'll all be cheering you on!

Remember to post pics after your run!

 

[4dugnlee]

The very BEST of luck to you! You will do GREAT!

 

[Allee]

I know you'll do well, Antoinette! Good Luck and enjoy the experience.

 

[Scott]

Good luck with the marathon and enjoy the training process. The human body spurred by the power of mind can accomplish amazing feats!

 

[Mango121913]

Whew! I'm outta breath just thinking about it.
Bet you could do it bacwards...uphill in the snow.....without shoes or socks!
Good luck

 

[antoinette]

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement means the world to me.

Must share with you how I began running

I began running in February, Steven dared me to the the 5km run as a joke, WELL DON'T DARE ME !!!!!

I have run 30 5km runs in total. It was my dream to do a 10km run.

After finishing a charity 5km run, I then watched the end of a 10km and saw a man finishing he had one and a half legs, using clutches.
I though if he can do it so can I.

In total I have run 5 10km runs and enjoyed them all.

My mentor is Steven he gives me great tips, how to run etc, always encouraging me to do better.

Steven will also be running the Nike Soweto run, his first 42km run. He is constantly training I KNOW HE WILL COMPLETE IT COMFORTABLE.

I have learnt NEVER SAY NEVER !!!!!!

 

[Terry57]

Best of luck to you, Ant, though I do not think you will need luck You can do this!!!! I am looking forward to hearing all about it

 

[antoinette]

Training is going well, when I have time to train.

Saturday I did my 5km run, took it easy, knowing I was running a 10km run yesterday.

I ran the 10km run, was enjoyable and did my Personal Best in the 10km run beating my last time by 5 minutes.

I have one more weekend to train, so this Saturday will do the 5km 2 times.

The heat is something I have to get used to running in, always have water along the way.

One way or the other I will complete the 21km

 

[JerseyWendy]

I KNOW how hard you've been training for this, Ant, and you will be marvelous!

Hydrate very well the day before already, ok?

 

[antoinette]

I KNOW how hard you've been training for this, Ant, and you will be marvelous!

Hydrate very well the day before already, ok?

Thanks Batty X X

PROMISE to hydrate the day before, very important.

I am having a few nightmares I must admit, but it is also mind of matter, staying as positive as possible.

 

[antoinette]

I had the privilege of meeting Frith van der Merwe after the 10km run. Was awesome chatting to her. One of our greatest runners in South Africa !!!!

After the run we went to Gold Reef City theme park OMW it was fantastic, went on the most amazing rides.
Below we were on the Tower of Terror.
Thanks to Steven and all his friends for a MAGICAL day.

Ps double click on the pic, and see it larger.... how terrifying if was BUT most enjoyable.


​

 

[Betrisher]

Ant, you're a legend! In fact, I think I admire you even more for going on a horrendous ride like that one - I'd be losing my lunch all over the crowd below. Best of luck in the big race and please make sure you post as soon as ever you can. Your fans are hanging out to know how it went! XX

 

[antoinette]

Ant, you're a legend! In fact, I think I admire you even more for going on a horrendous ride like that one - I'd be losing my lunch all over the crowd below. Best of luck in the big race and please make sure you post as soon as ever you can. Your fans are hanging out to know how it went! XX

Trish the rides were such fun. There were a few I gave a miss, knowing they would not agree with me.

8 more days till the 21km run I CAN'T WAIT

Thanks for all the support, it honestly helps me tremendously.

 

[antoinette]

I did my final training for the 21km run this morning at Rietvlei Parkrun.
Only 8 more days to go !!!!

I ran the 5km course 3 times, one after the other.
I did the first run in 41 min, second one in 42 min, and the third one in 46 min.
It was so hot I drank 3 small bottles of iced water, on the last 5km I stopped and refilled a bottle, drank it and refilled again.

When finishing I was so happy.

It has been hard only training on Saturday's wish I had time during the week.

I KNOW I WILL FINISH THE 21KM

 

[Anansi]

I know you will too, Antoinette! Looking forward to hearing your account and seeing all of the pics!