2014 Comrades Marathon Countdown Pt 2

Comrades is coming...

Yes, just in case it might have slipped your mind, in only 55 days time, you should have a very small medal hanging around your neck.

With some long runs behind us, and all trying to put in some extra mileage during the week, I am sure everyone is feeling tired, and maybe even gatvol for running. Hang in there. The next few weeks are critical. You have to keep going, even though the mornings are a little colder and darker than they have been, and running in the evenings might be chilly too. Don't stress (the term 'don't sweat' wouldn't quite work here) and don't use the weather as an excuse either. There is great gear out there to keep you warm while training for what you really want.

A few pointers when running, especially in the dark:

• Wear reflective vests or reflective clothing
• Wear light coloured clothing (why races hand out black T-shirts is beyond me...)
• Use a head torch if necessary. It makes you more visible to other road users, and may also show up the potholes and cats eyes that you would otherwise fall over.
  
• Don't run with an MP3 player or ipod. Not being able to hear the traffic around you is dangerous. And especially when it is still dark.
• Don't run using a walkman either - it is extremely old fashioned!
• Run on the right hand side of the road, facing on coming traffic. At least you can see if some driver has not seen you.
• Listen out for overtaking vehicles behind you.
• Make the assumption that you are invisible to other road users, and every other road user is an idiot.

Running in the cooler weather is also risky when it comes to muscle strains and the likes. Be careful that you don't start your run too fast. Muscles are tight in cold weather, and going too hard or attacking the hills could easily lead to muscle injury. Use the first few km to warm up, and do your speed work later in your run once you are properly loose. You shouldn't be doing too much racing any more anyway.

Another 2 weeks until we enter the '6 week window' of tapering before race day. I am sure everyone is looking forward to the taper!


Enjoy your running, keep warm, and stay visible.



Cheers,
Andrew

Part 1