Stats: Tuesday, 25 May 2010, 06:00

This morning saw the return of our newest Hillbilly, Andre.

And a surprise route!! Not a new route, but one we haven't run in a while. A surprise because we didn't want to scare off any Hillbillies who hadn't had the pleasure of tackling Rhodes Memorial hill yet - it really looks a lot scarier than it actually is.

Our group was fairly small on Tuesday - Josh, Linelle, Andre and myself. We set out in the opposite direction along Main Road into Rosebank. Up towards UCT, under the M3, across the sports field and up the stairs.

Finally we had a break from the climbing - temporarily.We stopped for water at the entrance to Rhodes Mem drive. Then off we went into the pitch dark up the hill. In a way the dark was a blessing - if you can't see how bad the hill is ahead of you, it doesn't feel quite as bad. Mind over matter indeed!!

The boys immediately took the lead up the hill, but I was feeling strong and wanted to beat the hill that has beaten me so much in the past, so I gave Linelle my head-light and chased off after the boys. I caught them walking just past the corner (nearly past the worst of the climb) and the 3 of us ran together the last little bit to the parking area at Rhodes Mem. Linelle hot on or heels all the way!!!

Everyone survived the hill, and seemed to have actually enjoyed it! I know I did!! We showed that little hill who's boss!! Well done to all of you for a strong run!

From here it was literally all downhill. A few 'speed bumps' along the M3, but once we reached Protea Road it was flat all the way down Main Road back to Great Westerford. As is becoming habit, we sped up down the hill (but cautiously, no one wanted to trip and fall!). Hit the flats and the pace picked up nicely, with the 9th km really flying down the M3 at 5m34 pace. 5m39 for 10th km. And the last 900m along Main Road at an amazing 5m07 pace. Wow!!! Well done to everyone!!

We'll be doing this hill again sometime, but not in the next couple of weeks so don't worry!!

Don't get a fright now when you see the profile of this run!!!

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Stats: Thursday, 20 May 2010, 06:00

Thursday morning dawned clear and cool. We'd decided on an easy 8km route to ease us into the coming weekend, and to allow Errard to start his Comrades taper. Linelle and I were also doing a mini-taper for the coming weekend's Darling Half Marathon.

So off we headed up Dean at an easy pace. Picked up a little along the flatter Newlands Avenue. We somehow managed to keep a very even pace along and up Boshoff Avenue and all the way UP Kirstenbosch Drive to the water point.

Reached the top tired but in good spirits, and had a brief break to catch our breath and have some water before heading back. We flew down Riverside at a blistering pace, slowing to cross a very busy M3 highway, then continued along Alster Avenue at a very decent pace.

Hitting Mains Street brought about the now-usual burst of speed and our run turned into a race!! The last km was completed in a very admirable 5m18, with the last 50m at a flat-out sprint!!! Great fun and big smiles all round!!

Thanks guys for another memorable run!!!

Here are the stats:

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Stats: Tuesday, 18 May 2010, 06:00

A good turnout today, Josh, Rob, Errard, Linelle and me. 5 Hillbillies hit the road at 6:00, with me and Errard still feeling Saturday's Brackenfell Half Marathon in our legs, but everyone lookng forward to a good run this morning.

We set out at a leisurely pace up Dean Street and sped up just a little towards the M3. Boshoff Avenue saw Josh, Rob and I racing for the top, with Linelle and Errard hot on our heels!! This was to set a trend for the morning. Linelle, Josh and Rob quickly pulled ahead up Kirstenbosch Drive, where we regrouped at the water point.

Having decided earlier to do the Kirstenbosch route today, we headed up Glastonbury at a fast pace, but keeping just a little in reserve for the final pull up to Kirstenbosch. Once at the top of Glastonbury, we decided to take the 'scenic route' to Kirstenbosch - train strikes have been wreaking havoc in the traffic, and this morning was no exception. A small group of runners would be difficult to spot in the dark along the narrow road leading up to Kirstenbosch Top Gate. So we headed up Gloucester instead, and up along Klaasens Road to reach Top Gate from above. Quick water break and we made our way through Kirstenbosch Gardens, admiring the view and watching our footing - at 7:00 this morning it was still quite dark outside - Josh with his headlamp saved us from a stumbling along a couple of particularly dark stretches of road!!!

From Kirstenbosch we followed our usual route home, only today we added a hint of speedwork! The downhill pull along Kirstenbosch and then Riverside roads was bliss!! Flat towards the M3, Rob took the lead, and turned around to play sweeper after he reached the M3. From here we raced along Alster, blazed the short distance UP Lady Anne towards the alley. Rob and Josh were well ahead of the rest at this point and slowed down to wait for Linelle and Errard while I tried to keep my momentum and overtook them. They soon caught me though!

Down Mains Street it became an all-out race for the finish. I was feeling fantastic, Rob and Josh looking strong. They soon passed me again, and Linelle was hot on my heels the whole way. Errard did the wise thing and finished calmly, not wanting to jeapordise his upcoming Comrades experience.

We finished the run good and tired, but every one of us with a big smile. Our last 2 km's were the fastest of the morning, with the final km blasting by at around 4m40/km!!! Great fun!!!! Definitely to be repeated!!!

Here are the stats:

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Stats: Thursday, 13 May 2010, 06:00

The day dawned cool and dry, but with the promise of rain. 3 Hillbillies braved the morning: Linelle, Errard and myself. We decided to take a chance and run - after all, a little rain won't melt you!

So off we went along our usual route start - up Dean Street. We started at a leisurely pace, taking it easy for the first km. Half way along Newlands Avenue we noticed a light drizzle, which quickly turned into a brief downpour!! Brave or stubborn, we decided to brave the weather and continue along the planned route. As Linelle said: we're already out here, might as well finish our run! Around this time we did pick up the pace a little, though we didn't really notice at the time - we were too intent on reaching the M3 and turning out of the head-wind which was blowing rain directly into our eyes!

Reaching the M3, we had a short downhill section so the pace picked up a little more. Strangely our fastest split was along the flat section heading past Cavendish! By this time the rain had let up again, kind of a heavy drizzle/light rain. Quick water stop at the Engen on Main, and we decided to take a chance and complete our planned 8-9km route past Newlands Cricket Grounds.

So off we went again, keeping up a very steady pace all the way. Pretty damp by now but having a ball! Then suddenly, with not much more than a km to go, the heavens opened up and the sky fell down around our ears! The rain was coming down with a vengeance, and we were soon soaked! And loving it!! We dashed for the finish and shelter of our cars/office, calling out our good-byes and diving for shelter!!

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable (and very clean!) run!! Though I will admit that the hot shower afterwards was almost as good.

Next week promised to be mostly dry with a small chance of rain on Tuesday, but probably no more than a light drizzle. Perfect running conditions!!

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Stats: Tuesday, 11 May 2010, 06:00

It's good to be back with the Hillbillies after 2 weeks of leave. An exciting 2 weeks, but I missed the chatter and the familiar scenery of our regular routes.

Tuesday dawned cold and damp, but the weatherman must have been in a good mood becuase he kept the rain at bay for the duration or our run! Linelle, Errard and I set off up Dean Street in the pitch dark, thankful that Eskom hadn't chosen that moment to cut the lights! We had a lovely catch-up chat all the way up Dean Street, along Newlands Avenue, and up most of Boshoff. We were all running strong and gave Kirstenbosch Drive hill a good beating! We arrived at our water point at Stone Church a little out of breath but in good spirits! Debated turning around to get back in time for some early meetings, but decided that we had time for good ol' Glastonbury hill. So off we went up Winchester and up, up, up, up Glastonbury. Wow it feels good to tackle that hill on a strong day! Nearing the top Linelle suddenly put on a burst of speed, and I took up the challenge right away! We arrived at the top at the same time, out of breath but enjoying the endorphin rush of the hill-surge!!

A brief moment to catch our breath at the top of the hill, then we turned around and started a slow descent. I don't know if it was just me, but the second half of the run seemed like we were running faster and stronger! I guess the downhills helped, but running along the final flat of Mains Street back towards Great Westerford we put in some good effort and finished strong and feeling great!

Thanks guys for another fantastic run! Next one: Thursday, 6:00! Rain or shine, I'll be there, and I'd love some company. Thunderstorm cancels, but a bit of light rain never hurt anyone!

See you guys on Thursday!

And with that, here are the stats from Tuesday:

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Stats: Tuesday, 04 May 2010, 06:00

Today was my first official day back with the Hillbillies after a 6-week injury lay off. It was great meeting up with Linelle again... made me realize just how much I had missed the morning runs!

It was really cold but still dry as we set out, but glancing skywards, it was clear that the heavens were fixing to open up real good.

As we headed up Dean Street, Rob asked me out of what I thought was genuine concern, how my foot felt. I replied that it felt good, but they should go easy on me. At that point, he stated that they were about to give me a "second opinion" (Hillbilly-style). It soon became clear that they had a couple of vertical horrors in store!

After a water break, Rob decided we should do some speed-work... up Glastonbury! We carried on up Monterey and beyond - basically up every hill in the area. By the time we started our descent, the rain was coming down pretty hard.

We cruised back to through Riverside at a really good pace, finishing off with  good sprint to the finish. By the end of the run, we were so wet, we may as well have been swimming!

A truly lovely run, and yes, according to my "second opinion" the foot is holding out really well:)

Thanks again to Rob and Linelle for a fantastic run/swim:)

See y'all on Thursday for a shorter run.

Distance/ Speed:

My Ipod says 13.17 Km in 1:16:06, at a pace of 5'46/Km. Not too shabby!!!

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