Monday, October 27, 2008

An awesome race


I did the Rola Motors 10km race here in Somerset West on Saturday morning and what an awesome experience. Most of the run took place on the Vergelegen Wine Estate and the views were absolutely incredible. Although these are some cool photos, thank you Mr WorldWideWeb, they cannot really encapsulate the beauty of the Cape Winelands.
Check out the Camphor trees in this photo, they are believed to be 300 years old.




Vergelegen literally translates to "situated far away".

Vergelegen Wine Estate is thought to have originated in 1685 when the High Commissioner of the Dutch East India Company instructed Commander Simon van der Stel to relocate the company's outpost in the Hottentots Holland. The company had bought the grounds in 1672 from the chiefs of the tribe that owned it.

This is the view from the highest point of the race. It was a tough climb up to here but the rest of the race was mostly downhill and pretty cool. I found myself just staring at the gorgeous views a few times and had to concentrate on actually racing.


For the record, I finished in 58:35 and was very happy with the time. After the last half marathon in which I did some serious damage to my knees, I had been taking it easy with regards the running and have done 3 or 4 runs a week on average. It seems to have worked cos I had no problems with my knees on Saturday and I`m very thankful for that.

This was by far the most beautiful race I have done so far and like I always say, God took His time when He created the Cape.

10 comments:

Heather Nicole said...

Wow, that really is beautiful. Great job on the race!

The Running Golfer said...

Thanks Heather! It is so gorgeous there, a true South African gem.

Darryl said...

Congratulations! In such a beautiful setting, perhaps even I could start running again . . .

The Running Golfer said...

Thanks Darryl! I must say, it certainly helps when you can run in such beauty! Not so sure I`m gonna be as enthusiastic when we move back to johannesburg.

Kevin said...

That is beautiful man - congrats on the run.

The Running Golfer said...

Kev, thanks brother

Freddae' said...

Are those photos for real? Oh my goodness that's beautiful. I hate running but I would run to see that. BEA-utiful!!!! Good job on the run. I've always admired those who enjoyed running. I don't think its the running so much that I dislike as it is the sweating. But anyway, great job!!!

The Running Golfer said...

Hey Tiffany! Yip, those photos are for real, although I cannot take credit for them. The Cape Winelands are absolutely stunning and I must say running with that all around you makes it a bit more bearable.

If it makes you feel any better, most of the time I don`t enjoy the running, it`s bloody hard work! I need to keep in shape though, so I take the medicine and sweat, sweat, sweat!

Ps. After a run, I have to take a shower before Hayley comes close to me, apparently she doesn`t enjoy the sweating either, even if I`m the one doing it :)

jenn said...

Beautiful pics. I would love to try running, but I don't have the time with a little one in the house. I think I would enjoy it if I could get started. Good job on the race.

The Running Golfer said...

Hey Jenn, I know it must be tough but who knows, maybe in the near future you`ll be tearing up the track!