Two Oceans: Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008.

The hard work is done and we can look forward to a few days of resting the body and preparing mentally for the race. The build up and training for a big event such as Oceans is seldom perfect, and in the circumstances we give it our best shot. That reminds me of some sound advice Eric Bateman gave at the Two Oceans social last Tuesday, namely, to prepare and make one's excuses in advance…

I would like to wish everyone a successful and enjoyable Two Oceans.

Andrew Bell's formula for planning your race

Some years back Andrew Bell came up with a formula for planning how to run the race: it is based on the data of how most runners actually run Two Oceans. I'm including it here because several people commented last year that they found it very useful:

Decide on a realistic target finishing time, then divide the race into 4 x 14km sections, and plan to run the 14k splits as follows:

Up to 14k: 23.61% of target time;
From 14 to 28k: 23.70% of target time, cumulative (0 to 28k) 47.31%
From 28 to marathon mark: 26.30% of target time, cumulative (0 to 42k) 73.61%
From marathon mark to finish 26.39% of target time.

These percentages take into account both the terrain and some fatigue setting in.

The Comrades Road Show, Tuesday 18^th March

Tomorrow evening the Comrades Association are holding a road show at the VOB clubhouse starting at 7pm. Everyone attending will receive a free training programme for a 9, 11and 12 hour Comrades finish. There will also be a number of lucky draw prizes, courtesy of the Comrades Marathon sponsors. Entrance is free and the show is expected to last about 90 minutes.

The pasta evening on Thursday, the 20^th March

The Oceans pasta evening takes place at Karen and Graham Little's home on Thursday evening from 7pm onwards. If you intend coming, please contact Karen to let her know how many are in your party, and what food you are bringing. Her contact nos. are 083 261 8849 (mobile), 021 712 6981 (landline), or kglittle@mweb.co.za (e-mail).

Karen's address is:

50 Ladies Mile Rd, Bergvliet.

If you are coming from the M3, proceed along Ladies Mile towards the south-east (i.e. towards Main Rd), and after the circle (the intersection with Firgrove Ave) you will see a service road parallel to Ladies Mile Rd on the left. Karen and Graham's house is on that service road.

All the best,

Gerry