Runner's High

It is a Friday evening. The wind is howling as I set off on my run. I have been looking forward to this three-quarters-of-an-hour block of exercise the whole day. In fact, my end of the week evening run is one of the true highlights of the week. A Friday evening always feels different than any other. It always seems quieter out. A different energy. This being Cape Town or 'Slaapstad' as it is affectionately known to the rest of SA, business seems to grind to halt from 2pm every Friday.



I normally run the same loop every Friday, which is roughly 45 – 50 minutes, depending on how I feel. Over Firgrove bridge, through Soetvlei into Tokai forest, across the picnic sites into the 'enchanted' rain forest, past the Porter School and returning through Constantia Hills. There is a curve ball however. The 'fynbos Nazis' have started erecting a boundary fence bisecting the picnic sites and my 'secret' path. I decide to run the route in reverse in case the fence is complete so as to cut down on my planned detour.

As I reach The Range, my pace as increased without even trying. Each step is feeling lighter. Passing a father cycling with his two young kids, I am reminded of how lucky we are to live where we do. I float down into the 'enchanted' forest and across the stream. Not a soul about.

The fence is still incomplete! I am spared another week as I cruise through the picnic sites to the Orpen Rd crossing. On to the soft horse trail and I hear a hooting car. It is my friend Kevin who shouts 'Go JB!'

The pace has increased again as I weave through the pines, reminding of my matric year when I used  fly through this stretch in pursuit of peak triathlon fitness. The reeds are now in sight. I fly through the sandy riverbed and turn left on to the tar cycle path joining the suburbs of Soetvlei and Tokai.

The wind is now at my back. The pace has increased once more as I pass the painted '3' kilometre mark of the previous Wednesday's 10km night race. Up and over Firgrove bridge, there are only a few minutes to go now.

As I finish the run next to the distinctive manhole, I feel totally exhilarated from this unplanned acceleration run. Approximately forty-five minutes of running is over as I walk home through the leafy streets.

Approximately forty-five minutes?

Well, I did not wear a watch (see previous post).

Runner's high indeed.