The Bainskloof half and ultra marathons are held in the area surrounding the historic Bainskloof Pass which links Wellington to Wolseley, Ceres and Worcester, which is also a national heritage site...

When I awoke to run the half marathon, encouraged by Rob, as usual I had no idea what I was getting myself into — especially since I have not run more than seven kilometres in about two months... yes even I have been somewhat lazy in this winter weather...

The marathon has not been going for very long - and the ultra is meant to be spectacular - but we thought we would leave that for next year...

Marketed as "In the heart of the Boland — in the heart of winter, for athletes with a big heart", the race has already captured the imagination of athletes from far and wide.

And no wonder as the area is spectaclar... but we won't give it all away.

It was a freezing cold morning — but the race only started at 8am which made it bearable. Before I knew it we were off and headed up one massive hill which when estimated now was about 7km long — not something you want to do when you legs haven't been on the road for a while.

I was lucky though as, as soon as I started I was 'abducted' by a gentleman who insisted that we would run together... His pace was pretty good and being from Paarl he rattled on about the simple things in life, and I relaxed into the run...

Earlier I had been telling Rob that I found road run really unsociable — once again I was put in my place as another Paarl club runner joined us as we chatted, you know, about the usual stuff — and I think my Afrikaans even came out.

By the time I got to the top of the hill and the turnaround point the sun was breaking through the trees — that bright winter sunshine — a welcome presence.

Now it was downhill all the way and it was remarkably satisfying to see all the runners going uphill when you're on your way down...

I finished not exhausted by knowing I would be stiff for the next week, had a coke and headed to Fairview for breakfast... could life get any worse...