"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Monday 26 March 2012

No Pikes but lots of positive plans.

As you may or may not know, I did not get an entry into the Pikes Peak Marathon in the end. It was quite a sad story as I actually entered in time but then my payment from South Africa failed to process in time. Jill and Ewa got in and I am very happy for them. But we were all geared to meet and run together so yes, a huge bummer! :(


At first I was really sad and went through a downward slump for a day or two. Since then I have re-looked at my goals and with the help of my lovely wife Anette, re-worked and planned the year and even years ahead. I did not marry any ordinary girl for sure!

January 2012.

Anette made the suggestion that we should rather travel to the USA when she is ready to run a trail race there with me. Awesome! This means there are some serious planning going on.

Anette is no couch potato. This karate black belt has done some great sprint and other tri's as well as two 94.7km cycle races. Training hard to reach a goal is nothing new to this beautiful wife of mine.

2006 Nationals - Anette on the left.

As she was cycling next to me on my run last Saturday we discussed all of this and made some interesting plans. Anette came up with some challenges and goals of her own:

1. Run a marathon with me.
2. Complete the 94.7km cycle race in November this year in sub 5:30. (I am willing to do this with her if she goes for it)
3. Reach her dream weight of 60kg as she was while in top form for karate and also some photo shoots a few years back. Oh yes, I married a stunner!

2009 photo shoot.

The bummer of Pikes Peak has had a very positive spin-off for us. Anette has her sights set on a trail race in the USA with me and I might start some cycling with her. The bottom line: we both want to get back into top form.

We both finished our planning with a mention below the bottom line of doing an Iron Man together one year...maybe...oh yes...and there is also Badwater...

26 comments:

Ewa said...

I love it that you are making common plans and goals. Jill and I will miss you terribly at the race but I am sure we'll join the TWO of you when you are ready to run here.
I think you found an extraordinary lady and she is one lucky gal too. :)

Jerry Smallwood said...

Great plans Johann, I don't think I will ever get The Delightful Mrs S to do a sport with me.....but I can try ;-)

ajh said...

What a wonderful post and what great plans you and your wife have. How great to get so much positive out of something so negative.

misszippy said...

Way to turn lemons into lemonade! I'm bummed you didn't get into Pikes Peak, but you clearly are making the best of it. And Badwater! Wow.

You two are a lovely couple!

Mark said...

You really turned a bummer into something positive, and your wife was a big part of it. Disappointments can end up going two different ways, you picked the better trail.

A Prelude To... said...

I absolutely love you two together. Amazing!!!

Sorry about Pikes Peak :-(

Robin said...

Sounds like some great plans to me!

The Green Girl said...

I love this, Johann! You are both very lucky to have one another. ::hugs::

Karien P. said...

Exciting plans! So great that you're doing it together.

Mike said...

Too bad about Pikes Peak...Badwater is always on my list :) Your wife is a Black Belt..what style?

Black Knight said...

Sorry for the Pikes Peak but now you have great plans to share with your wife. It is wonderful to have common interests and common goals.

Karen said...

I hate that you missed out on Pikes Peak! So excited for you future race plans though!

Marlene said...

You both have big goals - fantastic! I love dreaming up wild plans with my husband. You are a great pair.

Sorry to hear that it didn't work out for Pikes, but it sounds like you have plenty to look forward to.

Jill said...

You married your wife for a reason - to share your life with her. I am so excited about the upcoming races you can do together, you are truly blessed! :)

Maybe we'll all hook up one day for an Ironman! :)

Alyssa said...

I love your optimism!

Mark said...

That is so cool Johann!

Char said...

I sense a lot of husbandly pride in his wife. That's just beautiful. And though it's a pity things didn't work out this time, I have the feeling that it'll be even better with the new plan.

Staci said...

Exciting plans! "One door closes and another one opens", and we never know the bigger plan. Well done to you for finding the good and wishing you both happy training.

Amy said...

I am so glad to hear that the Pikes Peak disappointment ended up having a silver lining! And you have some exctining plans to look forward to with Anette.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

That's so great! Brent and I have been racing together for a handful of years now, and while it took a little bit of work at the beginning, it adds a whole new level of fun to the experience!

chris mcpeake said...

Sucks about Pikes but the Mountain will still be there for years to come.

Running something with the spouse is always lots of fun.

HappyTrails said...

We will patiently await your next opportunity to visit. Very glad to see you making common plans with your new bride - that is way better than any race entry! Have a great week Johann!

Giorgio said...

Great to hear about your future race plans!
Beautiful photo of you both!

2 Slow 4 Boston said...

I share your pain to a lesser degree. I too tried to get into the Pikes Peak Marathon and failed, but it was my own fault for not registering until that night. I was looking forward to meeting you. If you choose PP again or another race in the midwest US, maybe we will meet after all so I can thank you, in person, for giving me a cool Comrades hat.

Unknown said...

Congrats, Johann! You both look so happy and I'm thrilled for you. On the other hand, I'm so sorry about Pike's Peak. I know Jill was so excited for you to visit! We were actually thinking about visiting as well and staying with a friend in CO. Maybe next year?
I'm excited for Anette and her new adventures with you. I'm sure we'll see you both running together very soon!

Lauren said...

I am sad about Pike's Peak too. But I am happy about the good news -- how wonderful that your lovely wife wants to run trails and also run a marathon with you. Very Exciting!!