Pause

Birthdays are a useful reflection point. 

The first half of 2023 definitely had its share of adventures. 

The “do something for the first time” bit of the year so far, is open water swimming, in the ocean. A few sessions of training at Clifton culminated in swimming from Robben Island to Blouberg. Roughly 8km of icy ocean perseverance, inspired by a colleague. Not something I ever through would be possilbe. Not sure how to top that. Feels like its the year’s goal done.

But it never is, is it? 

The year has also naturally had its hiking highlights. Bobbejaansrivier, Jonkershoek, Table Mountain, Boesmanskloof, Groot Winterhoek (another first: wild camping and hammock sleeping), Hermanus, Cederberg, Banhoek. 

Slight glitch in the game at the moment, is an ITB knee. The last 4km of the Knysna half-marathon was painful enough to make me wonder if pushing too hard is worth it. 

Even though I’m frustrated by what seems to be a silly, yet debilitating niggle, I do realise that its probably a mid-year opportunity to slow down. 

I’m not really good at the slowing down bits. But taking your foot off the pedal when the wheels start coming off, is the only way to avoid a crash. 

Slowing down is not easy for me. But it does seem neccesary. No one else will set your boundaries for you.

I’ve had a lovely birthday week, with family and sister-time. It came at the exact right time, just as my wheels felt like they were coming off a bit. 

Time to re-align, reconsider.

Spring is coming.