Comrades 2019

1owrez · January 2019

Midnight Oil panic over; they are Mrs lowrez's favourite and I would have given them priority but she has declined the opportunity - in other news some incredible "restricted view" extra tickets for The Eagles at the Echo Arena Liverpool have just been released so I have snapped up a couple - "restricted" in the form of being completely edge on to the stage but within spitting distance of it, so you wouldn't get much of a view of the big screen behind them, but you do have a clear view of what is happening on stage - I did this for Guns n Roses a few years back and it was awesome

Slow Duck · January 2019

Max - Wow! A great read.

Max Mladenovic 2 · January 2019

Glad you enjoyed it Terry & Slow Duck. Perhaps we should form a sub-group Terry, just for Comrades with dodgy tickers. I see from Strava you're 'ticking over' and still getting the runs in. Hopefully you'll have more Comrades to come once your issues are sorted. Lowrez, sounds like you've clutched victory from the jaws of defeat with the Eagles tickets. Saw a live version of Hotel California on YouTube the other day, it was incredible. Don't spit on the band tho' it's not the Sex Pistols!

Max Mladenovic 2 · January 2019

Thanks Dannirr. Your race in the Alps looks like an amazing challenge, but will be so rewarding and the views should be out of this world.

1owrez · January 2019

Comrades 2019 Qualification
27Aug Qualification Starts
16Sep Goodwood (M) justanothrrnr-Q3:54-PenD
16Sep Berlin (M) Running Rodent-Q4:44-PenH
24Sep Emilia-Romagna, Italy (IM) Peter R-Q3:48-PenB-Going-for-Green
07Oct Chester (M) seren nos-Q4:28-PenG, marty74-Q3:25-PenC
07Oct Bremen (M) Becca7-Q4:28-PenG
07Oct Chicago (M) Mc Hilly-Q4:40-PenH, Slow Duck-Q3:57-PenD(or E)-Going-for-Double-Yellow
14Oct Leicester (M) Max Mladenovic 2-Q3:35-PenC
21Oct Amsterdam (M) mordo-Q4:39-PenH, Mac3-Q3:20-PenC seagypsy-Q4:20-PenG
27Oct Beachy Head (M) Debra Bourne-Q4:48PenH
28Oct Marine Corps (M) jkissane-Q3:21-PenC
04Nov Soweto Marathon (M) Bike It-Q4:46-PenH
04Nov New York (M) Matt..-Q3:59-PenD
18Nov Mega Challenge (M) TCP-Q4:44-PenH
02Dec California International Marathon (M) Dannirr-Q4:36-PenH
06Jan Xiamen (M) 1owrez-Q4:48-PenCC
13Jan Hobart (M) marty74
02Feb Pilgrim Challenge (U) mordo
17Feb Seville (M) Mac3
17Feb St Valentine's (30k) Becca7
25Feb 100 Marathon Club AGM (M) TCP
02Mar Book Day Challenge (M) TCP
03Mar Tokyo (M) Becca7
17Mar Utrecht (M) Mac3
24Mar Canalathon (75k) mordo
07Apr Manchester (M) seagypsy
13Apr TinT Fortitude (M) TCP
14Apr Boston UK (M) Terry48, Debra Bourne, 1owrez, Dannirr
14Apr TinT Gauntlet (M) TCP
15Apr Boston USA (M)
15Apr TinT Dauntless (M) TCP
16Apr TinT Resolute (M) TCP
17Apr TinT Perseverance (M) TCP
18Apr TinT Adversity (M) TCP
19Apr TinT Intrepid (M) TCP
20Apr TinT Indomitable (M) TCP
21Apr TinT Unbreakable (M) TCP
22Apr TinT Invincible (M) TCP
28Apr London (M) Becca7, 1owrez, thomasclowes, Dannirr
02May Qualification and Race4Charity (PenCC) Closes
09Jun Comrades

Accommodation
Belaire Terry48, Becca7, Mc Hilly, Max Mladenovic 2, Mac3, justanothrrnr
Hilton 1owrez, Dannirr, Running Rodent, Peter R
Blue Waters jkissane
ONOMO TCP, marty74, Slow Duck

Flights
Terry48 AF LHR-CDG ArrJNB26th 09:55 Ret12th
Max Mladenovic 2 KLM/AF BHX-AMS ArrJNB4th Ret15th
TCP BA LHR-JNB-DUR ArrJNB6th09:15Dep15:40ArrDUR16:45 Ret?
Peter R BA ArrDUR6th Ret11th
thomasclowes, serenos BA LHR ArrDUR7th05:35 Ret18th
1owrez BA/VA MAN-LHR ArrJNB7th06:30Dep08:55ArrDUR10:00 Ret10th
Mc Hilly VA/BA ArrDUR7th Ret10th

1owrez · January 2019

I am sure I must have made some typos/omissions/mistakes in the above, just let me know if any updates are required

Max Mladenovic 2 · January 2019

Great work as usual with the qualifying list lowrez. Can you put me down for: Silkin Way Ultra (50K) on 30th March & the Stratford-upon-Avon marathon on 28th April. I probably won't improve my qualifying time, but it makes me look a little less lazy compared to all those races everyone is doing! Thanks.

1owrez · January 2019

Comrades 2019 Qualification
27Aug Qualification Starts
16Sep Goodwood (M) justanothrrnr-Q3:54-PenD
16Sep Berlin (M) Running Rodent-Q4:44-PenH
24Sep Emilia-Romagna, Italy (IM) Peter R-Q3:48-PenB-Going-for-Green
07Oct Chester (M) seren nos-Q4:28-PenG, marty74-Q3:25-PenC
07Oct Bremen (M) Becca7-Q4:28-PenG
07Oct Chicago (M) Mc Hilly-Q4:40-PenH, Slow Duck-Q3:57-PenD(or E)-Going-for-Double-Yellow
14Oct Leicester (M) Max Mladenovic 2-Q3:35-PenC Going for Back to Back
21Oct Amsterdam (M) mordo-Q4:39-PenH, Mac3-Q3:20-PenC seagypsy-Q4:20-PenG
27Oct Beachy Head (M) Debra Bourne-Q4:48PenH
28Oct Marine Corps (M) jkissane-Q3:21-PenC
04Nov Soweto Marathon (M) Bike It-Q4:46-PenH
04Nov New York (M) Matt..-Q3:59-PenD
18Nov Mega Challenge (M) TCP-Q4:44-PenH
02Dec California International Marathon (M) Dannirr-Q4:36-PenH
06Jan Xiamen (M) 1owrez-Q4:48-PenCC
13Jan Hobart (M) marty74
02Feb Pilgrim Challenge (U) mordo
17Feb Seville (M) Mac3
17Feb St Valentine's (30k) Becca7
25Feb 100 Marathon Club AGM (M) TCP
02Mar Book Day Challenge (M) TCP
03Mar Tokyo (M) Becca7
17Mar Utrecht (M) Mac3
24Mar Canalathon (75k) mordo
30Mar Silkin Way (U) Max Mladenovic 2
07Apr Manchester (M) seagypsy
13Apr TinT Fortitude (M) TCP
14Apr Boston UK (M) Terry48, Debra Bourne, 1owrez, Dannirr
14Apr TinT Gauntlet (M) TCP
15Apr Boston USA (M)
15Apr TinT Dauntless (M) TCP
16Apr TinT Resolute (M) TCP
17Apr TinT Perseverance (M) TCP
18Apr TinT Adversity (M) TCP
19Apr TinT Intrepid (M) TCP
20Apr TinT Indomitable (M) TCP
21Apr TinT Unbreakable (M) TCP
22Apr TinT Invincible (M) TCP
28Apr Shakespeare (M) Max Mladenovic 2
28Apr London (M) Becca7, 1owrez, thomasclowes, Dannirr
02May Qualification and Race4Charity (PenCC) Closes
09Jun Comrades

Accommodation
Belaire Terry48, Becca7, Mc Hilly, Max Mladenovic 2, Mac3, justanothrrnr
Hilton 1owrez, Dannirr, Running Rodent, Peter R
Blue Waters jkissane
ONOMO TCP, marty74, Slow Duck

Flights
Terry48 AF LHR-CDG ArrJNB26th 09:55 Ret12th
Max Mladenovic 2 KLM/AF BHX-AMS ArrJNB4th Ret15th
TCP BA LHR-JNB-DUR ArrJNB6th09:15Dep15:40ArrDUR16:45 Ret?
Peter R BA ArrDUR6th Ret11th
thomasclowes, serenos BA LHR ArrDUR7th05:35 Ret18th
1owrez BA/VA MAN-LHR ArrJNB7th06:30Dep08:55ArrDUR10:00 Ret10th
Mc Hilly VA/BA ArrDUR7th Ret10th

1owrez · January 2019

I bet you will have time to punt down to London for a beer with us on 28th April Max?

It was theoretically Roger Water's reaction (spitting) at a fan, out of their pretty mind and paying no attention to the music, at a Floyd gig in Canada that was the defining moment in him creating the spark that later became The Wall. Wish I had gone to one of the original London gigs; expected that to tour for some time but the band were already crashing apart by then I suspect; but I made up for it when the Berlin Wall fell! I loved punk but kinda kept away from the scary and destructive live performances.

McHilly, are we flying together? I am coming down to LHR from Manchester on Thu 6th to catch VS461 at 6:30pm to JNB? And then going back I'm on VS450 out of JNB at 20:20 on 10th (with other DUR connections I haven't listed).

1owrez · January 2019

Good luck Marty, if you have acclimatised to the time zone and the weather is cool its potentially a very nice jog

I bet with your pace you could be in contention for a chocolate hamper!

Mc Hilly · January 2019

I haven’t checked in for a little while, so great to catch up on everyone’s recent news. Dannir, the OCC sounds awesome I expect the scenery will be spectacular. Debra, does the parkrun band not work as and ICE band? MM2 great article and an amazing recovery, I’m also planning to to the Silkin way ultra an a long training run, so may bump into you there. I didn’t manage to get a place on this year’s London Marathon so am looking forward to to being there as a spectator!

Mc Hilly · January 2019

Hi Lowrez, re flights, I’ve not got my details to hand, but have a feeling I’m on a later departure time going out, but probably on the same return flight

Debra Bourne · January 2019

McHilly: yes, the parkrun band does work as an ICE band, and that's one of the options I'm considering (I don't have one at present). On the plus side: parkrun ID, and the adjustable one comes in green. On the minus side: it has the Vitality logo on it now, and limited space for info. I might get one of those now plus order the Comrades one if I can confirm someone for it to be posted to...

marty74 · January 2019

Thanks lowrez. No jetlag since been here before Christmas!!! The cadbury marathon certainly is fun with some wonderful views of mount wellington throughout. No chance of chocolate hamper, far too slow for that but happy with a controlled 3.39. Some nice slopes and that last hill to the finish hurts!!!! Think the temperature for the last hour or so for my run got up to mid twenties, all good prep!!!!

1owrez · January 2019

Nice one Marty! I still feel that final hill nabbed my early qualifier, although I should have been more spritely earlier on to fend that off! Give my regards to Freddo and Caramelo Koala

Southern Snail · January 2019

Marty - congratulations on that. A long way to go for a marathon. Hope theres a bit of a holiday thrown in too

Southern Snail · January 2019

Hello TCT - You seem to be doing the 10 in 10 marathons that I'm doing in April. See you there

marty74 · January 2019

Definitely holiday as well, however unfortunately it ends this week.....

Fido2Dogs · January 2019

I'm doing the hm option at Stratford on the 28th Max - say hi if you spot ... Or lap! ...me - I'll have a vest with a Comrades badge or 2 on the back . Very pretty race .

1owrez · January 2019

Comrades 2019 Qualification
27Aug Qualification Starts
16Sep Goodwood (M) justanothrrnr-Q3:54-PenD
16Sep Berlin (M) Running Rodent-Q4:44-PenH
24Sep Emilia-Romagna, Italy (IM) Peter R-Q3:48-PenB-Going-for-Green
07Oct Chester (M) seren nos-Q4:28-PenG, marty74-Q3:25-PenC
07Oct Bremen (M) Becca7-Q4:28-PenG
07Oct Chicago (M) Mc Hilly-Q4:40-PenH, Slow Duck-Q3:57-PenD(or E)-Going-for-Double-Yellow
14Oct Leicester (M) Max Mladenovic 2-Q3:35-PenC Going for Back to Back
21Oct Amsterdam (M) mordo-Q4:39-PenH, Mac3-Q3:20-PenC seagypsy-Q4:20-PenG
27Oct Beachy Head (M) Debra Bourne-Q4:48PenH
28Oct Marine Corps (M) jkissane-Q3:21-PenC
04Nov Soweto Marathon (M) Bike It-Q4:46-PenH
04Nov New York (M) Matt..-Q3:59-PenD
18Nov Mega Challenge (M) TCP-Q4:44-PenH
02Dec California International Marathon (M) Dannirr-Q4:36-PenH
06Jan Xiamen (M) 1owrez-Q4:48-PenCC
02Feb Pilgrim Challenge (U) mordo
17Feb Seville (M) Mac3
17Feb St Valentine's (30k) Becca7
25Feb 100 Marathon Club AGM (M) TCP
02Mar Book Day Challenge (M) TCP
03Mar Tokyo (M) Becca7
09 Mar Sasmphire 100 (U) Debra Bourne
17Mar Utrecht (M) Mac3
24Mar Canalathon (75k) mordo
30Mar Silkin Way (U) Max Mladenovic 2, Mc Hilly
06Apr South Downs Way 50 (U) Debra Bourne
07Apr Rotterdam (M) mordo
07Apr Manchester (M) seagypsy
13Apr TinT Fortitude (M) TCP, Southern Snail
14Apr Boston UK (M) Terry48, Debra Bourne, 1owrez, Dannirr
14Apr TinT Gauntlet (M) TCP, Southern Snail
15Apr Boston USA (M)
15Apr TinT Dauntless (M) TCP, Southern Snail
16Apr TinT Resolute (M) TCP, Southern Snail
17Apr TinT Perseverance (M) TCP, Southern Snail
18Apr TinT Adversity (M) TCP, Southern Snail
19Apr TinT Intrepid (M) TCP, Southern Snail
20Apr TinT Indomitable (M) TCP, Southern Snail, marty74
21Apr TinT Unbreakable (M) TCP, Southern Snail
22Apr TinT Invincible (M) TCP, Southern Snail
28Apr Shakespeare (M) Max Mladenovic 2, Fido2Dogs(½)
28Apr London (M) Becca7, 1owrez, thomasclowes, Dannirr
02May Qualification and Race4Charity (PenCC) Closes
09Jun Comrades

Accommodation
Belaire Terry48, Becca7, Mc Hilly, Max Mladenovic 2, Mac3, justanothrrnr
Hilton 1owrez, Dannirr, Running Rodent, Peter R
Blue Waters jkissane
ONOMO TCP, marty74, Slow Duck

Flights
Terry48 AF LHR-CDG ArrJNB26th 09:55 Ret12th
Max Mladenovic 2 KLM/AF BHX-AMS ArrJNB4th Ret15th
TCP BA LHR-JNB-DUR ArrJNB6th09:15Dep15:40ArrDUR16:45 Ret?
Peter R BA ArrDUR6th Ret11th
thomasclowes, serenos BA LHR ArrDUR7th05:35 Ret18th
1owrez BA/VA MAN-LHR ArrJNB7th06:30Dep08:55ArrDUR10:00 Ret10th
Mc Hilly VA/BA ArrDUR7th Ret10th

1owrez · January 2019

Ooo - SS - "The Substitution Process will open on 1 March and close on 15 April 2019"

1owrez · January 2019

Bike It, you would have been proud of me; I even got a plate out of the cupboard to prepare my tea, but the outside called me and I put it away and went for a 5 miler instead! I think I am turning into a runner - was certain I was taking the weekend off?

1owrez · January 2019

Just a final personal reflection on visa applications - the more detail you provide, the more uncertainty you are introducing into the outcome. Opinion from my Chinese friends is that if I had simply and only said "holiday" as the visit purpose initially it would probably have been granted on first request. That was one drama I wish I had not generated

Mc Hilly · January 2019

Re Visas, what fun did you have getting your Chinese visa Lowrez, I remember a while ago you alluding to something, but deciding not to say until after the trip! last year when entering SA as normal at passport control I got asked “reason for visit?” I said “Comrades”I was only later I looked at the stamp in my passport, and there is a section that says “conditions” in previous years they have always written “V” or “Visit” in there, last year they wrote “marathon” :-) makes it sound as if I’m a proper athlete :-)

1owrez · January 2019

McH on the first application I wanted to make sure I would be allowed to run so I declared my intention to do that - bad idea! It seems to be that anything extra you offer will generate consideration and therefore a reaction - bear in mind that the marathon organising committee put up a website inviting overseas applicants, and, for those, acceptance is automatic, so that should be good enough to let you in to run. In China this is a massively prestigious event, it has gold IAAF status, so they run a lottery for the locals. So us internationals are being treated like royalty being let in. But, your visa official, with perfect hindsight, is oblivious to that. The reaction I got, all very nice and amicable, was a question back to me? "You can run a marathon on a tourist visa"? Of course I answered yes to that. But I was already on the slippery slope; after conferring with two other people - I read into that, the particular official was unsure what to do - I was advised I would need a business visa and to get that I would need a letter of invitation from the marathon organising committee.

I still don't want to go into any great detail beyond this; everything is above board of course; as described above Xiamen want overseas candidates to come in and run, that is a perfectly allowable thing to do. I just fell fowl of some bureaucracy. My specific solution resulted in provision of a business visa valid for 2 years for multiple trips of up to 30 days. Quite a sledgehammer compared to the 4 day tourist visit I originally requested. I am fortunate in having connections that allowed that, again, perfectly above board, application to be made and granted

I am certain though that if I had simply said "holiday" and nothing else on my original application - and then if asked further about what I was going to do; said; visit the island of Gulangyu (it is incredibly picturesque and cars are banned) to take tea, and also see the Hulishan Cannon Fort and the Nanputuo Temple, etc, a 4 day tourist visa would have been granted without question...

The fortunate result of me stumbling about in this space is I now have the option to go back on other trips however, someone less fortunate than I could well have had to cancel the trip. Hence my tale of caution.

Southern Snail · January 2019

1owrez said:

Ooo - SS - "The Substitution Process will open on 1 March and close on 15 April 2019"

I cancelled my booking at Belaire Suites just last week!!!

Mac3 · January 2019

Enjoyed the story Max, quite a journey you've had and you got the Bill Rowan in some style which was impressive. You are now famous!

1owrez · January 2019

Southern Snail said:

I cancelled my booking at Belaire Suites just last week!!!

If you have one of those Roy Scheider on the beach moments SS and suddenly realise, which I am sure you will, that you really do need to run Comrades this year, I will transfer my Hilton booking to you, and I am sure Marty would pace you to an Indomitable sub 4:50, but I am sure you will clock one earlier in your TinT anyway

Debra Bourne · January 2019

Snail: fortunately, I've not cancelled mine yet and I'm sure we could get it transferred if you wanted it...

1owrez · January 2019

But won't you need it Debra - you are already qualified

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