Safari Half Marathon #4

I have run the Safari Half Marathon 3 times before. It was my first ever Half Marathon, which I ran the day after my 35th birthday in 2009, and it has now become a bit of a birthday tradition/ritual for me.

Each year the boys and I trek out to Wellington on my birthday and spend the night there and then I run the race the next day.

These are the accounts of my previous experiences there:

• I did it, I ran a half marathon!- 2009 -  1:56:30
• Safari Half Marathon Results- 2009 
• Safari Half Again- 2010 - 1:56:52
• Safari Race - 3rd time a charm- 2011 - 1:53:29

This year I have been particularly busy with work, travelling, and life in general, and so my planning (or rather lack of it) has been just-in-time for the most part. Sometimes not even in time at all... as was the case with this race. I actually entered the race in good time, but totally forgot to book our accommodation. Oops. We have stayed at the same place for the past 3 years and loved it. It was cheap, comfortable, cozy, convenient and just what we needed. This year by the time I got my ass in gear it was fully booked. OUR lovely little cottage room would not be ours. Noooo! I was quite bummed about that actually. :(

I looked high and low and tried every place I could find in Wellington and it was ALL booked out. The only places I found were either super expensive, or so far away it was not even worth staying there.

In the end a colleague told me the High School - where the race starts/ends - had accommodation available i their hostel. I was less than thrilled at the idea. Spending my birthday in a school hostel dormitory sounded pretty kak to be honest! Anyway it still sounded better than waking up at some ungodly hour to drive all the way through in the morning and so I booked us in. Having no clue what to expect.

I had a bunch of friends over for drinks and dinner on the Saturday for my birthday and had to work on Monday, which was my actual birthday, so it's not like it was a particularly special day anyway.

The weather on Monday was appalling. Squalls of wind and rain all over the Cape and the forecast for Wellington on Tuesday - Race Day - looked pretty grim. Great, 3 races in a row in the rain. 'We were not amused!'.

So it was with trepidation and a smidgen of reluctance that we packed up and headed off to Wellington on Monday evening. Driving slowly up the traffic laden and quite flooded N1. We finally arrived in the dark and with the rain coming down so hard we couldn't even get out of the car at first!

I finally dashed out of the car, found the hostel master who was really friendly. It had all sounded rather formal and serious when I made the booking. It was a case of fill in the form, pay and don't ask questions. So I was worried we'd get there and have to fight for a place, but we had already been allocated a room and it even had my name on the door. We were downstairs in the girls' hostel and had a 4-bed room to ourselves, with a little fridge. WHOOP!

We then went to the shops to find something for dinner, because it turned out we could use the dinning room and TV room etc. It was actually quite cosy and social. They also had a tea & coffee station set up for us.

We got back unpacked and got settled in. Camped in the dinning hall for a while enjoying our dinner and making small talk with the others staying there, and then headed down to bed for an early night.

I woke up at 6am on Tuesday checked the weather outside and it was not raining or wndy. Whoop whoop!! I had plenty of time to get up and ready and drink coffee etc... And because we were on the grounds of the race I could leave the boys to doze when I strolled off to the start of the race just before 7am. Walking around the block to stand at the front of the start. Whoop. After a mere 5 min wait it was time to go and off we went.

I set off at an easy pace and just ran steadily. I had decided it was warm enough for shorts, but was wearing my new VO2 waterproof running top birthday present from Tim. Which kept me warm in the cold air. Although I should probably have not worn it the whole race and it became a bit of a sauna in there and totally filled up and channeled fluid down my spine and onto my shorts. So despite appearances to the contrary I did not actually pee in my pants! LOL

I really enjoyed this run. I felt strong and able and even thoguh I didn't feel particularly fast, it felt good. I mostly ran a lone and didn't see many people I knew enroute at all. But I didn't mind I like running by myself and listening to music.

This was at 15km, going up the last hill, a bit tired but otherwise strong. I 'flashed' as I ran past so my number would be showing! :)

At 18km I finally took the jacket off, which was rather full and wet by then. EEEUW!

At the finish, last 100m.. and the clock said 1:51!!

I pushed as hard as I could here knowing I was getting a new Personal Best.

 

And finshed with a new PB of 1:53:30. YES!!!

 

The Safari Half is an awesome race. I really like it.

The boys found me a minute after the race ended. I strolled up to the school hostel showered and changed and then we strolled down again to enjoy the festivities at the end of the race, before heading off home again.

ME GRAINS

I have blogged before about the migraines I get. They are awful, but thankfully much less frequent than they used to be. I am down to about one a year now.

Migraines - are from hell!
Migraine Attack - save me!
A migrain is no normal headache!

I seem to get the most severe and scary form of migraines with symptoms similar to those of a stroke. There is nothing I can do but get myself home and safe. Take some headache tablets and try to relax as much as possible and then sleep it off.

My main symptoms are visual disturbances, nausea, numbness in hands, arms, face and lips, tingling and partial blindness, either in the centre of the eye or peripheral vision goes. Then, for me the most disturbing thing is slurring when I speak, as well as totally forgetting words. I will know I know a word, I'll be able to visualise the item and can even be TOLD the word but it won't seem at all familiar. It is weird and quite disconcerting.

I got a migraine while cycling 2 week-ends ago and luckily i was not far from home and managed to get myself fairly close to home and then phoned Quinn who came out to rescue me and walk me home. He took my bike and I held his shoulder and closed my eyes and walked home with him guiding me.

I had to SMS my SIL who was due to arrive for a visit that I was man-down, but that simple sms took me about 10 minutes to type. It was a huge challenge, I couldn't think or read or spell.

Migraines are terrible things. If you don;t get them consider yourself very lucky.

Here is more on the type of migraines I get (they run in my family)

Hemiplegic Migraine Headaches

Headaches are common. But hemiplegic migraine is a rare type of headache. It's also one of the most serious and potentially debilitating migraine headaches.

What Is a Hemiplegic Migraine Headache?

There are several types of migraine. One major group is called migraine with aura. Hemiplegic migraine is a severe subtype of this group.

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder. It generally includes headaches, but not always. Before the actual headache pain of a migraine, you can have a host of other symptoms that serve as warning signs that a migraine is coming. These early symptoms, called auras, include temporary disturbances in one or more functions:

    Vision
    Muscle control and body sensations
    Speech and language
    Hearing

For most migraine sufferers who have aura, the visual disturbances are the most common symptom. But for people with hemiplegic migraine, muscle weakness and paralysis can be so pronounced and extreme that it causes a temporary, stroke-like paralysis on one side of the body. This paralysis on one side of the body is called hemiplegia.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemiplegic Migraine Headaches?

Hemiplegic migraine symptoms often start in childhood. Then for some people, they disappear in adulthood. While the stroke-like symptoms can range from worrisome to debilitating, the good news is that no permanent nerve damage occurs from this type of migraine.

Migraines are unpredictable and unique to each person. You may have a hemiplegic migraine headache with extreme pain and minor paralysis one month. Then the next attack might bring extreme paralysis without much headache pain at all.

Symptoms of hemiplegic migraine include:

    Severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of your head
    A pins-and-needles feeling, often moving from your hand up your arm
    Numbness on one side of your body, which can include your arm, leg, and/or one side of your face
    Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
    Loss of balance and coordination
    Visual aura, such as seeing zigzag lines, double vision, or blind spots
    Language difficulties, such as mixing words or trouble remembering a word
    Slurred speech    Dizziness or vertigo
    Nausea and vomiting
    Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
    Confusion
    Decreased consciousness or coma

With hemiplegic migraine, the aura can be more severe and last longer than with other types of migraine with aura. Symptoms usually last from five to 60 minutes. It's rare, but some people gradually develop long-lasting difficulty with movement and coordination.

What Causes Hemiplegic Migraine Headaches?

Researchers have now identified three genes linked with hemiplegic migraine.

Defects, or mutations, in any of these three genes lead to a breakdown in the body's ability to make a certain protein. That protein is needed for clear communication among nerve cells. Without that protein, nerve cells can't release or take up neurotransmitters -- the chemical messengers between nerve cells. The three genes linked with hemiplegic migraine are the CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A genes.

Most people with hemiplegic migraine have inherited the gene mutation from one parent who also had the condition.

My maiden OMTOM

Right so this is almost a month late, but I have been far too busy recently and so blogging took a major back seat. Do you also find that somehow going on holiday always makes life that much more hectic as you juggle to schedule responsibilities a few weeks before and after...? It's like getting that well deserved break comes at quite a heavy cost! Anyway - totally worth it!! But I digress...

I have always been scared of the Two Oceans. Even though I had done around 6 Half Marathons already the fact the the OMTOM (Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon) is on the Easter week-end, starts at 6am, and is a pretty tough course just added up to both intimidate me and put me off. So I never considered actually doing it. But there are several running folks at work, Tim had planned to do the Ultra (in prep for Comrades!), and I have run most of the route and cycled it extensively in the past year or so. Suddenly it didn't seem that bad any more, and with having already entered the Argus, when people started entering the OMTOM I thought 'Heck why not!?'. It's always felt like one of those bucket-list must-do things and so I entered. I was chuffed that I had even managed to get seeded, which helps hugely in races. I hate starting at the back and fighting through throngs of walkers and slow joggers. Sorry, but I do! The thing is I like to compete (against myself) and achieve MY personal best, so I want to be able to run as fast as I can from the start to the finish. Anyway, so I was thrilled that I was seeded 'C' which seemed pretty good.

About a dozen people from work (yes I work in the OM Building) had entered including the CEO of OM, and then our CIO entered and decided to run, and do it in support of my colleague's charity. He pledged money to her NGO  ROCKSTARZ (which is an amazing cause helping several under-privileged children to get educated, check it out and support it if you can!). Then after a while we got an email at work saying the focus of this year's race was on 'Run For More Than Yourself' and that for anyone else in our division running the race they'd donate a further R500 to Rockstarz. Of course I was all over it and signed my name up immediately...

But then as as it happened our super-duper fabulous holiday very nearly clashed with the race, but not quite in the end. So here's how it worked. We did no, and I mean NO exercise besides walking for 2.5 weeks while we were away. We ate like pigs kings, drank, relaxed and generally made merry all over South East Asia. Then we packed up at 13:00 on the Thursday when we left Cambodia. Travelled for 3 international flights over 30-hours and across a 6-hour time difference. To arrive back in Cape Town at 13:00 on Good Friday after almost no sleep and with a very dodgy stomach (I had spent nearly the whole lay-over in Dubai airport on the loo). I then proceeded to collect my car at home and went directly to the OMTOM Expo to register - which took several hours as there was a huge queue. I then had to shop, make dinner for the boys and unpack. I passed out, totally buggered by 21:30. By which time it was cold, raining and windy. Much rain was forecast for the next day too. Oh joy! Seriously, I would have thrown in the towel then already had I not committed to run for Rockstarz.

I then proceeded to wake up at 04:00 - yes 4AM!!!!! To get up, dressed and drive myself to the start in the pitch dark. I parked a good kilometer away, on my side of the railway line, and ran up the the start. Figuring I wouldn't be able to get closer in the traffic, and although I was a good 5k from the end point I was sure I could arrange a lift back later...

Thanks to jet-lag I actually felt reasonably chirpy even though it was 04:30am!

So never before has anyone ever been more unprepared. (Ok, I m sure people have, but I am never that unprepared ok!?). Anyway the atmosphere at the start was pretty exciting and huddling in our starting pens in the dark was quite an experience. I was just glad it was not raining and wasn't too windy either. Before long 6am arrived and off we went! I was well seeded and managed to set off quite quickly and got into a rhythm quite easily. So far so good. There were loads of people around (16000 ran the Half Marathon!) but we were all moving steadily, so it was great. It was very dark though so I concentrated and was very careful not to trip or slip. Soon the feared Edinburgh Drive arrived and although it was tough it really wasn't that bad. The descent down the M3 towards Constantia on the other side was great. I loved that part. I felt like I was doing really well. I was chuffed. Then the road leveled and we took the Ladies Mile off ramp. At about 8km I started feeling a tad tired. By 10km I really was tired. My buddy Rob passed me and I waved him onwards, knowing I couldn't speed up to stay with him.

The dreaded Southern Cross Drive was a beast but I persevered. However by then it was raining and getting cold and my legs were starting to feel stiff. As beautiful as Rhodes Avenue is, I can't say I was enjoying running at that point. It started raining HARD and I was cold, sore and tired. I was wondering what the hell I was thinking, and that I would never do that again (run under those circumstances, tired, untrained, and and and). I just kept repeating in my head 'Run for more than yourself!'. I also loved the posters en route, especially the one saying 'It's a hill - get over it!'. So on I plodded just wishing for the end to come quickly.

Finally, I rounded the bend at Kirstenbosch top gate. I love cycling down there and usually get up to 50-60km down there and past the main gate. It is exhilarating! So I took off the proverbial brakes and just went for it down there. Barreling down as fast as my legs could carry me, kicking up sprays of water, puffing and panting, and passing loads of people - who I am sure thought I was demented! LOL

I knew there was a last long slog to go, and much as I wanted to stop and cry (or die, frankly), I pushed on. Newlands Avenue quite simply SUCKED. It was freezing cold, super-steep, raining torrents of cats and dogs, and blowing a gailing head-wind. Gee thanks! But I was determined to finish that damned race! The sub-2 hour pace-setter 'bus' had passed me by then, and I had given up hope of being able to catch up with them, but I really didn't want to be too far behind. So I pressed on, knowing I had to just get it over with. I took the off-ramp and rounded the corner up into UCT, ran around the field, and somehow managed to finish in under 2 hours after all. I was thrilled that I'd finished in 1:58:29! Really not bad, all things considered!

Can you see how relieved/buggered/tired/finished I was!?

I was so tired and cold and stiff that I didn't really know what to do with myself. Little did I know we had a corporate hospitality tent at our disposal. With warm showers, blanks, hot chocolate and food. D'OH! Super bad planning on my part!

There was no shelter and I had no money, phone, jacket or anything with me. So I ended up walking hobbling all the way back to my car by which time I was so cold my hands no longer worked and I couldn't get my car key off my waist band! Seriously. But the time I managed to get myself home I looked such a sight that when Quinn threw the back door open to say 'Hi Mom how was...' he took one look at me and said, 'I'll go run a bath!' and Griffin went to make tea.

I spent the rest of the day in bed and my legs were stiff and sore for 10 days afterwards!

But even though that was a major example of how NOT to do it, I am pretty sure I'll be back next year!

Spar Women's Challenge - The Good, Bad & Ugly

The Spar Ladies Race - or Spar Woman's Challenge as it is now known - is a regular on my running calendar. This year was my 7th time running it. Wow, have I been running for that long now?!

At last year's Spar Ladies Race I managed my personal best time over 10kms. So I was quite looking forward to it. The boys also competed for the first time last year, and have carried on entering and enjoying races since, so they took part again this year.

Sadly this year the race was really not that well organised. Actually that is a major understatement, it was actually pretty badly organised! They changed venue, and didn't seem to publicise it much at all. I just happned to find out the day before that it had moved. I wonder just how many people drove off to the old venue to either register or worse on the actual day!? Then the logistics of the new venue just did not work at all. Which was further escalated and compounded by rain on the day, too many people and then marshals who totally lost control, of the crowds and then themselves too. It turned out to be pretty horrid in the end unfortunately.

My dear school and running friend Lindy died tragically a week before, and I was running this race in memory of her, so it was also pretty emotional. So when acompletely over-wrought marshal yelled at me persistently and got quite aggro when I was looking for the boys in the mob and mayhem at the finish, I ended up breaking down in tears and sobbing my heart out.

Also, I was still stiff and sore - a full week later - for the Two Oceans Half (still need to blog about that too!), so I didn't really enjoy the actual running either.

Hopefully they will have learned some lessons, because despite the rain there was some serious bad planning, like a severe bottle neck at the start - 2 turns within the first 100m!? WHY!!?? So it was impossible to get going or pass anyone I wasted literally miuntes just trying to get going in the begining. There were also marshal along the route insisting on herding people into narrow sections. I eventually got the hell-in and just ran around them. Then there was a bottle neck at end too, so people had to queue for ages to pass the finish line. And probably the STUPIDEST thing... anyone wanting to leave at the end had to cut across where the runners were coming in, and this was a bottle-neck too. Adding the rain and cold to all of that and it was literally mayhem. People were cursing and shoving adn it was just not a nice fun or pleasant vibe at all.

So the boys and I got the hell out of there as soon as we could and had a nice breakfast elsewhere.

Usually we'd stay on and have a really enjoyable morning at the race enjoying the festivities.

 

Anyway, I'm sure we'll be back again next year...

My results over the 7 years I have run this race are as follows:

Spar Ladies Race 2006:Total number of 10km finishers = 4351
- Me - #469 = 00:58:12 - so I just missed the top 10%.


Spar Ladies Race 2007:
Total number of 10km finishers = 3957 
- Me - #204 = 00:54:16 - so I shaved nearly 4 minutes off my time, even though the course was tougher. I finished in the top 5.5% :)


Spar Ladies Race 2008:
Total number of 10km finishers = 4847
- Me - # 177 = 00:52:26 - top 3.65%

Spar Ladies Race 2009:

Total number of 10km finishers = 4667

- Me - # 148 = 00:51:35 - top 3.17%  

Spar Ladies Race 2010:

Total number of 10km finishers = 6509

- Me - # 212 = 00:53:02 - top 3.25%

Spar Ladies Race 2011:

Total number of 10km finishers = 9093

- Me - # 158 = 00:50:45 (officially listed as 51:01) - top 1.75%  << still my Personal BEST :)

-------

Spar Ladies Race 2012:

Total number of 10km finishers = 9497

- Me - # 206 = 00:53:08 - top 2.19% (But I could have done better!!!)

Let’s set the world on fire

It may not be a very nice theme (albeit it topical - ito fire, not the scars and drinking), but I am loving this song at the moment, it is really catchy, and I find myself singing along everytime I hear it.

Toniiiiiiiiight, we are young!

So here is today's SOTD...

FUN. - "We Are Young"

(feat. Janelle Monáe)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv6dMFF_yts 

Give me a second I,

I need to get my story straight

My friends are in the bathroom getting higher than the Empire State

My lover she's waiting for me just across the bar

My seat's been taken by some sunglasses asking bout a scar, and

I know I gave it to you months ago

I know you're trying to forget

But between the drinks and subtle things

The holes in my apologies, you know

I'm trying hard to take it back

So if by the time the bar closes

And you feel like falling down

I'll carry you home

Tonight

We are young

So let's set the world on fire

We can burn brighter than the sun

Now I know that I'm not

All that you got

I guess that I, I just thought

Maybe we could find new ways to fall apart

But our friends are back

So let's raise a toast

'Cause I found someone to carry me home

Tonight

We are young

So let's set the world on fire

We can burn brighter than the sun

Carry me home tonight (Nananananana)

Just carry me home tonight (Nananananana)

Carry me home tonight (Nananananana)

Just carry me home tonight (Nananananana)

The world is on my side

I have no reason to run

So will someone come and carry me home tonight

The angels never arrived

But I can hear the choir

So will someone come and carry me home

Tonight

We are young

So let's set the world on fire

We can burn brighter than the sun

So if by the time the bar closes

And you feel like falling down

I'll carry you home tonight

Parenting... not for the feint hearted!

After yoga last Thursday night I had about 8 missed calls from home and several SMS alerts from ADT. Zen-state immediately erased! Just like that! OMG WTF was going on!?

I phoned immediately to get Quinn sounding very shaken AND stirred. I thought maybe there'd been a break-in or something. I asked what was wrong and he said softly, ' There's been an accident in the garage...' and started crying. My mind went off imagining the worst scenarios  - as one does. I asked if he was ok and he said yes. I got him to stop and calm down. He confirmed that everyone was alive and well, and safe and that the house was still standing. Right, so not THAT bad. Whew. I decided anything else could and would be dealt with. I told him to calm down and wait for me and I got home as fast as I could (passing an horrific accident en route), while being careful myself!

I think it was good that I had been at yoga and had been in the zen-state... because it allowed me to stay calm and actively decide to deal with whatever had happened without freaking out and over-reacting emotionally.

When I got home I was firm, but kind and concerned, and got Quinn in front of me, and told him to tell me, 100% honestly WHAT HAD HAPPENED!? I explained that I could only deal with it and try to fix it if I knew what had happened. No bullshit. He didn't even try to make up a  story...

Let's just say there was a situation at my house involving 3 tweeny boys, lighters, petrol, wind, too much imagination, adventure-lust and bad judgement. And not enough common-sense or fore-thought! You know where this is going right!??

The result was an out-of-control petrol fire in my garage further fuelled by an exploding lighter - because a regular petrol fire is not exciting enough right, so throwing a lighter into it would be MUCH more fun right!?? This of course splattered burning lighter fluid all over the place, which caused the fire to spread up the wall. They realised things might be getting out of control, so they decided to douse it with a bucket of water. Instead of putting the fire out though, this just spread it further, with burning petrol now floating off all over the garage and up the wall, towards the electrical socket. They got a huge fright so grabbed the hose and hosed it off. This of course implicated the electrical outlet and garage door motor too and caused sparks to fly. The entire house's power went down and seemed the garage door motor circuit had blown. OI VEY!

Thankfully, they did manage to get the fire out. No no one was injured and my house survived, but the boys fully expected to be murdered and were terrified. They had cleaned everything up by the time I got home. Afterwards we found a packed bag and sleeping bag by the front door. Quinn was so scared he was considering running away! Poor kid. He said he was going to go stay in the park.

Turns out they were minding their own business at home when the neighbour's son T came over with the petrol and the bright idea to play with it. My 2 should know better!!! Hopefully now they really do!? I told Quinn that while I wanted to be angry with T, I am not, I am angry with him. HE should have said no! This is a big learning experience and hopefully something that has taught him a lot.

I took Quinn over to go talk to T and his parents as soon as I'd debriefed Quinn. I was a bit worried about how it could turn out. But it was handled very well by all. Everyone was civil and cooperative. Despite me marching into their house and saying to T, 'What the hell were you thinking..?!'.

I must say I was actually was pretty proud of them, and me, in how it was handled. I stayed calm. The kids were 100% honest and disclosed EXACTLY what had happened. The adults chatted calmly and non-threateningly without diminishing the seriousness of the situation, or just how badly wrong things might have gone.

The neighbours conveniently had an electrical engineer friend there as it happened so he came right over and checked everything and got it all working safely again, and there was actually no damage at all.

Quinn apologised profusely and we had a long chat afterwards about how he was lucky it did not go a LOT worse and hopeful he learnt something from that. Seems he has. He also understood that I had to go over to T's house and get his parents involved too, so was not upset about that. I really think he got a HUGE fright which shook him badly and showed him that he could get out of his depth if he is not careful. I had a long talk with him about him having to make judgement calls and being able to SAY NO, when an idea seems stupid! And how some things are acceptable risk and other really are not, and how to tell the difference.

Griffin also ponied up and came to me and said if Quinn or T were getting punished he should be included because he was there too. I asked Quinn if Griffin WAS involved and he said no. Griffin insisted that because he stood by and watch, and didn't say no (more so thought it was cool at the time) so he was involved by implication. I was impressed with this attitude too.

So the end result was everything was handled calmly and cooperatively, everyone has learnt lessons and is happy nothing went badly wrong. Amnesty was granted for upfront full disclosure, honestly, taking responsibility and stepping up to accept consequences. All in all a good outcome I think.

This parenting thing is not easy!!! But at least we are all stil alive and we have a home. For now!!! :)

I got lucky!

The fabulous, and just simply divine, Sally-Jane who is the one and only PINK HAIR GIRL had a give-away competition on her blog  recently. And the prize was some fantasic skincare products by esse!

Now I know the esse range, because in one of my EXTREMELY RARE facials (I am not kidding when I say I have had maybe 5 in my whole life), the last one in fact, esse products were used and I loved them. They smell and feel great on your skin. They seem light, fresh, rich and well, real to me.

I am not really into expensive, 'clinically formulated', latest and greatest fad cosmetics, but somehow these feel genuine, honest and nutritious.* I really love them, and I am not just saying that.

So when I got the news that I was the winner I was quite simply thrilled!! Especially since it has become evident of late that I really need do to pay more attention to my skin now...

The hamper arrived while we were away on holiday (I must blog about that. We had an amazing holiday!),so it was a wonderful surprise to come home to.

I have been using the products for about a week now and I love them!

The Gel Clenser is fresh and cleans well. I struggle to not use good ole soap if I don't have a cleanser that feels like it is actually washing, and this one does. It is a nice foaming gel. Does the job and my face is not dry and tight afterwards. Perfect.

Toner..? Ok, so I seriously need to learn what this is about and for. It doesn't really make sense to me, but I am trying to be dilligent and actually use it, and we'll see how it goes. It is nice and refreshing though so I'd use it as a face spritz in summer! (See I am useless/clueess with this stuff!?).

The Cocoa Exfoliator.. ? Wow, I LOVE IT! Yum! It smells delicious! Exfoliates just enough, so it is really gentle but gives you a nice scrub. As someone who runs and cycles and gets very sweat and salty this is great! And the smell?? Simply amazing! I actually want to eat it. It is so luxuriously decadently yummy. Just like Belgian chocolate. It leaves you face feeling sparkly clean but soft and moisturised too. Have I said how much I love this!? I. LOVE. IT!!

The moisturisier is nicely rich and creamy, but not at all oily. It manages to be noutishing but still very light and it absorbs well. Perfect for me. I could possibly use a richer night cream too, but for day time this one is really great.

THANK-YOU esse and Sally-Jane!

Here is the more official info on the products (get them you won't be disappointed, especially the Cocoa Exfoliator!):

Esse Organic Skincare offers a range of organic products produced by a company that is 100% ethical in all its dealings. They are certified organic by Ecocert France, and also support PhytoTrade and the Fair Trade movement which ensures that the ingredients and raw materials used are sourced and purchased from local co-operatives to uplift and empower rural communities. Please see more of all the Esse organic skincare products at www.esse.co.za.

Esse hamper
Containing: Gel cleanser, Toner, Cocoa exfoliator and Deep moisturiser. Valued at R740!

Gel Cleanser
A foaming, tingling wash that deep cleanses without drying.

Peppermint and Spearmint oils refresh and improve micro-circulation to aid in the elimination of toxins. pH balanced at 4.5 and uses mild biodegradable surfactants made from coconut oil and glucose. Additional Uses:

Can be used as a body wash
Same to use on acne affected skins
Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to ECOCERT Standard available at http://cosmetics.ecocert.com

100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin
66.3% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming

Toner
Esse Toner completes the cleansing process with actives to revitalize, protect and improve skin texture.

Rooibos Extract provides potent antioxidant activity. Olive leave extract combats the negative effects of pollution and reduces sun damage. Additional Uses: Can be sprayed over make- up to freshen and re-hydrate throughout the day.

Natural and Organic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to ECOCERT Standard available at http://cosmetics.ecocert.com

100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin.
82.8% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming

Cocoa Exfoliator
A delectable exfoliation experience for all skin types.

Fine Cocoa particles polish and refine the skin’s surface and flavanoids help protect against future sun damage. Wild sourced African oils provide slip and nourishment.

Additonal Information: Treat hands and feet to a gentle exfoliation.

100% of the total ingredients are from Natural Origin
56.5% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming

Deep Moisurizer

Esse Deep Moisturiser will moisturise and maintain balance without leaving greasy residues or dry areas.

Ylang Ylang’s balancing effect stabilises both oily and dry skin patches creating an even skin state. Honeybush is included for its anti-aging, anti-oxidant and healing properties.

Natural and Organic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to ECOCERT Standard available at http://cosmetics.ecocert.com

100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin.
82.1% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming

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* All my very own unsolicited opinion this. I was not asked to do this post or say anything about the products at all.

Spar Ladies Race 5km - Quinn & Griffin

Quinn ran the Spar Ladies Race 5km even last week-end and really applied himself. He focused and really went for it...

He ran the 5km in 30 mins!!! That's pretty fast.


This is the same child who took about 70 mins to do the same distance last year because he was fooling around so much, jumping on water sachets, irritating his brother, spraying water at people, loitering and drinking 4 cups of coke at the water point. So generally to distracted and discombobulated to even TRY.

I am so proud of him! And I think he really enjoys it.

I am doing the Safari Half in Wellington on 1 May and he wants me to enter him into the Fun Run there too. He is almost at the point of wanting to join me on a run around the Rondebosch Common too.

Griff still takes part willingly when ever possible. He does it quite seriously and with commitment, but he is a definate walker. He was enjoying it more than it look like... he is just very earnest! ;)