The build up to the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon is properly underway and my training is deep into the block. This time of year always has a special feel in Cape Town. The mornings are cooler, there are more runners out on the road and everywhere you go someone is talking about Oceans. It’s infectious!
This year the goal is simple. Sub 3:40 at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
Last year I ran 3:46 which I was really happy with, but finishing that close to the goal definitely leaves you thinking there might be a bit more there. Eventually that thought pulls you back into another training block and another crack at it. Its easy to say that I’m addicted to the feeling of chasing my dreams.
My training at the moment is sitting around 120 kilometers a week. Most weeks are a mix of speed sessions, easy runs, hill work and longer interval sets, with the big long runs on the weekend pushing beyond 40 kilometers. Those are actually two of my favourite sessions. The faster workouts keep things sharp and the long runs are where you start building confidence for race day.
With this kind of volume nutrition becomes just as important as the training itself. I try to stay consistent with getting enough carbohydrates to fuel the running and enough protein to help with recovery.
Of course all of this has to fit around normal life. My wife Kath and I have our son Oliver and with another baby on the way things are definitely busy. Getting the kilometers done usually means early mornings and a bit of planning around work and family time, but having that support makes it possible.
I’ve also been keeping a simple shoe rotation through the week. For easy runs I use the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 which is perfect for recovery days. For long runs and longer sessions I’ve been using the ASICS Megablast which feels great once the distance starts climbing. Then for harder intervals and race pace work I bring out the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, which will also be my race day shoe at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
Anyone who has run the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon will know how special the support on the route is. From Muizenberg through Kalk Bay the crowds bring incredible energy when you need it most.
The one part of the course I’m not looking forward to though is Constantia Nek. Every Oceans runner knows that climb. It’s long, it’s tough, and it arrives when the legs are already feeling the distance.
For now the focus is simple. Keep stacking the kilometers, stay consistent and trust the process as race day gets closer at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
David Fick
MARATHON RUNNER | RUNNING COACH | ASICS FRONTRUNNER TEAM CAPTAIN
