running

As a prelude to the IAAF Gold Standard Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, the annual 22km and 12km Peace Trail events take place on the Saturday prior to the 42.2 extravaganza. Managed by Wildrunner, the Peace Trail is a celebration of the beautiful routes that lie in close proximity to Cape Town’s inner city, and the 2018 edition was a successful show down of grand proportions.

After a slight delay on the start line due to an unexpected change in health and safety requirements further along the route, the stellar 22km field of more than 400 runners took to the trails at impressive pace.

We’re not designed to quit, us trail runners. If you’ve trained for an ultra then you’ve faced some serious demons on your journey. Runs that begin in the dark, and end many hours later. You’ve sacrificed social engagements for early nights, and you’ve worked hard on the mental preparation. You know that your body will want to quit long before your heart is ready, and that your mind will carry you through dark patches. You’ve planned your gear, your nutrition, and your post-race celebration; you’re not starting this thing just to give up.

There has been a lot of chat about compulsory kit lately. In our quest as trail runners to be as light and fast as we can possibly be, it is always worth remembering that the mountains and unpredictable weather have the final say.

It’s here. Monday 27 August to Sunday 2 September 2018. One of the biggest weeks on the global trail running calendar. With solid South African representation and a gathering of some of the world greats, UTMB 2018 will be another unbelievable celebration of European-style mountain racing and a story that will distract you from a bit of work over the next few days! The event is made up of several races, and piecing it all together can be confusing. Here’s our guide on how to follow, who to follow, and when.

We’re no slouches when it comes to distance running in South Africa. The Comrades legacy is as deeply ingrained in our country’s tapestry as braaivleis. But it’s without a doubt that, both locally and globally, the rise of the ultra-marathon has changed the game. A marathon goal used to be a perfectly acceptable dinner party brag. Now we’re talking 100-milers like they’re a second helping of milktert. Have we lost our collective minds?

Are we too consumed by the numbers, and over analysis of each split and every bit of vert gained? In a running era where it didn’t happen if it’s not on Strava, what are the possible benefits of ditching the GPS watch, aka “running naked?” More and more coaches are encouraging runners to relearn how to run by feel or by intuitive pacing. This strategy accounts for a more natural adaptation to external factors such as heat, humidity, climbs and changing terrain. That is one side of the naked running scenario; the science driven by a desire to perform.

Part 2 of a 3 Part Series

The powerful historical relevance of this life-changing journey and, an elephant encounter. Entries for the 2019 edition will open just a few weeks from now.

Day 2 – 34km

The hardest part about running in winter is getting out the front door. Once you’ve conquered that hurdle, the rest is easy(ish). Here are our top 5 tips on how to turn the chilly months in to your favourite running months.

1.The Buddy System

Motivation is everything, as is accountability. Arrange to meet a group or a like-minded friend and you’ll be less likely to flick snooze and hide below the duvet. Tell yourself that you just need to be out there for 5 minutes, you can always turn back. Most times, we keep going.

Put simply, a whole food eating plan or lifestyle rejects processed food and encourages the consumption of foods that are as close to their natural form as possible.

Whole grains replace refined grains whenever possible, and fruits, vegetables and beans replace supplements when it comes to getting sufficient fibre and vitamins.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll feature families that get out on to the trails together. We’ve got stories on twins who tussle at the sharp end, father daughter combos, mothers who let their little ones run before they walked, and this wonderful father son trail team, Eugene and his father, Herman Van Der Merwe.