ABSA Cape Epic 2015

3 Months has passed since Absa Cape Epic 2015!! I still can’t believe we did it…and finished it! It feels like it was just a dream.

I am not going to bore you with a report of each stage/day. Each day was basically the same…Hard (I mean like really HARD), Rocky, Rutted, Rocky, Sandy, Truck Loads of climbing and did I mention Hard!!

I was afraid of riding my bike for 8 days, but riding your bike for 8 days ain't that bad…Riding your bike for 8 days on EPIC terrain is what makes the Cape Epic EPIC!!

When big strong men burst out in tears at the end of a long day on the bike, you know it’s tough.

Here are a few things I have learned/gained during our Absa Cape Epic journey:

Stay humble. The world/nature is much bigger and stronger than us. It will break even the strongest.  

Respect your body! The thing that amazed me the most was what our bodies and minds are capable of doing.  You get to a point where you 100% believe that you can’t go one pedal stroke further, but if you want it bad enough, your mind and body will take you places…amazing places.

Respect your bike! 

You hurt so much but your hurt is nothing when you see people walking with broken collarbones, people being taken off course due to dehydration/illness and people walking with broken bikes.  You count your blessings, you hope and pray that you make it to the finish. 

It’s ok to sometimes get off your bike and push! Sometimes you don't have a choice. 

You meet people that completed 2, 3, 5 even 10 Epics and you wonder how the hell do you come back to complete another 1. But once you cross that finish line you know how/why. It's the craziest, stupidest thing you will ever do but it leaves you wanting more. 

Your partner is the most important thing/asset/equipment (whatever you want to call it) you will need at the Epic. You can't finish the Epic without your partner. I couldn't have asked for a better partner at the ABSA Cape Epic. 

The Epic breaks you down in every possible way but when you cross that finish line they put you back together and shoot you to the stars and THAT is what the ABSA Cape Epic is all about.

The week after the Epic is the worst. You feel empty, they leave you begging for more, but you feel complete. It’s hard to explain the feeling. It's an experience that will never leave you. 

Will I do it again....

                               ....I will line up at the start line tomorrow.

       

First Ascent Elite Pro Bib Shorts Review - Absa Cape Epic

First Ascent sponsored us with kit for the ABSA Cape Epic, a true test for any kit. They provided us with the Electro Jerseys and the Elite Pro bib shorts.

My partner and I were very skeptical to ride for 8 days with their shorts.

We tested the kit the week before the Epic. We did a 60km ride and were quite surprised. But we still wondered how the kit would handle 8days of 100+km per day.

So after 8 days of gruelling terrain, I am 100% convinced that the First Ascent Elite Pro bib shorts are truly the best shorts on the market at the moment.

We had no chaffing, no saddle sores and no visits to the bum clinic.

Here is some information regarding the kit.

Electro Jersey:

Effective temperature control is imperative when taking on those muscle burning climbs. Core venting allows air circulation to effectively control overheating.

Features:

·       Quik-Wic moisture management fabric aggressively moves moisture off the skin

·       Laser cut and welded ventilation panels where you need it most

·       Reflective prints allow all round visibility no matter what the angle

·       Full zip front for maximum temperature control

·       Raised neckline for additional sun protection

·       Gripper elastic hem prevents garment from riding up

Elite Pro Bib Shorts:

Why compromise and go for second best when you can have state of the art technology and performance all in one package.

Features:

·       Premium quality elastane for comfort and longevity

·       Additional contoured paneling for improved fit

·       Imported pre-molded gel padding for ultimate comfort

·       Wide mesh shoulder straps to maintain positioning

·       Flatlock seams for chafe free ride

·       Gripper print to secure legs and prevent ‘riding’

For more information on First Ascent, please visit http://www.firstascent.co.za/

World Triatlon Series (WTS) Cape Town

World Triathlon Series (WTS) coming to Cape Town was huge and super exciting.  Once entries opened, I entered immediately with the plan to train hard and have a good race to end the season.  Well, life doesn’t always go according to plan, I fell sick 2 weeks before SA Tri Champs so SA’s was a no go. I just didn’t get better until a week before WTS-Cape Town. I wasn’t going to miss this one as well, so the plan changed. No plan to race, just have fun.

The swim route was in the harbour, the water was a chilly 12degrees so they shortened the swim to 750m. I can’t remember much about the swim it was so cold.

The bike was 4x10km loops along Sea Point. I felt good on the bike but not as strong as what should be. 

The run was the discipline that I was the most worried about. Out of T2 you run uphill out of the waterfront towards sea point. My legs felt surprising well but I waited for that heaviness to hit them hard. After lap1 still feeling good, lap2 heading towards the finish line and the legs still felt good, I couldn’t believe it. Maybe all the rest was good J

I managed a 2^nd place in my age group and a 9^th place overall.

Race season is over, winter is here and it’s time to put in some hard yards.

Thanks to Virgin Active, GU, Linebreak, Xterra Wetsuits for the support. 

My Ironman70.3 Journey!!

The only negative of the 11 hours drive from East London to Cape Town is that you have too much time thinking about the ‘if only’s’.

If only …

If only…

If only… It’s done, race day is over and you can’t change anything about it so stop pondering over the if only’s.

Every race is a learning curve and I gained so much out of this experience.

Yes If only I felt better on the bike, my day would have been perfect, but racing is part of life and life isn't always perfect….so deal with it and get over it. How fun would racing be anyway if every race was perfect!

Starting in the Elite Age Group category was stressful. Add a few (the biggest start group) 25 – 29 year old testosterone driven men = nerve-wrecking. So how do you calm your nerves? Imagine them naked – Shame - just kidding. J

After a few punches we spread out quickly. I felt good and had a pretty decent swim. I was in 12^th (in age cat) position out of the water which is pretty good for me.

I don’t have a lot to say about the 90 km bike except that it wasn't my day for a good bike leg. But even though I had a shitty bike leg I managed to gain a few position and came off the bike in 7^th (in age cat) position.

I felt like my race was over and the first 2k’s on the run was really hard; I just wanted to pull out of the race. After a few harsh words to myself I managed to pull myself back, gained another 2 positions and finished feeling strong.

Quitters never win and winners never quit. 

My Goals:                                                            My Results:

Top 5 in age category                                          5^th in age category

Sub 5:30                                                             5:33 – happy with that.

Improve on previous results                                 Sure did.

To have a perfect day                                         Was pretty damn close.

To have fun                                                        Mission accomplished.

Huge Thanks to Linebreak, GU, Virgin Active and Xterra Wetsuits. 

Also, Neil from Dinamic Coaching, it wasn't possible without you. 

New Event: Xtri Off Road Triathlon

Birthday Parties, Baby showers, Year End Functions...it seems like this is the order of every weekend. It's been a long year and you need time to relax......you need a weekend away! 

Get the kids, family member and friends together, pack your camping gear and come to Robertson on the 16^th and 17^th of November for a great weekend of fun and games!

Come check out the new event in Robertson: http://xtri.co.za/

Herewith the details of the event:

Where: Langeberg Region - Robertson

When: Sat 16 – Sun 17 November

DIFFERENT OPTIONS DURING THE EVENT:

SATURDAY:

XTriLite: (Half Distances) 800m swim, 15km MTB cycle, 6km trail run.

Swimming: 200m | 800m | 1.5km | 3km | 5km

MTB: 27km | 15km

Trail Run: 12km | 6km

Various family relays. Swim across the river and back, cycle 3km, and then a 1km run.

SUNDAY:

XTriUltra: 1.5km swim, 27km MTB cycle, 12km trail run.

• This event can only be done on an individual basis.
  

START TIMES

Friday 15.11.2013

ERPP (Excelsior Registration Pasta Party) 17:30-21:30. Registration and Goody bag collection. R39,-

Saturday 16.11.2013.

09:00 Xtri-Lite. Individual R425,-

09:00 Xtri-Lite Corporate relay R985,-(Fundraiser)

10:45 12km Trail Run R145,-

10:55 6km Trail Run R95,-

11:3 27km MTB R185,-

11:40 15km MTB R125,-

14:00 200 meter swim R20,-

14:20 800 meter swim R50,-

15:00 1.5/3.0/5.0km swims R145,-/R195,-/R245,-

16:30 Prize giving and lucky draws for the day’s events.

15:15 Family fun relay. Swim across the river and back, cycle 3km and 1km run R125,- (Three participants-any ages)

17:30-20:30ERPP again. Registration option for Sunday Xtri-Ultra. Anyone can join. R39,- plate of pasta and bottle of Excelsior wine (R45,-value just for the wine)

Sunday 17.11.2013

09:00 Xtri-Ultra R590,-

Slanghoek Triathon

Early Sunday morning we hit the road to Slanghoek, just outside Worcester. It was a perfect hot morning and I knew it was going to be a hot day.

I went with no expectation. Yes you always hope to do well but I had no idea how this one was going to play out. Since I'm back from London and France, I was struggling to get going again and my motivation was a bit on the low side.

My plan was to go out, give it my all and whatever happens, happens. If I do well, it will give me the motivation I am looking for. If it goes pear shape, hopefully it will give the motivation I need to get my ass going again. So all I wanted from this race was to get my motivation back.

The swim (1300m) was a 2 lap course. GO HARD was the only words I had in my head. I entered T1 in 7^th position. The bike course was a out-and-back 42km loop with a few rolling hills. I passed 3 girls in the first 2km and I knew I was in 4^th position. I was not sure how far ahead 3^rd was so I kept pushing the pace. At the turn around point 3^rd place wasn't too far ahead and I caught her on the way back. “Right, in 3^rd place...let’s keep it this way!”

Thanks Chris Hitchcock for the photo!

The sun was brutal by now. The run course was 10km of off road running with no shade. I knew this was where I had to concentrate and not lose focus. Every time my body wants to slow down, I push harder. Onto the dam wall and I had only 1km to go, I can hear the finish line, I can see the finish line and I give it a last push...

3^rd over the line, a result I never expected for this race, I was SUPER happy!

I achieved what I wanted...a good race, but most importantly my motivation is restored!!

Thanks to everyone for all the support!

Thanks to GU, Virgin Active, Linebreak Compression and Xterra Wetsuits. 

Thanks Riaan for your all your support...

Thanks Neil! “I am a Muppet...” 

Virgin Active Ambassador

After a great year with a great company such as Virgin Active, I am very proud and happy to be part of the group for another year as my Official Health and Wellness Partner.

Thank you for your Support during the year. Looking forward to another great
Happily Ever Active year.
 

http://www.virginactive.co.za/