Meyerdal’s Wandisile shares his experience of the AfricanX Trailrun 3-Day stage race

The Houw Hoek Hotel hosted the start and finish of stage three of the Pickle Juice AfricanX Trailrun 3-Day stage race on March 19.

Pairs of runners had to finish an 18km route that included challenging trails through fynbos, riverside pathways, and a historic climb about halfway through.

Meyersdal’s Wandisile Nongodlwana joined the event and took sixth place with his partner, Nicholas Rupanga.
Wandisile shared his experience through a Q&A session.

Here is what Wandisile had to say:

Q: What was your experience like at the AfricanX Trailrun?

A: AfricanX has become an annual event because of the organisation, from race pack collection, warm showers, already-laid-out tents, and the food at the water stations and the race village.

Q: What did you enjoy the most?

A: The incredible, amazing people who are always here. It’s always great to meet new and familiar faces. I always ensure I connect with one or two people I have never met before. I enjoyed the vibe, the entertainment, and the commentary.

It feels good when your name is called as you cross the finish line. Of course, I had a great run with my running partner, Nicholas Rupanga. We always maximise each other’s strengths and complement each other well. We have run five AfricanXs together now. We won four out of five in the veteran category and came in the top 10 in all the events.

Q: What was the most challenging part?

A: Days two and three. Day two was the longest. It was longer than the 32km we had in mind by 2km. We had no choice but to suck it up and remember this year’s tagline, ‘it’s a party on foot’. Not that there was much of a party on the route except at the finish (well, for the elites racing, anyway). Day three was the shortest and yet a never-ending technical climb and descent. It was a proper trail. The paths were overgrown so much that my legs had thorn scratches.

Q: What was the vibe like?

A: AfricanX doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a great vibe. There’s a word I hear: ‘gees’. It’s got that thing. On the third day, it mostly rained while running, but the supporters at all the water points were on such a high. Of course, the runners, one would swear we are here for fun, okay, maybe we are. Most important, it’s the connection for me. It was great.

Q: How do you prepare for an event like this?

A: One should be able to run on tired legs. Day one is fast because everyone is fresh. The rest of the days are determined by who recovers quickest. The third day is a numbers game based on the time difference between the leading teams. Also, one should try to train on Jeep tracks and technical routes. Learn the technique to climb, like walking with hands on knees, still going up fast, quickly descending, and being agile for switchbacks.

Q: How does trail running differ from road running?

A: Trails require more strength than roads. It is, however, easy on the legs because it’s not like pounding on a tarmac. To run a trail, train on a trail. Get used to carrying food and water in hydration packs. I have found that running on a trail makes me stronger for the road. I might not be as fast.

Q: Do you recommend cross-training (road and trail)? If yes, why?

A: Oh yes, I recommend it 100%. The ankles, glutes, quads, and hamstrings get much more workout on trails than on the road. For those focusing on the road, I recommend running the trails on easy days or building phases toward a target marathon.

I thank God for the ability to run in an incredible and beautiful part of our country. After what the world has and is still going through, it’s His grace that I can be part of this. With so much focus on mental wellness, a weekend at AfricanX is a great environment to recharge. Thank you.