A TRAIL run is defined as a sport which consists of running and hiking over trails, but it is so much more than that.
It is an amazing opportunity to be at one with our stunning surroundings. It is all about the journey and not the destination.
You chose your venue, from farms to game reserves, and what is even more of an attraction is that the races are generally limited to no more than a couple of hundred runners.
If I have your attention the next question you may ask is ‘how do I begin?’ If you are already a seasoned runner, it involves mostly the same principles – speed work, core training and weekend long runs to build fitness and stamina.
Hill training is a must to prepare you for the challenging terrain. If you are new to running, fear not. Start with a small trail run to get a feeling for its technical demands and expect your ankles to be sore. It’s not called ‘the wild’ for nothing.
Put your shoes on and find a trail. Watch out for slippery roots and rocks. Scan the ground five to 10 feet in front of you as you run.
Aim for 75 percent of your normal pace. Don’t be afraid to walk the hills. Slow down and take short, quick strides.
Keep a distance of 10 feet from other runners. Be safe and have fun.
This week’s top tip: Strengthen those ankles by improving balance. Buy a wobble board and stand for 20 seconds on one foot building up to one to two minutes per foot.
In regular South Coast Striders’ news, Andrew Spence has once again succeeded in becoming the KZN cross-country champion in his age group.
Also, congratulations to Jimmy Parsons, Eddie Ramaloo and Morgan Moodley for completing the gruelling Washie 100 Miler last month.
Thank you to Isak Ludick for taking up the challenge of becoming the club’s new running captain. Members are confident he will do an excellent job.
Regular 4km/8km time trials take place in Lilliecrona Avenue at the fishing pier in Uvongo every Wednesday at 5.30pm.
For any running queries contact Debbie at 082 4415370.
All new and slower walkers are welcome to join the Wednesday afternoon walks, starting from the clubhouse in Uvongo’s Edward Avenue at 5.15pm.
Walkers will be doing 10km from Southbroom beach on Sunday, August 25 at 6am.
For further information contact Shelagh at 083 6746180 or Ronel at 082 3318996.
Time trial results
August 7:
4km walkers – Ian Millar 27:33; Pat Millar 28:590; Stephanie Markram 30:18; Shelagh Schwegman 30:42; Gerda Morkel 31:35; Joanie Swanepoel 31:41; Tanzi Nutt 38:00; Tanya Wichmann 38:00.
4km runners – Fred Goodhead 17:13; Brett Robertson 18:34; Paul Schlebusch 19:05; Makhosi Mhlope 20:18; Nonhlanhla Mqadi 24:09; Kerry Farren 26:33; Hayley Nicholson 26:43; Nozuko Kuzwayo 27:34.
August 14:
4km runners – Albert Nyembezi 14:25; Johnson Zakhele 15:22; Fred Goodhead 16:31; Makhosi Mhlope 18:45; Anton Rossouw 18:51; Neville Storbeck 20:24.
8km runners – Isak Ludick 36:39; Malcolm Whitehead 49:54.
