My First X-Trail Race



My First X-TRAIL Race

Ok, so after training for 3 months on the treadmill in the gym, I

have found a liking to running.

I would like to call myself a Runner: I buy Runners Magazines, wear Running Clothes, I run approx 25km per week (on the treadmills - its Winter here and just too cold and windy to run outside..) and i am aiming to run the 21km at the Two Oceans Marathon Race in Cape Town next year..

Am I a Runner?...I think so..

Then I spotted it - My First Race - My first serious Fitness Test - No, not on Tar - OFF ROAD - Yes Baby, this one ain't scared!



And luckily I have two girl-friends who do not fear a challenge..(remembering the horrendous Okapuka Trail we tackled not so long ago we assured ourselves nothing could be worse!) So the Girls were GAME. Gernette & Surita ~YOU ARE STARS~

Gernette, Surita and Me



OTB - AQUA SPLASH - PUMA - XTRAIL RACE

• 11.5km
• 6.5km up hill
• 160m altitude gain
• 8.8km footpaths, cattle paths, river beds
• 2.7km jeep track
• 2/3 of your run time will have been uphill running
• No water tables.  Participants need to carry their own water although marshals will have emergency water on route.
• Degree of difficulty: moderately hard

..not that these specs stopped 300 people from entering..!!

On Sunday Morning (Day of the Race) I woke up before the Alarm Clock could..Very excited - is my survival kit ready?

Camel Back Pack with Water - CHECK

Camera (for Blog) - CHECK

Off Road Running Shoes - CHECK

Running Pants, T-Shirt, Socks - CHECK

I Pod - CHECK

Sun Glasses and Cap - CHECK

Lip Ice, Tissues and Mobile Phone - CHECK

Note To Self: Next Race dont forget an apple for After Run Snack, Comfortable Slip on Shoes (for ON-FIRE-TOES relief), Money if needed and correct placement of the water sleave in back pack to get water when sucking on nozzle (would help tremendously)!!

We arrived 30min early, WOW So many fabulous looking people! The Body's walking around this place are motivating and inspiring! This crowd is Active & Healthy, RESPECT !!



Fresh Legs Before the Race

Ok Admitted, the T-Shirts were a bit intimidating..past Iron Mans, Desert Dashes, Comrades, Tri Athlones etc

Our Shirts were blanc - nothing to show-off with.. BUT since we got our first participation shirts today, we can wear it next time too - Ha!





RUNNERS to the STARTING LINE.. GOOOO

We start running, its congested, have to be careful not to stumble over the loose rocks, never mind stumbling over other runners legs..
After 10 minutes the crowd spaces out, everyone at his own pace, and more comfortable space.

..through the muddy dam - between long grass - through thorn bushes..Now the up hills start, this is difficult, we walk here and there to catch our breath.. My lungs are working Overtime!!

..over the next hill, and the next, and then its infront of us -- in full view..: the Mother of Hills - no, this is a very steep MOUNTAIN, oh my Sack, No way we can run-up this one! walking only -- my heart is pounding, finally on top, the marshalls inform us that we are half way through - YAY

I know from here on out its mostly Downhill, I start running, enjoying the Wind cooling my face, I hear the girls behind me running too, Its thrilling.

I run as fast as my legs allow me too, careful not to step into cow dung..trying to get a glimpse of the amazing view..This is life, I am loving it, It feels like I can do this Forever!

But the downhill of the mountain comes to an end and there is a dry river bed waiting for us.. I look around, I am alone, one stranger far away infront of me but no one behind me, oh well, now its just me and this thick sand.. I feel my muscles working hard -- I feel alive..

At this stage I think my running pace is slower than my walking pace but i am determined to keep going.

After the Dry River comes another one of these uphills - even the slightest upward slope is killing me now..once over the top I see the final destination in the distance..

I can hear the music and the microphone, welcoming those who have made it..its sounds like a big party with a uplifting vibe.

This gives me the final push, I run and run, around the corners, jumping down rocks, run past the Avis Dam Wall, My knees hurt but I carry on, I am almost there and it feels great - nothing stopping me now..



I see the finish line, I hear guys calling my name - I HAVE MADE IT - Yes Baby! What a great feeling..

My Finishing Time is not that spectacular: 1hour 39min..

But We finished strong and I know there is much room for improvement for the next race (which is in 4 Weeks time btw)

My Gym Buddy Basie welcoming me at the finish line



Gernette stretching those stiff legs

The Day After:

OUCH my toes are ON FIRE - My Knees, Ankles and Hips are Tender.. I am walking slowly to make it bearable.. So I ask myself why am I punishing my body like this and I remember:

PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING YOUR BODY - Pwaaahaaa!!!