Conquering the Majestic Swartberg

The Fairview Dryland Traverse, a race covering a distance of approximately 84km over three days and four stages, was recently named as the having ‘The Most Memorable Start’ in Runner’s World Trail Runner Magazine. The race certainly didn't disappoint as the Prologue of the race began with a 1km sprint-tour of the dark, damp Cango Caves.

A race start doesn’t get more unique than this; although admiring the majesty of the caves quickly became the last thing on my mind as I attempted to run at speed, avoid bumping into other runners or whacking my head on low archways as well as stopping myself from slipping on the damp cave floor.

This race really does show off all that the beautiful Swartberg has to offer as runners are fortunate enough to be allowed access to parts of the mountain where the public are no longer allowed. Each stage of the race showcases a unique part of the Swartberg and allows runners the opportunity to gaze up into the bluest of blue skies that frames the beautiful Karoo landscape, climb the treacherous, quad busting hiking trails of the Swartberg Trail, relish in the gentle arms of the undulating, winding roads of local farms and fight with gravity on the infamous Swartberg Pass.

Looking out over the seemingly endless Karoo countryside from the top of the Swartberg made the uphill battles all the more worth it but it was actually the water points, that appeared every few kilometers like an oasis in the desert, offering an array of Karoo treats including the most delectable koeksisters, fudge and droëwors, that got me through each day’s stage. With temperatures peaking in the high thirties each day, keeping cool and hydrated was a challenge. Each breath of dry Karoo air I took whilst running burned the back of my throat, the heat from the sun-baked trail scorched my feet through my shoes and the sweat evaporated from my skin before it had the chance to cool my weary body. A cooling breeze at the top of the mountains and the shade of the occasional thorn tree were all that offered a brief respite from the heat of the day. However hot it was, coming home to the friendly Dryland team and unrivaled Karoo hospitality soon had you forgetting about your weary legs and relaxing with a glass of ice cold Fairview Sauvignon Blanc over the most delicious lunch with new friends.

Kudos to race organizers Dryland for an amazing event that ran perfectly smoothly, from race registration to the final prize giving.

I practice Yoga because it feels damn good.

And it does amazing things for my running.

In fact, yoga adds a completely new dimension to my fitness by challenging my body in a different way every time I stretch out on my mat. It is an excellent form of cross training and the perfect workout for a rest day or a day that you don’t feel like pulling on your takkies. Yoga realigns the body and releases any tension that I have been carrying around deep within my muscles and connective tissues.

Yoga is a full-body strengthening workout that develops core stability, greatly improves flexibility, increases range of motion and aids mental focus. This means that with regular practice, my running style becomes more efficient and I am less prone to stiffness and injury.

Yoga has taught me how to breathe and how to still my mind and by using the techniques learnt on the mat, running has become an extension of my yoga practice and in itself, a form of meditation. Hitting the trail and finding that familiar rhythm is calming and a way to clear my mind from the stresses of mundane life. Regularly practicing yoga has increased my body awareness and this allows me to run more mindfully and stay in tune with my body while tearing up the trail, using my body and mind as a team to push further and endure longer distances.