Slanghoek Triathlon: Fun in the sun

Today was a perfect day!

The Slanghoek triathlon was brilliantly organised, the weather was absolutely gorgeous, the MTB and running routes were tons of fun and at times a bit technically challenging, and the views of the Slanghoek Valley were simply breathtaking. To complete this awesome experience, I beat my colleagues who did the relay, and ran a new personal best over the 7km run (34 minutes).

I also joined the Atlantic Triathlon Club this week, and I am looking forward to joining them for group rides and runs, although their weekday cycling sessions will require some serious changes to my usual bedtime, these start at 5.30am...

94.5 Kfm Gun Run

The Cape Town Gun Run (sponsored by the radio station 94.5 Kfm) was another good opportunity to check my progress. Earlier this year in June I ran a 10km race in 52 minutes, and yesterday I set my goal at 51 minutes.

As you can see from the pictures below, the conditions were great. Clear sky, except for some morning fog, and a pleasant 22 degrees. The run went very well and I stayed ahead of my target pace for most of the time; finishing time: 50 minutes : ) I improved my personal best by 2 minutes in 4 months, and I am extremely happy about it, and even more motivated than I already was to run a 10km in under 48 minutes next time (in a couple of months).

The important thing to remember here is to set small, realistic goals and be patient. Equally important is it to listen to your body, which means first and foremost: try and get enough sleep every single day of the week, something I still struggle with; and secondly, give yourself a rest day if your joints or tendons are begging for one.

Slanghoek triathlon: a fun challenge among friends

Soon after the Robben Island triathlon, I spent one week in Belgium for work and to see my family. It was a busy time, socially and professionally. Now, after a week of indulging in croissants, Belgian chocolates, mussels and beers, I am getting back into my regular training schedule. And I have identified a new challenge to help me stay on track: the Slanghoek triathlon.

Three of my colleagues are joining me, but they are doing the relay version, i.e. one guy will swim 600m, another will do the 15km of MTB, and the last one will run 7km. I am challenging them to beat me. Should be fun, whatever the outcome of the challenge may be. Slanghoek also seems to be an incredibly beautiful venue, which contributes to the overall goal of finding balance between work and pleasure : )