MULTISPORT
Carla says the swim leg went smoothly
The bike leg , accompanied by coach Annchen Clark
Going well on the run leg , in spite of the heat down to the rugby fields to hop on my bike and start the 90.1km cycle . I was able to pace myself very well here and kept up a speed that surprised me . Annchen did the cycle leg with me and this constant support played a huge role in my smooth ride . Many other supporters cheered along the route , with posters , banners , chalk messages on the road and lots of shouting . Fran drove behind me the whole bike and run leg , through the Stellenbosch Winelands , and the knowledge of her constant presence also kept me going .
The bike-to-run transition was at the school , and as we turned into the school grounds , I could already hear the cheering . Many parents and children , as well as my family and friends , were waiting for us so they could show their support .
My family had also jumped in to help make and sell boerewors rolls at base camp to raise more funds . The transition went well again , and a few friends then joined me for the run leg , some doing the full distance while others just joined for parts of the 21.1km .
Around 8km in , with the temperature close to 30 degrees , the heat and fatigue started to creep in and I found myself in a very dark space . I realised I needed to take another gel and adapt my hydration to compensate for the heat , and luckily , as soon as I did that , I felt stronger the longer the race went on , and my pace increased .
Many more supporters also appeared at this time , which also played a role in keeping me going . With one final hill to climb back to the school , I couldn ’ t yet see the finish line , but I could already hear the cheering . This motivation helped me to dig deep and find the energy to sprint the last 800m to the finish line , which I crossed in 6 hours , 50 minutes & 13 seconds , with a huge sense of accomplishment and pride , for being able to complete this race for somebody else , mixed with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to all the supporters .
Thanks for the Support !
A few days after my race , I was invited back to the school and they spoilt me with a stunning bunch of flowers . I was almost brought to tears when they also presented me with a special book of photos from my race , and messages from teachers and pupils . It was a privilege to speak about my fundraiser and race at the school ’ s Advent Celebration , and I want to say a huge thank you for all the support from the Stellenbosch Waldorf community .
Carla receiving flowers and a commemorative book at the Stellenbosch Waldorf School
As I write this , I am still on an absolute race high ! My race went so smoothly , and I enjoyed every moment , even the tough ones , but I know I could not have done it without everyone ’ s support on race day , as spotting someone around the next corner , waiting to cheer for you , ensures that you keep putting one foot in front of the other . Although my race is now complete , I will continue to raise more funds , as every donation , no matter how big or small , will make a difference in the life of a child . And I am planning more Ironman 70.3 races !
70.3 miles in the bag , trophy in hand !
Enthusiastic supporters lined both the bike and run legs
If you would like to support Carla ’ s fundraising drive to support a child ’ s education through her Community in Action ( CIA ) fundraiser , you can do so via this link : www . quicket . co . za / fundraisers / 185000-cia-community-in-action . ( The Stellenbosch Waldorf School is a registered NPO and PBO , and a Section 18 ( A ) tax certificate can be issued for any donation .)
Images : Courtesy Carla Annas
68 ISSUE 155 | www . modernathlete . co . za