DARE TO TRI

It was another awesome weekend at Ironman 70.3 South Africa, and well done to all the Modern Athlete DARE TO TRI guys and girls on their great performances! – COMPILED BY DTT COACH DERICK MARCISZ

think we had some of the best weather over the five days I was down there, and on race day the wind stayed away, which definitely made for a“ flatter” sea and a faster bike. However, this is still one of the toughest 70.3 races on the world circuit, and the hot weather made it harder, so all our DTT athletes can be proud of their results. We asked a few to tell us about their race day experience.

Simon Pienaar, 6:32:21

I would say that this was the best organised event I have ever taken part in. It was a super day. The self-seeding / rolling swim start allowed me to start the race calmly and confidently, so I enjoyed the swim and ended up swimming two minutes faster than I had anticipated. On the bike, I listened to Coach Derick’ s advice and didn’ t push myself for the first half, and again I finished faster than anticipated. It’ s a tough route, but it was fun! I felt good at the start of the run, until the start of Bunkers Hill... then my legs started to feel heavy. I just slowed my pace and made it around the route, with the amazing support along the way really making the tough route easier to tackle.

Augusta Saunders, 7:34:07

As a woman heading into my early 50s, I never thought I would be here talking about my experience of my third 70.3 East London. Before I knew it, I found myself trying to find the balance between fighting my anxiety and keeping my sights on the shore. What should have been a 1.9km swim, ended up being 2.1km, a‘ good’ start to the long day ahead! My cycle remains a blur, with me trying to beat the cut-off while scoffing down all the recommended nutrition. Finally I was onto the run with legs like jelly, and one hell of a hill standing in my way, but the help of supporters and a fellow athlete carried me across the finish line with an improved time, and the desire that keeps me coming back.

Wayne Pienaar, 6:16:41

Calm seas and no wind while cycling – the two things I was hoping for... and exactly what I got! I was nervous about my first sea swim, but soon found a good rhythm, which led to a speedier swim than expected. This set me up for what would be a steady ride that also exceeded expectations. I felt confident for the run, despite the heat and Bunkers Hill. It is a toughie! No complaints, though, the support of the smiling faces lining the road pulled me through. The red carpet was waiting, and so was a smiling Coach Derick, who seemed even more pleased than I was to have finished. Being well prepared, thanks to his advice and the DTT programme, undoubtedly played a huge part in making this a most enjoyable day!

Ruan Mouton, 6:27:41

Iron Man East London was a great race, brilliantly organised and had an awesome atmosphere. The swim was a bit nervewracking, as I had never swum that far in the sea before, but I ended up really enjoying it and swimming a better time than I expected. With the bike I just followed the Coach’ s advice, taking it easy on the way out as it is a difficult route, so the way back went really well and I was able to push a little bit harder, which gave me a good time overall. I really enjoyed the run, even Bunkers Hill, and all the support along the route made it enjoyable as I ran- walked the scenic 21km. I would recommend this event to everyone interested in doing a 70.3 distance.

Congrats also to our other DTT finishers:

Sarah-Jane Horscroft 6:43:47 Carlos de Oliveira 6:51:17

Want more info on Dare To Tri?

If you are interested in joining the DARE TO TRI programme, go to https:// daretotri. canbook. me / dtt-2017 or mail DTT Coach Derick Marcisz: derickm @ gridmetals. com.

Images: Courtesy DTT Athletes

32 ISSUE 104 MARCH 2018 / www. modernathlete. co. za