Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 131, June 2020 June 2020

Kloof Nek, Table Mountain Challenge Fractured Paths This is a story about life, and some of life’s problems. A story about running… and running away from life’s problems. This is my adventure, with the lessons I learnt through running, and the perspective I gained when I could no longer run. – BY LEIGH DE NECKER After completing the 13 Peaks Challenge on the Cape Peninsula, I felt invincible! To maintain this high, I began working towards my next big challenge, running my furthest trail race to date. I had entered the 44km Solo Table Mountain Challenge (TMC) a few months back, so I had a realistic amount of time to prepare. I usually don’t do too much research on a route before, I just run. However, when the title of the race includes the words, “Mountain” and “Challenge,” I figured it may be a good idea to do a practice run, along a section of the route at least, to get an idea of what I had signed up for. Lesson #1: Stay on the path The TMC route kicks off with the Kasteelspoort climb. Not being familiar with said climb, I got my friend, navigator, and fellow 13 Peaks conqueror, Sean on board, to show me the way. We began with a brisk jog along Table Mountain’s “Pipe Track,” before the big ascent. Upon reaching the top, we looked back over the majestic Lion’s Head mountain, and Robben Island blotched in the middle of a beautiful blue sea. The ecstasy that comes with this kind of elevation is unreal! We were energised, and far from ready to head down the planned route. We trotted on a little further, Dangerous Ascent, Dangerous Descent, Kasteelpoort led by the sights and smells of Spring, until… we got lost. As trail runners know, this happens (a lot), so no big deal. Paths generally link up, and getting lost is sometimes the best way to find new routes with the best views. We did indeed find beautiful views, but after veering off the technical descent of Oudekraal Ravine, we found ourselves boob-deep in dense, aggressive vegetation, on the edge of a mountain, searching for a path… any path. The GPS pointed towards a route above us. Getting frustrated by bushes and trees cutting up our legs, we began climbing what looked like sturdy rocks. Sean tried one side, while I tried the other. My side was too steep, and as I made my way down, the boulder I was holding for support dislodged. It went tumbling down the mountain, while I was caught by the rickety branches of a single, random tree. Besides my legs being pretty scratched up by the butchering botanicals, and the minor psychological trauma of nearly falling to my death, I was unharmed. Lesson #2: Nature will always win These mountain missions are amazing, and there is a thrill associated with the danger of some of the lost cause quests I set out to do. I am driven by the desire for adventure, pushing my limits and beating my bests, so I am guilty of being pretty reckless sometimes, and not always being prepared. This was, however, a healthy reminder of how Mother Nature Images: Barbara Cole, Ray Chaplin, Sean Altern, & Courtesy Leigh De Necker 40 ISSUE 131 JUNE 2020 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 131, June 2020 June 2020 | Page 40