TRAIL
( MIS ) ADVENTURES trail ( mis ) adventures by CARLA LEA FARINA
The Do ’ s and Don ’ ts of Trail
So , it ’ s Level 2 of Lockdown and there is finally a race that is going ahead ! Obviously , I just had to enter , so I am in for the Karkloof100 on 25-27 September . And to ‘ celebrate ’ my return to misadventures on the trails , this month ’ s column is a ‘ how to ’ guide … but a Carla version … So , actually , more an ‘ Idiot ’ s Guide ’ than a step-by-step manual to ensure a podium finish when running your next ultra-trail .
Images : Courtesy Carla Farina
First things first : Training ...
This is a word that doesn ’ t really exist in my vocabulary . I mean , my first race ever was a three-day stage race of 90-odd kilometres . So , what do I suggest when training ? Well , for me training for the upcoming KK100 has included a lot of leisurely 10km runs , and many , many hours running ( ok , fine , walking ) the trails of Gauteng . On the other hand , I did run three ultras in three days in my garden during lockdown , and that was great for mental strength , if nothing else .
If you are running your first ultra and plan on finishing in a good time , I suggest a slightly more vigorous training programme than this - possibly with some long runs ( and I mean runs ). So , I will probably walk a lot of the race , but the mental strength is there !
The next important thing is nutrition ...
Step one of your nutrition is to check the allergens . The second step of nutrition is to check the allergens . After checking the allergens for a third time , I suggest trying different products on your long runs ( remember , these should be runs , not walks ). Last year ’ s KK100 training camp taught me this the hard way . Firstly , a pint of beer ( when you are 5 foot 1 ) and stodgy banting pizza are not a good way to fuel up before heading off on the evening run . Secondly , eating a bar you have never tried before is also a rubbish plan .
That run was awful . We headed off and I got progressively slower – and then I felt the beer , and pizza … and energy bar – come up . Only slightly embarrassing . So , make sure your pre run mean is a beer the right proportion to your body , make sure that the pizza isn ’ t basically a loaf of what was basically uncooked bread and make sure your race food agrees with you – before heading out on the race .
Thirdly , gear ...
Well , apart from the obvious , there are two important things you will want to take with you . If you are me , the most important item is cycling gloves . If you are as prone to falling as I am , and your job relies on the use of your hands , then you will want to protect the ‘ moneymakers .’ They are padded , they are small and light , they are cut off at the fingers so you won ’ t die of heat exhaustion , and they make you run faster . Ok , they only make you run faster because you are no longer scared to fall over , but hey , it works !
Next thing I highly recommend for your ultra is anti-chafe lube , like the Squirrel Nut Butter that I use . Blisters and chafe are real , and they will happen , so your lube will save you hours of pain in places you didn ’ t even know you had places …
Lastly , and most importantly , navigation ...
Here is what you do before your first ultra . Step one : Get a watch with maps . Good maps . Watches that buzz at you when you even think of going the wrong way . ( In fact , Garmin should let me be the tester of said watches .) The next step is to phone the race director – for me this is very often Andrew Booth , so I have him on speed-dial – and when on the phone with said race director , you ask him if the route is marked well enough for Carla . If the answer is yes , then there is absolutely zero chance of getting lost . If the answer is no , then you will probably still be OK … I just won ’ t be .
Finally , if you are worried about getting lost , do not try to be a hero . Stick with someone , don ’ t get arrogant and competitive ( as I did in my misadventure at Pondo ), because this will make you more lost . And then you will need to be rescued – possibly in a helicopter … and as fun as that sounds , it ’ s apparently really , really expensive !
Glad I could help …
So , this advice is for the crazy ones who just have a knack for finding themselves in trouble . The ones who have a ‘ misadventure ’ at every race . The ones who aren ’ t always the most well prepared , but head out there anyway . The ones like me who live for fun and adventure . I look forward to sharing my KK100 experience with you next month , so watch this space !
About the Author
While Carla ’ s ‘ day job ’ is Head Tennis Coach and Director of Tennis at Game Set Match Tennis in Johannesburg , her second love is trail running , which she tackles with an unquenchable thirst for adventure , a never-saydie attitude , and a healthy sense of humour about all the misadventures that befall her on the trails !
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