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EDITOR ’ S PICK
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
I took this picture of a “ glory ” – a type of halo cloud phenomenon – whilst out on a trail run in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve atop the Franschhoek pass . I was above the clouds , which were passing over the nek called Uitkyk , on my way to Perdekop , with the sun directly behind me . A good , gnarly run with steep ups and downs , and lovely views from up there . – Alastair Thorns , Franschhoek
Talk about a rave run moment ! I ’ ve never experienced anything like this myself , but would also have stopped to take a photo . It ’ s moments like these that running is all about . – Ed .
IT ’ S A PIRATES PARTY !…
What a Treat ! Pirates Athletics Club came especially to Park Care Centre to sing Christmas carols and share their joy and love . Also , big boxes of biscuits were gifted as a special treat ! Thank you , Pirates , for your thoughtfulness ! Residents who sat at the gate thoroughly enjoyed your entertainment . – Gillian Denempont , Johannesburg
Awesome to see a running club spreading some joy in its local community . After all , runners are naturally happy thanks to the endorphin release we experience when we run , and that sunshine needs to be shared ! – Ed .
13 PEAKS INSPIRATION …
For any runners who have or who are thinking of taking on the 13 Peaks Challenge , this is to take you through this incredible route of our beautiful mountain , coving 113km with 7000m elevation . Enjoy our Lone Runners Team effort ! – Gareth Knott , Cape Town
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this vid , made by Gareth Knott , Stephen Pinnock , Tyrone Tilley and Warren van der Westhuizen , and it has really lit a fire in my belly to want to get to the summits of those 13 Peaks myself . Although I reckon I should start with one a time ! – Ed .
IT ’ S A TRAIL JUNKY 2021 …
A few months ago it was only a dream . It started with the 13 Peaks Multi-day . After that , the amazing Otter Trail was brutal , mental and ‘ alles in one ,’ but I earned that massive Otter medal . After that , I said 25km at UTCT for me , only to be told by Ashraf Orrie , “ Jy , do the 50km !” Ja , right , I ended up doing 56km after getting a bit lost , but it was still lekker . The MaXi-Race 40km also turned into a 44.6km .
This has been an amazing journey , and the best is yet to come . I had a dream , and now it ’ s time to share with others how to achieve their dreams , like Mr O helped me turn my dream into an action movie ! – Mario Hendricks , Cape Town
That ’ s one impressive list of trail races you already have under your belt , Mario , but sounds like you just want more . As you say , it ’ s lekker ! – Ed .
PLAYING IN THE SAND …
We recently took running to the sand dunes of Atlantis for the # RedBullDuneDusters with Ryan Sandes . It was tough , brutal , but fun , and so beautiful . Cape Town running is such an adventure ! One thing though … I found sand in places that I didn ’ t even know existed on my body ! – PJ Moses , Cape Town
Good to see you having fun , Peej , with the family there to support you as well , but those sand dunes looked rather challenging ! – Ed .
Images : Alastair Thorn , Gillian Denempont , Mario Hendricks & courtesy Bookpeddler & PJ Moses
6 ISSUE 136 DECEMBER 2020 / www . modernathlete . co . za