TRAIL RUNNING
Negotiating gnarly trails on Klassenkop
13 Top Tips for 13 Peaks
BY DAWN NUNES AND THE PEAK PEEPS TEAM
For me , the highlight of this challenge was being part of a big team , not just our group of five runners , but also our seconders and a 100-strong WhatsApp group watching our movements and cheering us on . Also , we had incredible supporters who got dressed up too , and drove from far away to send us off , support along the way , and even play the trumpet for our final steps as we finished back at Signal Hill . Also , dancing with my brother after Suther Peak was just incredible , as well as jumping on the Dive Board and capturing the moment with an epic photo !
This is by far the most challenging run I have tried , and I ’ m thrilled to have completed it with my team , having so much fun along the way . Of course , now I ’ m dreaming of a new adventure … because that One Day badge has my name on it ! As they say , when in doubt , just take “ one more step ,” and you will get there .
1 . Prepare physically and mentally I ensured my training programme included regular strength exercises , in addition to peaking and tapering my run training . A mental training run I did three weeks before was a solo 30km beachfront run . It taught me to set a goal , run without any other motivation factors and complete my intended goal . Mentally , I spent four weeks leading up to the challenge chatting to experienced ultrarunning friends , planning the route and envisioning the finish ... by planning a celebration party already !
2 . Know your “ why ” This came out of some great talks I heard recently by incredible female athletes . This will keep you going when it gets tough . My why , # inspireothers , # beinspired and # godatthecentre .
3 . Have an epic team Our seconders and supporters were the best !
4 . Duct tape It fixes ( almost ) everything .
5 . Dream early From 10km , we were talking about the finish and ordering pizza and ice cream ! A tub each , by the way .
6 . Fuel up regularly Eat and drink little bits often , regardless of how you feel .
7 . Variety is key Sometimes you just want a change … of clothes , of socks , different food . Have the choices available . It helps with the mindset .
8 . Know your route Recce the route as much as you can , and study what you can ’ t recce .
9 . Take the photograph You ’ re doing this for fun , so look at the scenery , appreciate , enjoy .
10 . Laugh at yourself I do this all the time anyway , but during 13 Peaks it becomes an absolute essential
11 . Dance I had an epic dance-off with my brother at 35km and again at the end . What a feeling !
12 . Krispy Kremes for the win ! Surprises come in many shapes and forms , and we were blessed with donuts , and friends to run with us on some sections , too .
13 . One more step … When all else fails , just take one more step . You ’ ll get there , so believe in yourself .
On top of Constantiaberg
Images : Courtesy Dawn Nunes & Naomi Brand
Finishing back at Signal Hill
About the Author
Dawn Nunes is a physiotherapist based in KwaZulu-Natal , and has her practice at Morewood Trails in Hillcrest . She has a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy , and her main focus is a specialised running assessment , which she does in conjunction with treatment of normal musculoskeletal injuries . You can get in touch with her via her website : www . dawnnunes . co . za .
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