Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 57, April 2014

ning Trai Dare to Tri L ON FUL Modern Athlete asked our Dare to Tri athletes what it’s like stepping up from their 70.3 training to take on this month’s Full IRONMAN South Africa. Johan Van Rooyen: “Training has been going well, especially having the fellow DTT athletes at the sessions to keep everyone motivated. I have done an IRONMAN already, back in 2012, even though I had a slight injury, but I’m back now and feeling good!” Peter Rankin: “This year is the 10th IRONMAN South Africa event, so what better time to give it a bash? Training in a group of like-minded people makes those long swims, rides and runs on weekends easier. I am really looking forward to lining up on the beach on 6 April, but also scared as hell.” Stephanie Stanley: “Despite the rain that has plagued us, training has continued Kerryn Trim: “The lead-up has been great, all thanks to months of consistent Frans Van Der Linde: “I wanted to see how this year’s 70.3 went before committing. Some of my injuries from 2013 came back, but there was no way I was backing out on this year’s medal. After 70.3, training has stepped up, with the most draining being the long bike sessions. Being in the saddle for six hours takes it out of you! Unfortunately, in February I was involved in a bike accident with a taxi and I’m still nursing some fractured ribs, but this will make that medal taste sweeter!” training with the DTT team and the invaluable advice from our swim guru, Georgie. Ramping up the training in two months seemed impossible, and it has been difficult to balance training with work and sleep. I do skip sessions, but I am still amazed at the progress I’ve made. I’m expecting IRONMAN to be tough, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it!” Stay tuned to the next few issues of Modern Athlete to see how you can be part of the Academy for the 2015 IRONMAN events! The Legend Returns Tissink, a long time GU-fueled athlete, has been competing in the sport for more than 22 years, completing 33 IRONMAN races and winning eight IRONMAN titles, including three at IRONMAN South Africa, in 2005, 2010 and 2011. He also achieved four top-10 finishes at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, where he raced his last competitive event as a professional in 2011. However, he’s ready to race again – on Twitter, the former champ said, “Had my rubber arm twisted into doing IRONMAN South Africa in 2014. Thanks to GU Energy Labs South Africa for the opportunity to help support the IRONMAN 34 ISSUE 57 APRIL 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za 4 The Kidz Charity Trust”. His race readiness comes as no surprise, though, as Tissink has continued working as a top-level coach with Velocity Sports Labs, coaching Kyle Buckingham and Kelly van der Toorn to multiple race wins, and has never been far from the sharp edge of the tri scene. GIVING BACK The IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust was established in 2005 by ex-Springbok rugby player Garth Wright and his business partner Gary Stephenson, to raise money for needy children in Port Elizabeth by participating in IRONMAN South Africa. Even though it seemed a daunting task, they noted how raising funds for children is a great motivator, but say they would never have guessed that in 2014 they would be participating alongside Tissink for the 10th consecutive year with a target of R2 million! The IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust is looking for other athletes to join their fundraising effort, and GU Energy Labs South Africa appeals to companies to show their support by sponsoring an athlete’s vest at the event. You can also visit www.ironman4thekidz.co.za to add support. Image: Mike Holmes South African IRONMAN legend and renowned triathlon coach Raynard Tissink returns to the start line of IRONMAN South Africa this month, courtesy of GU Energy Labs South Africa, to take part in the 10th anniversary edition of the race and raise funds for the IRONMAN 4 The Kidz Charity Trust. Image: Chris Hitchcock with mid-week bike rides moving to the spin studio and runs being very wet! Long weekends have been spent running and biking further than I have in my life. Is one ever ready to tackle something that seems so far away f

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 57, April 2014 | Page 34