Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 60, July 2014 | Page 49

Hopping

race report Ma

Modern Athlete’s Nicole Ferreira and Lauren van der Vyver took on
the 7km short course at the second Spur Gauteng Winter Trail Series
race, and the two intrepid trailers chat about the experience.

Lauren: I had some opportunities
on that long hill everyone was walking up. My
calves were burning, so I stopped halfway and
took some snaps. I got into some traffic going
down that steep, rocky section and there was a
queue at the ladder near the end.
Nicole: I actually didn’t see one person
running up that hill! I remember running
before the second hill, seeing the long course
runners on the next mountain across, and
I was so relieved our course turned off in
another direction. I’ve done Hennops before
and I think it’s slightly changed, because last
time we went over this swing bridge.

Lauren:

I was looking forward to the

bridge!

Nicole: No, it was scary! But I still think
trail running is great, because you can
focus on different things, although it
makes you tired because you can’t get
into a rhythm. You’re always stopping and
starting
Lauren: You definitely have to
concentrate, especially me, because I’m
clumsy, so I have to look where I step. I
almost fell a few times going down that
rocky section!
Nicole: Yes, you always have something
to deal with. Unless you’re planning to win,
I think you need to hold back and take in
the scenery.

Images: Lauren van der Vyver

course because there were
only two big hills. The
downhill into the valley
was intense, but the single
track was amazing. Did you
have some stops along the
route for photos?

Lauren:

That’s what I do – make sure I
stop and appreciate the view.

TriRock Durban – Sunday 5 October 2014

It’s back!

With a 113km halfiron distance triathlon in the heart of
Durban, this event gives competitors
•
spectacular views along the KZN
coast and a fast course to test their
endurance and chase a PB. This one
should not be missed!

•

•

•

Rocking Online

facebook.com/TriRockSA
Twitter: @TriRockSA
Instagram: trirocksa#
pintrest.com/TriRockSA

THE SWIM: A single 1.9km loop starting
at Bay of Plenty Pier will bring some warm
temperatures for those newbies looking to tick
off their first triathlon event.
THE CYCLE: Out the water and onto the bike
at uShaka, this 90km coastal route offers
amazing views as you climb past Umhlanga
and Tongaat towards Ballito, with a little bit of
speedy return loop.
THE RUN: With some challenging climbs
behind you, you should enjoy the threeloop fast and flat 21km run to the finish
line. Durban’s promenade is also the ideal
setting to get you there! This is your time to
take in the remarkable setting, including the
SunCoast Casino, Moses Mabhida Stadium,
running towards Blue Lagoon and back.

advertorial Ma

AND T S MORE…
HERE’

The weekend will also feature a sporting
festival with more events on offer for the whole
family to get active and have fun:

FRIDAY 3 OCT
OBER

Chix Colour Rock 9km Run/Walk

SAT
URDAY 4 OCT
OBER

UrbanRock Short Distance Triathlon
Distance: 22.4km (400m swim,
18km cycle, 7km run)
KidzRock 7.2km Triathlon (ages 6–15)

Images: Courtesy Trirock

Nicole: I enjoyed this

Spur Gauteng Winter Tra