Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 67, February 2015 | Page 10

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Chasing My

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2015 GOALS
Bloemfontein were also there, and our daily
routine was basically train, eat, sleep and
repeat... so there was more than enough time to
reflect on 2014 and focus on my goals for 2015.

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those goals. I use a training journal/logbook to
keep record of my training sessions, mileage, resting
heart rate and races. It is a great way to track my
progress, and to build confidence by reflecting back
and comparing past training sessions.

3 Rio 2016 focus

With less than 600 days left till the next
Olympic Games, it’s time to get all the stepping
stones in place to make sure I reach the
highest level that I’m capable of. I will surround
myself with positive people and keep expanding
my awesome support team. I will identify my
strengths and weaknesses, and focus on areas
where I can improve.

My December holiday started
with a bit of a ‘detour’ to India
and Lesotho before we hit the
coast, and it all gave me time to
think about my goals for 2015.
– BY RENE KALMER

A

Back in SA it was time for a 10-day altitude
training camp at AfriSki in Lesotho, an
amazing resort with great accommodation,
a great restaurant, lovely views and lots of
trails. Wessel Bosman, founder of the ski
resort, invited me to go train in the majestic
Maluti Mountains, 3050m above sea level. I
was lucky to have great company as Rynardt
van Rensburg and his training partners from

10

1. Sub-2:28 marathon

In order to achieve this, I will have to focus
on my speed and improve my 10km (32:28)
and 21km (1:10:13) times. Consistent training
is the secret, so I will act immediately to get
any niggle sorted before it forces me to take
too many days out of my running routine. I
will also focus on the minor details, like diet
and strength training, which can make a huge
difference in my results.

4. Count my blessings!

In 2015 I will keep reminding myself how
blessed I have been to live my dream for
almost 20 years, and I will keep smiling and
inspiring others to chase after their dreams!

2. Keep my logbook

In the past I have neglected my logbook
when experiencing a setback, but that will
change. I’m going to use my logbook to keep
me accountable for 2015. Setting goals is an
exciting way to start the year, but it can be
difficult to maintain the process of reaching

ISSUE 67 FEBRUARY 2015 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Images: Santie Korf Photography & courtesy Rene Kalmer

t the beginning of December I jetted off
to India for the second edition of
the Cochin Half Marathon, but only
after experiencing some major visa
delays. I was supposed to fly on Tuesday
evening, but only got my visa at 4:45pm
Thursday afternoon. I booked my flight at
4:50pm with the friendly help from Travelstart,
and an hour later I checked in at OR Tambo!
It was my first trip to India and I absolutely
loved the chaos and the vibrant colours. The
race started at 6:15am because of the heat
and humidity, and the streets were filled with
hundreds of spectators, but instead of loud
cheers, the crowd murmured like bees, probably
shocked about the half-naked people running
down their streets. I was very happy with fourth
place in 1:14:54 behind the East Africans.