Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 77, December 2015 | Page 40

Ma Dare To Tri

5150 HEROICS
The Dare to Tri (DTT) Academy members turned out in large numbers for the 5150 Ekurhuleni African Championships on
1 November at Germiston Lake, and our athletes posted some great results!
The Coach’s Corner
by DTT Coach Derick Marcisz
For the 5150 Ekurhuleni African Triathlon Championships at Germiston, Mother Nature once again decided
that simply doing a triathlon is easy and we needed to have some difficult weather conditions to really earn our medals.
It was extremely hot and very windy, making the bike ride one of the toughest I have ever done in a standard triathlon!
(Typically, the conditions were perfect the day before the race as 35 of our athletes joined for our pre-race swim and
workshop. What a pity those conditions did not continue to the Sunday – much faster times would have been recorded.)
Well done to all 48 DTT finishers – it was a great day out, we conquered the elements, and you deserve that medal. Our
DTT squad was led home by Jaryd Otto, one of our selected 5150 DTT Novices featured here in the mag, and our first
woman over the line was Vanessa de Souza, who finished second in the 40-44 age group for another podium placing.
And a special mention to our eight novices doing their first tri, plus another 12 doing just their second event, most of
whom did a similar time to Bela Bela or improved, which is great considering the conditions. I am proud of you all!

GOING, GOING, GERMISTON
“My triathlon training flew past over the
past few weeks. By working towards an
end goal (Ekurhuleni 5150), I felt motivated
throughout, and if you’re thinking about doing
a triathlon, any 5150 is a great way to start.
Following Dare to Tri’s programme, coached by
Derick Marcisz, is what made this experience
extremely fun! Without this, I would never
have been able to achieve a top 20 place in
my age group in my first ever triathlon! The
race was tough due to the conditions, but
thanks to consistent training (and rest), I
never felt out of my depth. What an amazing
experience! I loved every moment and thoroughly enjoyed the buzz on race day. I
can honestly say, I’m hooked and look forward to many more!”

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“As I was bent over, hands on my knees,
exhausted after the 5150 African Champs,
a wave of euphoria swept over me. I
understood why people do this! The
conditions were hot and windy, and for most
of the race I complained to myself about
volunteering to do this, but not for one
second did I contemplate giving up. Dare to
Tri coach Derick had laid the groundwork and
I had put in the hours, so getting to the end
was going to happen. If it was easy, finishing
wouldn’t have felt so rewarding. I was asked
would I ever do it again and the answer is
absolutely! I knew the moment I crossed the finish that I was addicted. I loved it, and
after Comrades next year, this is what I am going to get into. Thanks for everything –
to Modern Athlete for opening my eyes, and to Coach for the advice.”

DTT is now on FACEBOOK, so go to the Dare to Tri Facebook Page so you too can be added: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/380950042016820. You can
also follow Coach Derick on TWITTER @coachderickdtt and INSTAGRAM: coachderickdtt

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ISSUE 77 DECEMBER 2015 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Images: Courtesy Derick Marcisz and athletes

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