Modern Cyclist Magazine Issue 1, September 2014 | Page 43

dare to tri

MC

Stronger TOGETHER
It’s been around two months since
this year’s Modern Athlete Dare to
Tri season kicked off and the team
are already seeing big improvements
in their form after getting stuck
into their training. We asked a few
members about their progress, and
how being part of Dare to Tri is
motivating them to push towards
their IRONMAN goals. – BY LAUREN
VAN DER VYVER

D

uring the first weekend of August,
just over 30 Dare to Tri athletes took part in
a bike/run brick session in group training on
the Saturday morning. They did a flat 20km
bike time trial (after a proper warm-up) and
followed that with a 4km fast run. That same
afternoon saw a smaller group of swimmers
take on a continuous pool swim of either 1km
or 1.5km, and then on the Sunday morning, 30
DTT riders took on the Cradle, most tackling
the 64km route, while some joined DTT Coach
Derick Marcisz on the 80km route. Just another
typical weekend for the Dare to Tri Academy
members, and we asked them what they
thought of the group training experience.

for triathlons. From the amount of gadgets
required for cycling, to the level of technique
required for swimming, help was needed to
ensure I enjoyed my training. Coach Derick and
the other members amazingly keep the group
training challenging, but not intimidating. Where
I’d usually ride on my own at sloth speed, or
indoors, now I’m encouraged to push to keep
up with the group and discover different routes.
I’ve learnt more from one swimming workshop
than I’ve ever read online and now can’t wait for
the open water swimming workshop. The advice,
tips and support are excellent, and a few times I
even manage to give some advice, too!”
Kobus Vorster: “I found the group training
very important. Firstly, it helps to motivate you
to get out of bed and go and meet your friends.
Secondly, I find that it does not matter where
you are with your running, swimming or cycling,
there will always be someone that is with you
and will help. I find that especially on the bike,
you need that push. No matter how hard you
ride, there are always some guys that go faster

or harder and it pushes you to do better –
something that, when alone, will never happen.
Thirdly, you get to know your fellow DTT
athletes and you make friends. It’s awesome
to hear their experiences in the sessions and
races.”
Herma Botha: “As a novice to triathlons as
well as group training in general, I was a bit
unsure about what to expect, but I should not
have worried. The group is excellent in making
everyone feel welcome and motivated for
the session ahead. There is always someone
to answer your questions, however simple
or complicated it may be. I can already see
improvement in all three disciplines, purely
because there is no negativity among us.
You truly feel stronger when part of the DTT
group!”

Solid group training will prepare the DTT athletes for race day.

Kirsty Lawrence: “What an experience my
first training session was! As a complete novice
to the triathlon scene, finding myself at a brick
training session was exciting but scary at the
same time. What a great bunch of people I got
to meet, too. I was really comforted by the fact
that even complete novices like myself could be
accommodated and motivated to continue, and
I can’t wait for the next session!”
Amanda Du Rand: “I come from a running
background where group training can be
beneficial, but it’s still easy to slip into the
habit of training on your own. However, there
is nothing easy about training on your own

43