MOVE – A (very) Short Film About Trail Running from Darcy Turenne on Vimeo.
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Last year I ran the Gun Run in 01:47:46 which could have been better if it had not been for my calf failing me in the last 6kms. That effort was an indicator of my fitness after almost a year of returning to fitness. It was also an indicator of how well I might do in the JailBreak Triathlon I was to do in December. This year after lots more training I set myself quite an audacious goal; finish the Gun Run in under 1:30.
The course is quite flat and I have changed my running for to be more compliant to the natural form advocated by minimalist specialists (actually I would be interested in getting it analyzed or at least to see video footage of myself). So, I was ready, in my inov8 f-lites (195g with a 3mm heel to toe drop) ready to slay the course.
The start was so much better than last year – less crowded since I started closer to the front. I did not find a 1:30 bus so I was a bit in the dark on how to pace myself, in hindsight I should have put together a pace chart with target times. By the time I hit the top of the one and only hill I was already too far behind to make up the required time.
The last few kilometres went by quite fast as I motored it down the hill and on the final flat, however when I saw that there were 3 kilometres lets I was requiring 3mins a kay to break the 1:30 so I kept it at a sane pace.
My final time was 1:35:59 placing me 205 out of 4150 or 31 out of 577 in my age group.
Next year I am sure I will be able to break the 1:30 time. What I need to do is to add more track and speed work because as fast as I was running I could not turn my legs over fast enough (not for want of trying)
On the slight negative side; my lower calves were a bit sore with my whole calf seriously stiff for almost a week after. A symptom of running my longest distance in minimalist shoes.
The result, however, is still very pleasing leading up to Jailbreak, the question is can I run like this after a 133km cycle 
One thing I do not want to ignore is the running technique that my kids learn, so I am always concerned about what footwear they wear. At least in shoes we buy them. I do keep a watchful eye when they run and always comment on the way they place their feet. Which is easy since my son wants to always run around the garden with me; barefoot (and my daughter follows with a big smile on her face).
VIVOBAREFOOT KIDS – Barefoot is Best from VIVOBAREFOOT on Vimeo.
Here is an awesome opportunity, all I need is a few votes. And what for, you may ask; well, to run like a lunatic is my answer. For only lunatics will run up 3 significant peaks in a 50km trail challenge. From my experience of last month I think that I will berate myself every step of those 3 peaks or maybe not. This time I will know what to expect and not try push through my 30km wall step by agonizing step.
If you want to send my lunatic feet up killer ascents then vote away, I will certainly be adding a post here after the race (well after I limp from the bed to the computer),
Click on the picture below or on this: Vote for Snow Runner (yeah I am Snow runner – the picture is from my Matroosberg Trail Challenge)
I believe I can do this, it will mean a lot of walking, but I know what to expect. Yes it will be the longest I have ever run by 13kms, however I am up for the challenge more so than ever before. The race is on the 4th of November 2012 and the only way in for me is to win an entry, that is where my requests for votes comes from. The prize is a privilege to run not a cash price or to win stuff, so no ulterior motive here.
Please vote.
Thanks
Starting at 1137m this was not going to be easy, especially since there was a near 35 degree climb at about the 3/4km mark, however this was what I had been looking forward to for some time.
Since it was postponed to the 29th September 2012 it ended up being the third Mountain Challenge I was to run – in the same month, wowzer. I had taken the first two challenges; Mountain Warrior and Table Mountain Challenge, for granted, but I was not going to make the same mistake again.
The route profile looked to show a climb of over 1000 meters in the first 11/12 kms, after which it was flat on the top and then down, down down. Unfortunately running on the peak was not to be.
Continue Reading…
Going into the race after Mountain Warrior did seem a bit crazy, but Table Mountain Challenge couldn’t be as tough – right? Wrong. There seems to be a trend happening here where I completely underestimate the trail.
My calf was feeling fine and I had it tapped up real good, the plan was to start out a little slower that before so I could ease into the race with enough gas for the later stages. The race was a three stage race with progressive difficulty and distance; 8km, 12km, 17km.
Continue Reading…
Lesotho Wildrun Promo from D4Productions on Vimeo.
A 120km three-day Wildrun adventure, across remote mountains between Ramabanta and Semonkong, through crystal clear mountain rivers, past isolated Basotho villages and along the edge of spectacular canyons, in sight of some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Africa.
See lesothowildrun.co.za for information how to sign up for this unimaginable mountain journey.
Ever been dumped by a great big wave that first took all of your air and then held you down until your legs were weak and your lungs burned?
That was me on Saturday for about 4 hours of the 7 that it took me to complete the Mountain Warrior Jonkershoek Sky Run. Thirty Seven Kilometres of glorious scenery and leg breaking challenges. In hindsight I should have thought twice about completing a trail run that was 15kms longer than previous longest trail run.
“Trail Run”, ha ha ha. It brings up visions of rolling tracks that guide you effortlessly though natural terrain that celebrates your presence. Yeah Right.
In double hindsight I should have looked up the definition of Sky Run. hmmm Yes
Skyrunning – The discipline of mountain running up to or exceeding 2000m, where the incline exceeds 30% and where the climbing difficulty does not exceed 11° grade.
The Beauty of the Irrational from The African Attachment on Vimeo.
Human beings don’t always make rational decisions. But making irrational decisions is precisely what makes us human. These decisions, based on an impulse or a feeling, often lead us to those perfect moments when it feels great to be alive.
"The Beauty of the Irrational" follows Ryan Sandes, a South African Ultra-Runner, as he returns to the Fish River Canyon to run the 5 day, 84km, Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail.
Directed by Dean Leslie
Produced by Greg Fell
Cinematography by Dean Leslie & Dale Hunt
Edited by Dean Leslie
Original music by Signpost Sound
Additional Footage
Greg Fell
Craig Kolesky
Supported by Salomon, Suunto and Velocity Sports Lab
Special thanks
Alu-Cab – www.alu-cab.co.za
Signpost Sound – www.signpostsound.co.za
African Extreme Promotions – www.africanextremepromotions.com
Vanessa Haywood
Ryan Sandes
The VWS Trail Challenge, organised by The Volunteer Wildfire Services, was an awesome event. If it had not been for my calf I would have run the 25km and not the 10km. Still the 10km was quite challenging. After positioning myself near the front because I did not want to get held back in the narrow road, I started warm up. The vibe was cool and humorous. Looking around I saw one fit looking chap and thought to myself; he is going to win (which he did).
The starter went off and so did I in what I thought was a relatively easy pace. I was expecting to be overtaken by a mass of finish line hunger runners, but that never happened. Soon the hills came and my legs started to burn, loosing a place there – not a worry. There was only one single track which I took easy and also lost a place there.
When I saw the finish line I was rather surprised; Continue Reading…