Friday, July 24, 2009

Outeniqua Traverse Grading (according to the Wild Runner Grading System)

Owen Middleton and co (Wild Run / Trail Series) have been doing some great work behind the scenes to develop the sport of trail running. They have come up with a grading system for trail runs.

Using their system, the OT would be a greenish-brown 7 b (feel free to comment on my proposed grading if you beg to differ).

What this means is that we as run organisers can give you a grading and then you can compare it with previous events you have participated in. It will then give you a good idea of what to expect.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

FB anyone?

One of the locals who has gotten so excited about the event he has set up a Facebook event. Go have a look, it is still early days but perhaps you can find a running partner or lift there?

Well done Hugo, I like and appreciate the initiative!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

George Tourist Resort

The George Tourist Resort looks like a decent option for overnight stays. Click here to go to the website and check out their rates.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Risky Business

The mountains are a rugged and dangerous place to be in and runners need to be confident they can look after themselves in the mountains. You will be on your own for between 15 and 20 km at a time, so that means that rescue teams either have to hike in 10 km to find you or send in a rescue chopper (which if there is mist and rain will not be an option) if something happens. It may also mean you could be sitting waiting for help for periods of over 3 hours.

There are wild animals, these range from large predators like leopard and packs of baboons to smaller things like snakes (Puffadders), bees, scorpions, spiders and ticks. If you are allergic to bee-stings and do not have your medication with you, a sting could be lethal.

There are steep slopes that are often slippery, a fall could be lethal. Furthermore there are loose stones and roots that could trip you and you could damage your ankle. If this happens you will not be able to move as fast and you will not be generating as much body heat, a warm middle layer (like a First Ascent Firestorm Fleece) will definitely make life more comfortable.

The race is run in the heart of winter, and there could be snow on the mountain (though this is a rare occurrence), it could rain the whole day (this happened in during the 2008 run). There could also be berg winds which will warm things up a bit. It is also not impossible that you can have all 4 seasons in one day so the weather will always be a factor that will influence the event. You need to be prepared for all weather situations. You need to have sufficient water to prevent dehydration, there are mountain streams but these often dry up. You also need to have the minimum kit to help prevent hypothermia.

The terrain consists of some steep climbs and descends, your legs will burn, take it easy on the climbs otherwise you might burn out with over 20 km to go! If the weather is clear you will also experience some amazing views which I would recommend you stop for at least 10 seconds to savour. If you rush past, you will loose out on the experience. The trail itself is often overgrown at places, between Cape Nature and myself we will do our best to make it runable, but expect scratchesand the odd bush-wack from time to time.

The route will contain a few checkpoints, to qualify as an official finisher, you will need to find all the checkpoints. Between checkpoints I am pretty flexible with your route choice, but for me the challenge will be to place the checkpoints in such a manner as to greatly influence your route choice. If you find yourself hanging on a cliff then you made a wrong route choice, it will probably be safer to retrace your steps and try a better alternative. Do not expect intersections to be marked, I will be going through the route and will put some spray paint markings out, but these should be used in conjunction with your map to confirm where you are. Do not rely solely on route marking.

If you are a roadie and this is your first time "off road" you might never want run on tar again!

Of the 41 people who started last year's run all 41 were still living after the event, and apart from bruised egos, a twisted ankle and bad knee going into the event there were no major injuries. A few people did get lost, but in any good mountain run this is to be expected, especially if the weather is rainy and misty and it is their first time on the mountain. You have been warned, please do not sue me if something happens to you. You will need to pay for emergency / search and rescue costs.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Why am I organising a trail run?

He who forgets the humming of the bees among the heather, the cooing of the wood–pigeons in the forest, the song of birds in the woods, the rippling of rills among the rushes, and the sighing of the wind among the pines, needs not wonder if his heart forgets to sing and his soul grows heavy. A day’s breathing of fresh air upon the hills, or a few hours’ ramble in the beech woods ‘ umbrageous calm, would sweep the cobwebs out of the brain of scores of our toiling ministers who are now but half alive. A mouthful of sea air, or a stiff walk in the wind’s face, would not give grace to the soul, but it would yield oxygen to the body, which is the next best… The ferns and the rabbits, the streams and the trouts, the fir trees and the squirrels, the primroses and the violets, the farm-yard, the new–mown hay, and the fragrant hops – these are the best medicine for hypochondriacs, the surest tonics for the declining, the best refreshments for the weary. For lack of opportunity, or inclination, these great remedies are neglected, and the student becomes a self-immolated victim.

~ CH Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students ~

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Mountains of a different flavour

After spending a few days in the Drakensberg's Royal Natal National Park, I managed to put in at least one "trail run" from Mahai to Tendele. However I did not end up running that much, partly because I am a bit unfit, partly because it is very steep, partly because of altitude, but mostly because the scenery was just too good to have it flash by with your eyes scanning the trail for a potential rock or root that could do serious damage to your ankle. Either way it was a good 3o -40 minute trip from Mahai to Tendele and I managed to get this photo of the Amphitheatre.

It was great to spend some time in different mountains, these mountains have a completely different texture to the Cape Fold Mountains of the Western Cape. I never got high enough to experience the true basalt of the high berg, the round black rocks in the rivers with the white speckles are about as close as I got, but it was still good fun to enjoy the grassy slopes and I am now more convinced than ever that I need to make a plan to get to Sky Run at the end of the year.

But first up, it is the Midnight Hell Run and a delightful trip to the Swartberg!

Whatever shape or size your mountains come in, hope 2009 is injury free and that you are able to get out there and enjoy them regularly!