So being the experienced road runner I am, I decided to take on the challenge - how much different can a Trail Run be to Road Running I thought, and seeing that I only stay 2.5km from Van De Kemps Kloof, and I can causally do 10km-15km road run, I decided to just run to the race, do the 6km Trail Run and run back home... as easy as can be right... wrong!!
So I woke up @ 06:00, got done for the race and out the door I was, a nice 2.5km road run warm up to Van De Kemps Kloof and there I was, early enough to fill in my race form and scope out the surroundings. Filling in the entry form was very similar to the Road Race form, except for the terms and conditions, how you ask, well it said stuff like:
- Participants must please note that Trail Races can be potentially hazardous/dangerous
- There may be wild animals and limited access for immediate medical assistance
- Due to the heat, snakes could be encountered on the route, therefore be alert
- As a participant I understand that there is a risk of sustaining bodily injury and even death
After reading this, I thought to myself - maybe I should just jog back home, instead I went and found a nice quite place and started to pray - no jokes. In the distance I can hear the race marshal herding up the masses, so off to the start I head.
First off goes the 16km runners, followed by my 6km group of +-35 runners. And we off, know I could end here and say how nice the race was and how easy it was, but I would be lying. The first 1km was a big adjustment to me as I had to run on rock's, skip over streams of water and make constant choices as to where to place my foot next. After the 1km mark I decided to pickup the pace and off I was, eventually catching up to some of the 16km runners, only to realize the intense incline/hill that lies ahead. After walking my way to the top, it was downhill again, so away I go.
The next 3km was just me and the beautiful Van De Kemps Kloof, without another runner in sight. It was one of the best running experiences I ever had, the occasional butterfly or lizard tagging along now and then followed by the sound of chirping birds. As I found myself drawn into the nature around me I suddenly realized it been quite sometime since I last saw another runner and started wondering if I was on the right trail. This is where my trekking ability come in handy, looking at the path ahead for footprints left by other runners ahead of me until I eventually came to a stream wide enough to swim across. At this stage I was convinced I was lost and started thinking of the search and rescue team that will eventually come looking for me only to see a race Marshall standing on the other side of the stream hidden behind some bushes telling me to run through the stream. Through the stream I go with only 1km left and soaking wet shoes and socks.
The last 1km made me realize that I was made for Trail running and that lizards and butterflies make good running partners - i'm hooked!!
