Howdy from Johannesburg!
Am (hopefully) leaving for the airport soon - flew into Lanseria airport yesterday morning and had the hardest landing EVER, the plane actually BOUNCED!
Tough day at work yesterday and was in quite a down mood - first in a long, long time.
Today's been a little better, added quite a bit of value at the client and got to a couple of other things as well, but unfortunately NO training today and tomorrow - only going to get home at 11 tonight :(
Hopefully can do something tomorrow!!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
News from Nepal
Made it through the last biggish weekend of training, again it seemed to be a bit of an effort - had a bit of a tummy bug still over the weekend, but managed pretty much everything.
Was quite excited on Friday though, I got email from Racing The Planet regarding Nepal and the first bit of info that they are releasing.
Check it out.
Several from the management team recently returned from Nepal where a final review of the course and logistics was completed. We were together with our local course manager, Karma Sherpa, who has summited Mount Everest three times - you can read an interview with Karma Sherpa here. The course is spectacular winding through small Nepalese villages, alongside stunning rivers and steep hillsides, all in the shadow of the world's highest peaks.
Below are some notes on various aspects of the course, advice for your training and preparation, and some recommended equipment.
Altitude
The course is not planned to exceed 3,200 meters / 10,500 feet above sea level at any time; however, there are many climbs and descents. One campsite will be at 3,200 meters / 10,500 feet. The course will start and finish very close to Pokhara, which is only 800 - 1,000 meters / 2,600 - 3,200 feet above sea level (lower than Kathmandu), and the lowest part of the course.
Temperatures
Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the region of 20-30°C / 68-86°F. At night it will regularly go below 5°C / 41°F and could get as low as -5°C / 23°F (although 0°C / 32°F is what we expect). While the daytime temperatures are not too high, do not forget that the risk of sunburn at altitude is still a concern. Be sure that your sunscreen and sunglasses provide suitable protection from UV rays. We also recommend that cover your skin with a long sleeved top and have your neck covered (e.g., legionnaire cap or a Buff in conjunction with your cap). Your clothing should, where possible, have UV protection included.
Terrain
The terrain is varied with narrow paths, steep steps, slopes, grassy areas and jeep tracks. Much of it is up and downhill but there are a few flat sections which are run-able. You will be crossing many rivers on suspension bridges that are characteristic of Nepal - these can sometimes be located high above the ground (one, in particular, is 250 meters / 820 feet long and 150 meters / 490 feet above the valley below). The footpaths going up and down the mountains are generally made by the local people - they can be uneven, shallow (i.e. only a small area to put your foot) and slippery.
Training Tips
If you have not started to prepare already, we recommend that you do so soon. It is suggested that you carry as little extra weight as possible, either in your pack or on you, to help with the hills. We also suggest that you include, if you have not already, hill training and steps into your training plan.
Training Camps
RacingThePlanet, The Outdoor Store, offers training camps and personalised training plans specifically designed to prepare competitors for RacingThePlanet events. The next training camps will take place on 16-17 April 2011 and 21-22 May 2011 in Hong Kong. You can sign up for the training camps or purchase individualised online training packages through The Outdoor Store. We will also likely be offering a training camp in the United Kingdom later in the summer.
Equipment to Consider Specifically for this Course
Compression Tights / Socks - the large amount of time spent going up and down hills will take its toll on your calves and thighs. Compression garments can help to minimise muscle fatigue. Read our expert article on compression garments to understand more how these can help, including the ways in which compression can reduce the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). There is a wide range of compression garments to choose from, including the brands CWX, Skins, 2XU and Zensah.
Trail Shoes with a good grip - slippery surfaces on steps and other parts of the course mean that a shoe with good grip is important. Trail shoes are recommended with Gore-Tex or non-Gore-Tex. Montrail and Innov8 both have models with good grip, such as the Mountain Masochist.
Powerful Head Torch - when on the course in the dark, it is very important that you have a strong head torch with new batteries. This is even more important than at a 4 Deserts event as the course can be difficult to navigate in the dark. Suggested head torches include Petzl Tikka Plus and Princeton Tec EOS. Smaller head torches, such as the E-Petzl, are not suitable.
Waterproof Bag - while rain is not expected during the event, the course is located in a region that does receive rain and snow melt -- anything can happen, and the last thing you want is a wet sleeping bag. It is not compulsory, but we do suggest bringing a waterproof bag. There are options for very lightweight bags, such as the Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack or Outdoor Research Durable Dry Sack.
Warm Hat - temperatures are expected to get as low as 0°C / 32°F at night, in particular at the higher altitude campsites. It is important that you bring a warm hat (a fleece hat is recommended) in addition to the cap you will wear for sun protection during the day. Note that a Buff cannot serve as a replacement for a warm hat. Some examples of warm hats include Icebreaker Pocket 200 and Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome.
Was quite excited on Friday though, I got email from Racing The Planet regarding Nepal and the first bit of info that they are releasing.
Check it out.
Several from the management team recently returned from Nepal where a final review of the course and logistics was completed. We were together with our local course manager, Karma Sherpa, who has summited Mount Everest three times - you can read an interview with Karma Sherpa here. The course is spectacular winding through small Nepalese villages, alongside stunning rivers and steep hillsides, all in the shadow of the world's highest peaks.
Below are some notes on various aspects of the course, advice for your training and preparation, and some recommended equipment.
Altitude
The course is not planned to exceed 3,200 meters / 10,500 feet above sea level at any time; however, there are many climbs and descents. One campsite will be at 3,200 meters / 10,500 feet. The course will start and finish very close to Pokhara, which is only 800 - 1,000 meters / 2,600 - 3,200 feet above sea level (lower than Kathmandu), and the lowest part of the course.
Temperatures
Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the region of 20-30°C / 68-86°F. At night it will regularly go below 5°C / 41°F and could get as low as -5°C / 23°F (although 0°C / 32°F is what we expect). While the daytime temperatures are not too high, do not forget that the risk of sunburn at altitude is still a concern. Be sure that your sunscreen and sunglasses provide suitable protection from UV rays. We also recommend that cover your skin with a long sleeved top and have your neck covered (e.g., legionnaire cap or a Buff in conjunction with your cap). Your clothing should, where possible, have UV protection included.
Terrain
The terrain is varied with narrow paths, steep steps, slopes, grassy areas and jeep tracks. Much of it is up and downhill but there are a few flat sections which are run-able. You will be crossing many rivers on suspension bridges that are characteristic of Nepal - these can sometimes be located high above the ground (one, in particular, is 250 meters / 820 feet long and 150 meters / 490 feet above the valley below). The footpaths going up and down the mountains are generally made by the local people - they can be uneven, shallow (i.e. only a small area to put your foot) and slippery.
Training Tips
If you have not started to prepare already, we recommend that you do so soon. It is suggested that you carry as little extra weight as possible, either in your pack or on you, to help with the hills. We also suggest that you include, if you have not already, hill training and steps into your training plan.
Training Camps
RacingThePlanet, The Outdoor Store, offers training camps and personalised training plans specifically designed to prepare competitors for RacingThePlanet events. The next training camps will take place on 16-17 April 2011 and 21-22 May 2011 in Hong Kong. You can sign up for the training camps or purchase individualised online training packages through The Outdoor Store. We will also likely be offering a training camp in the United Kingdom later in the summer.
Equipment to Consider Specifically for this Course
Compression Tights / Socks - the large amount of time spent going up and down hills will take its toll on your calves and thighs. Compression garments can help to minimise muscle fatigue. Read our expert article on compression garments to understand more how these can help, including the ways in which compression can reduce the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). There is a wide range of compression garments to choose from, including the brands CWX, Skins, 2XU and Zensah.
Trail Shoes with a good grip - slippery surfaces on steps and other parts of the course mean that a shoe with good grip is important. Trail shoes are recommended with Gore-Tex or non-Gore-Tex. Montrail and Innov8 both have models with good grip, such as the Mountain Masochist.
Powerful Head Torch - when on the course in the dark, it is very important that you have a strong head torch with new batteries. This is even more important than at a 4 Deserts event as the course can be difficult to navigate in the dark. Suggested head torches include Petzl Tikka Plus and Princeton Tec EOS. Smaller head torches, such as the E-Petzl, are not suitable.
Waterproof Bag - while rain is not expected during the event, the course is located in a region that does receive rain and snow melt -- anything can happen, and the last thing you want is a wet sleeping bag. It is not compulsory, but we do suggest bringing a waterproof bag. There are options for very lightweight bags, such as the Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack or Outdoor Research Durable Dry Sack.
Warm Hat - temperatures are expected to get as low as 0°C / 32°F at night, in particular at the higher altitude campsites. It is important that you bring a warm hat (a fleece hat is recommended) in addition to the cap you will wear for sun protection during the day. Note that a Buff cannot serve as a replacement for a warm hat. Some examples of warm hats include Icebreaker Pocket 200 and Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Namib challenge
Incidentally the Namib challenge starts this weekend!
Good luck to Linda, Kris & Jonathan - and to all the participants!!!!
Good luck to Linda, Kris & Jonathan - and to all the participants!!!!
I am sooooo busted
It was with great shock to see when last I blogged.
Ooops.
Ok, to brief it, I've been working my ass off in the ass end of the world (in Worcestor of all places) on a new project for a new client. It's been a tough go of it prohect wise, and just when I was finally starting to see the light, we finsihed one project and jumped straight into the next, but at least business is good :)
I've been trying hard to fit my training in around this, sometimes more successful than others, but last week ended up being a bit of a disaster, after not training for three or four days, I came down ith a hectic stomach bug that had me absolutely floored. I was supposed to do the West Coast marathon, and made the executive decision to just CHILL and do my own thing without answering to anyone or a program.
It turned into quite a nice training weekend after all of it, I jumped on my bike - and believe it or not - but manage to go down most of the hills with only touching brakes about 15 to 19 times - hahahaha well not quite that bad, but anyone who has ridden with me knows that I have always been a bad at the downs, and since my accident I have just been plain SHIT, but I think I moved back to just plain bad on the bike on Saturday. Not to say that I wasnt stuffed after, and my tummy wasn't great, but managed a longish run on Sunday and even an open water swim.
Tail between my legs, I sent mail to Ian on Monday morning, it must have been a bit of telepathy, 'cos my mail left just as his "Where are you, what have you been doing, have you fallen off the face of the Earth" email came through.
Expecting the worse (hey, this is me after all!?!) he actually said that I probably did the right thing and not to try and play catch up with the training, so back to scheduled programming this week and entering the taper phase. (Gulp)
Time to start planning food, kit, clothes, etc - have a couple of ideas.
This weekend, I wasnt to use to test my bike stuff out to make a decision what wheels to ride with.
Anyway, hopefully I can get my shit together to blog more often, will try not to be so bad and take sooooo long.
Till then
me
Ooops.
Ok, to brief it, I've been working my ass off in the ass end of the world (in Worcestor of all places) on a new project for a new client. It's been a tough go of it prohect wise, and just when I was finally starting to see the light, we finsihed one project and jumped straight into the next, but at least business is good :)
I've been trying hard to fit my training in around this, sometimes more successful than others, but last week ended up being a bit of a disaster, after not training for three or four days, I came down ith a hectic stomach bug that had me absolutely floored. I was supposed to do the West Coast marathon, and made the executive decision to just CHILL and do my own thing without answering to anyone or a program.
It turned into quite a nice training weekend after all of it, I jumped on my bike - and believe it or not - but manage to go down most of the hills with only touching brakes about 15 to 19 times - hahahaha well not quite that bad, but anyone who has ridden with me knows that I have always been a bad at the downs, and since my accident I have just been plain SHIT, but I think I moved back to just plain bad on the bike on Saturday. Not to say that I wasnt stuffed after, and my tummy wasn't great, but managed a longish run on Sunday and even an open water swim.
Tail between my legs, I sent mail to Ian on Monday morning, it must have been a bit of telepathy, 'cos my mail left just as his "Where are you, what have you been doing, have you fallen off the face of the Earth" email came through.
Expecting the worse (hey, this is me after all!?!) he actually said that I probably did the right thing and not to try and play catch up with the training, so back to scheduled programming this week and entering the taper phase. (Gulp)
Time to start planning food, kit, clothes, etc - have a couple of ideas.
This weekend, I wasnt to use to test my bike stuff out to make a decision what wheels to ride with.
Anyway, hopefully I can get my shit together to blog more often, will try not to be so bad and take sooooo long.
Till then
me
Monday, March 7, 2011
News from Atacama
Just a quick update from the Atacama crossing in Chile, looks like Angelique Tostee is kicking some ass out there!!!!!
13:15, Monday, 7 March 2011, Stage 2: At 12:40, 69 were through CP2. The latest to arrive included Ben Aldous of Australia and Seranica Williamson of Canada who came in together, and May Okabe of Japan who was smiling as always and paused just long enough to fill her water bottles. Just through CP3, the two top ladies, Nahila Hernandez of Mexico and Sophie Collett of the UK. Still in third place for the women is Tostee Angelique of South Africa.
13:15, Monday, 7 March 2011, Stage 2: At 12:40, 69 were through CP2. The latest to arrive included Ben Aldous of Australia and Seranica Williamson of Canada who came in together, and May Okabe of Japan who was smiling as always and paused just long enough to fill her water bottles. Just through CP3, the two top ladies, Nahila Hernandez of Mexico and Sophie Collett of the UK. Still in third place for the women is Tostee Angelique of South Africa.
Dishclothes and Wiers
I think everyone has to have at least one session when you think the world is going to cave it - I think it's like food for the soul on race day and you feel really crap and you think back to THAT session when you just felt rotten.
Well Saturday was it for me.
From the time we left I just KNEW this was going to be a tough day and it got tougher. I couldn't keep up with the group from about the third kilometer and I got horribly dropped. Anyway, decided to just stick it out and see what happens.
What happened was that it got worse hahaha, but I stuck it out - going a little shorter than what I intended, but it was a choice of either shorter or bailing and I do NOT quit.
Thinking of it now, even feeling bad and tailing after the main pack on Saturday, I was still moving at a respectable pace (I'd like to think....)
I basically crashed for the rest of Saturday, I almost felt like I was getting sick, and to be honest I was a bit worried about Sunday's session if I felt that bad. Anyway, Sunday rolled around and I must admit I had totally wooden legs and was very tired, but didn't have that feeling like saturday where there is not NOTHING inside.
Did a decent bike - the roads were PACKED with guys training for the Argus - and a solid run.
Was a good group of people to do it with as well, so am very happy that I made the weekend intact :)
Well Saturday was it for me.
From the time we left I just KNEW this was going to be a tough day and it got tougher. I couldn't keep up with the group from about the third kilometer and I got horribly dropped. Anyway, decided to just stick it out and see what happens.
What happened was that it got worse hahaha, but I stuck it out - going a little shorter than what I intended, but it was a choice of either shorter or bailing and I do NOT quit.
Thinking of it now, even feeling bad and tailing after the main pack on Saturday, I was still moving at a respectable pace (I'd like to think....)
I basically crashed for the rest of Saturday, I almost felt like I was getting sick, and to be honest I was a bit worried about Sunday's session if I felt that bad. Anyway, Sunday rolled around and I must admit I had totally wooden legs and was very tired, but didn't have that feeling like saturday where there is not NOTHING inside.
Did a decent bike - the roads were PACKED with guys training for the Argus - and a solid run.
Was a good group of people to do it with as well, so am very happy that I made the weekend intact :)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Hot Hot Hot
The week so far has been interesting - I've been busy at work - even managed to do my first month end on my own.
The training has been successful - sort of - have not reached the proper distances as per program on some of the sessions, but doing the best I can under the circumstances.
The weather in the first couple of days has been Cape Town summer - Tuesday especially was 42 degrees when I left my client in Worcestor to race back to do my long run - Tuesday was a bit of stress bunny day - when you've got a commitment after work and you watching the clock knowing its a two hour drive back home. Anyway, done and dusted and looking forward to the weekend now.
On an amusing note though - and here's where a little back story comes into play - I have two messed up shoulders, one where the collar bone points freakishly skyward and another that I hurt as a combination of my neck injuries in my bike accident and a trip down the Zambezi (don't ask) anyway, I can't really do backstroke in the pool as my arms don't bend backwards without a clicking, grinding sound that I could seriously do without, so I just do crawl when we have to do backstroke at squad - btw I actually suck at all other strokes except crawl, I learnt to swim very late in life - but last night I attempted to do butterfly.
Well I got two strokes in when my right shoulder clicked out AND my neck went into spasm, and I am waiting for it to loosen up a bit so I can click it back into place.
All this exercise is particularly bad for one's health hahhaah
The training has been successful - sort of - have not reached the proper distances as per program on some of the sessions, but doing the best I can under the circumstances.
The weather in the first couple of days has been Cape Town summer - Tuesday especially was 42 degrees when I left my client in Worcestor to race back to do my long run - Tuesday was a bit of stress bunny day - when you've got a commitment after work and you watching the clock knowing its a two hour drive back home. Anyway, done and dusted and looking forward to the weekend now.
On an amusing note though - and here's where a little back story comes into play - I have two messed up shoulders, one where the collar bone points freakishly skyward and another that I hurt as a combination of my neck injuries in my bike accident and a trip down the Zambezi (don't ask) anyway, I can't really do backstroke in the pool as my arms don't bend backwards without a clicking, grinding sound that I could seriously do without, so I just do crawl when we have to do backstroke at squad - btw I actually suck at all other strokes except crawl, I learnt to swim very late in life - but last night I attempted to do butterfly.
Well I got two strokes in when my right shoulder clicked out AND my neck went into spasm, and I am waiting for it to loosen up a bit so I can click it back into place.
All this exercise is particularly bad for one's health hahhaah
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