TRAIL magazine

28/08/2023

Did you miss it? If you haven't read our latest newsletter (with Big News) yet, you can do so online: https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-16fb

Topics include:

Editorial. An end – and a beginning.
Health. Fibre's potent benefits. Wellness Summit.
Races. Harrismith Mountain Race. Kudu Canter.
Products. 32Gi. Brooks. Olympic. Salomon. Saucony. Triple Orange.
Training. Those lights on your smartwatch have a story to tell...
Opinion. The fuss over UTMB's sponsor: a balanced view.

24/08/2023

UTMB Sponsorship Green Rage
An opinion piece by Warren King

If you follow any trail running pages on social media you are probably already aware of the latest brouhaha surrounding UTMB, the race everybody loves to hate.

If not, a very brief summary: UTMB recently announced Dacia as its new headline sponsor.

If, like me, you had no idea who that is, Dacia is a European [Romanian, founded 1966 - Ed] carmaker that specialises in making 'environmentally friendly SUVs' (according to UK leasing company avluk.co.uk). The announcement has been met with something of a green backlash, with some corners of the trail running world expressing dissatisfaction at the 'insensitivity' of allowing a 'carbon-heavy' brand to throw money at our beloved sport.

This sentiment has been most prominently represented by an online petition (https://tinyurl.com/news-greenrunpetition-tm16) started by The Green Runners (https://tinyurl.com/news-greenrunners-tm16), a UK-based environmental running community (Facebook https://tinyurl.com/news-utmb-tm16), asking UTMB to denounce Dacia as a sponsor and signed by none other than the world’s highest profile and arguably greatest trail runner, Kilian Jornet. https://tinyurl.com/news-kiliansign-fb

The general response in the social media Town Square has been pretty overwhelmingly sceptical of the outrage, not least because Kilian himself counts Mercedes-Benz as one of his own sponsors.

Without judging any individual, especially one who has been inspirational to so many not only in his athletic ability but also in his lifestyle and positive attitude to life, it is nonetheless easy to be sceptical about this storm of self-righteous green-rage that has erupted in the trail running teacup.

No one will argue that the underlying cause is not a good one. As trail runners, we are probably closer to nature and more invested in the sanctity of our natural environment than most.

However, this crusade against the biggest, highest profile and most commercially-oriented trail event (and brand) in the world, one that annually spurs 10,000 people from every corner of the globe to jump on planes, trains, and automobiles to travel vast distances to get to the glorious Alps and probably has a bigger carbon footprint than the annual World Economic Forum talkfest in Davos*, smacks of hypocrisy.

The flip side is that it has sparked conversation on topics that we definitely should all be talking about. Notwithstanding the risk of a backlash to what may be viewed as “green extremism”, if the result is nothing more than all of us being a little more aware of the roles we have to play as individuals in our fight to protect the planet, then it is a good one.

Oh, plus we now all know who Dacia is.

* Located in the same neighbourhood as UTMB, coincidentally.

23/08/2023

Where have you run this August? Share your pic here (with a description of your adventure) and you may appear in Friday's TRAILmail newsletter.

A while back, Joani Konick captured this striking winter sunrise on 1,309m Vensterberg Peak, a popular out-and-back route (which is around 6km in total).

"It starts from the Sputnik at the top of Outeniqua Pass. It's quite tough, with lots of climbing, but rewards you with stunning 360 degree views. On a clear day, when you look through the Window, you can see as far as The Point in Mossel Bay!
"Absolutely breathtaking! It's one of the peaks in the popular 6 Peaks Challenge here in George," says Joani, who has scaled it 11 times.

21/08/2023

Ahoy trail runners of DURBAN (and everywhere)! Please give this a read and help protect our natural heritage by adding your signature to oppose potential development of three threatened grasslands.

The Everton, Kloof and Gillitts Conservancies have, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality’s Biodiversity Management Department, maintained three grasslands in the Upper Highway for over 10 years (30 years in the case of the Eskotene Grassland).

The conservancies have spent thousands of rands and thousands of hours of dedicated physical work annually converting these properties from invasive alien plant infested, derelict and degraded properties into stunning grasslands which are rich in biodiversity and of enormous benefit to residents as open green spaces.

But now this is under potential threat from a 'developer' who has ostensibly been 'donated' the land.

The Gillitts, Everton and Kloof Conservancies collectively urge all residents of Durban to sign this petition and support the protection of these and other grasslands for current and future generations.

https://tinyurl.com/planet-highwaygrass-fb

18/08/2023

There are as many reasons for running as there are runners.

For most of us, running brings both pleasure and a challenge.

Life, as they say, isn't for sissies, and they're absolutely right.

Running isn't just physical; it's a mental journey too. It's a way to flex your vasbyt muscles, so that when life's challenges roll through, you're equipped with resilience.

Yet, the human mind is a complex wonder. There are times you need a little extra help to figure things out.

That is when the insights of professionals trained in the complexities of the mind can be priceless. They can assist you in finding your path back to balance and clarity when life throws you off course.

Join us for the first Happy Minds Summit, starting on 28 August. It's FREE and over the 10 days you'll gain strategies, tips and insights from 72 trusted mental health experts, therapists and healers.

You’ll find out what you need to know to create the HAPPY MIND that will give you the HAPPY LIFE!

Save your spot at this completely free online event:
️
👉 https://tinyurl.com/happyminds23fb



(Vasbyt = Afrikaans word for tenacious, an attitude of never-give-up)

15/08/2023

HEROES! Huge gratitude from the trail running community for the work that Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape does!

Give them a follow and support their operating costs via https://www.backabuddy.co.za/sos-for-life-saving-equipment

10/08/2023

Did you miss it 'cos you haven't subscribed yet? Well, sign up today to get the next TRAILmail newsletter. https://tinyurl.com/newsletter-trailmail

You'll get two editions a month to your email inbox, full of inspiration for your trail running.

Read our latest edition online now --> https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-15fb

WHAT'S IN IT?
Editorial. Meg's film. Gauteng air! Drills for fast running.
Adventure. Night Vibes in Mother City.
Races & Places. Harrismith Mountain. Kudu Canter. WildJoburg.
Products. Salomon Shift 3. Saucony Sense 5 Martina.
Training. Running drills. Vertical bounce. Apnea squats.
Health. Air quality winter is back – what to do.
News. Meg's film. Rainbow runner. 66yo ultra winner.

09/08/2023

Wishing a special National Women's Day to all South African readers, and especially the Women of South Africa!

The day commemorates the 1956 march of approximately 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to petition against the country's pass laws that required South Africans defined as "black" under The Population Registration Act to carry an internal passport, known as a passbook, that served to maintain population segregation, control urbanisation, and manage migrant labour during the apartheid era. The first National Women's Day was celebrated on 9 August 1995. In 2006, a reenactment of the march was staged for its 50th anniversary, with many of the 1956 march veterans.

Source: Wikipedia

31/07/2023

July you BEAUTY!

How's YOUR MONTH been on the TRAIL RUNNING front?

Show and tell us and you may appear in this Friday's newsletter. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/newsletter-trailmail

A week ago, Waheeb Slarmie posted this pic of buddy Rameez Mc Kechnie looking a tad out of breath 😅 early into one of Waheeb's favourite races: the 25km Bastille Day Trail Run, organised by Energy Events.

In the distance, the rocks above the Berg River Dam reflect pure gold in the morning light.

24/07/2023

Did you miss Friday's TRAILmail newsletter? 😔

No worries. You can read it online. 👇

Topics include:

~ A SAffa Gets A Podium in Europe, And Another Sets A UK 3 Peaks FKT.

~ Night Running: A Short Horror Story To Improve Your Dark Zone Runs.

~ Products: A Healthy Sunblock, And Orange Peel-Based Household Cleaners.

Read it online https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-14-fb

20/07/2023

True to form, July has had some CHILLY days!

Did you spot any polar bears on any of your runs?

Whether you did or didn't, this is your opportunity to share your photos and tell us about them. Best goes into our next newsletter.

This inspirational Drakensberg photo is a throwback to the 2018 Runtheberg featuring Mandla Mncube (who won the race in 2015).

Mandla travelled to Alberta this month as one of the South African firefighting team. They assisted with firefighting efforts in the Canadian province.

Photo: Phonix Capture

11/07/2023

If you missed it last week, read TRAIL Mail online:

Faster Uphills, Less Effort.
Avoid Dry Cleaning Toxins.
Omega-3 To Maintain Muscle.
Investing Tips For Trail Runners.

Header photo: Joani Konick captured this striking winter sunrise on 1,309m Vensterberg Peak, a popular out-and-back route (approximately 6km in total). "It starts from the Sputnik at the top of Outeniqua Pass. It's quite tough, with lots of climbing, but rewards you with stunning 360 degree views. O...

03/07/2023

If you're sitting down, it's probably OK to look back to last month, but if not, careful on that lava rock... 😉

So, what was your highlight in June – and if not for you, a run done by a friend or an outstanding run by a trail runner you admire (anywhere in the world)?

Photo: Dodo Trail 2013
📸 Deon Braun

01/07/2023

In case you missed issue 12 of TRAIL Mail, you can read it online --> https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-12-fb

Topics include:
The Cemetery Ghost Hovers Into View...!
Deo Starts His 381-Day Run Across Africa.
Dirty Mouth, Dirty Brain? – The Link Between Oral and Brain Health.
Steve's Everesting (Again).
Saffas in Austria Part 1 & 2.
Products: Brooks Catamount 2 trail shoes and Suunto's new Vertical adventure watch. Plus more...

13/06/2023

A remarkable watch for trail runners and adventure seekers!

Just released, the Suunto Vertical is a stylish large screen adventure watch that features free outdoor offline maps, fast dual band GPS/GNSS, up to 60 days battery, and 90+ sport modes, including trail running, mountaineering, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

DC Rainmaker tested the Vertical intensively and said "Suunto has put forth a very accurate GPS watch on land, with good and clear mapping."

The5krunner says "Battery life is excessively, ridiculously, crazy long and GNSS accuracy is the best on any sports watch... ever."

The Vertical is available in four styles (with another four styles in the Vertical Titanium Solar). All styles are made in Finland using renewable energy.

The Vertical retails for R12,999 and the Vertical Titanium Solar for R17,499.

Available in South Africa from the Ultimo Group https://tinyurl.com/suunto-vertical-fb and aligned retailers.

Suunto app completes your watch experience
Plan, analyse and share your sports activities with Suunto App! Here, you can also connect to other services such as Strava for even more features.

SUUNTO APP HIGHLIGHTS

Extensive map collection
Plan and analyse your routes with help of 3D maps, heatmaps, road surface type info or avalanche terrain maps

Training zone
Find your training load, recovery metrics and progress summaries in Training zone and get guidance from AI-based Suunto coach

Workout planner
Create your own workout in Suunto app to get real-time guidance via your watch.

SuuntoPlus store
Find new sport apps for your runs and rides, connect with range of new devices and get real-time insights with guides.

Connect to partners
Take advantage of the 200+ partner apps and start racing with Strava Segments or train with Training Peaks plans.

Choose to go beyond your limits
Some people choose the average but adventurers need a tool they can trust. With the best battery life and accuracy in the market, Suunto Vertical is the perfect companion for the highest peaks and demanding valleys.

Maps you can count on
Suunto Vertical’s intuitive maps tell you all you need to know about the landscape. Contour lines, water, paths and other important landmarks are available in three different map styles. For maximum safety, all navigation features can be used in offline mode too. Never get lost exploring!

Works in offline
Free of charge maps
Route and POI navigation

Stay safe in challenging environments
With the altimeter, barometer and compass, you’ll maintain spatial awareness with ease. In demanding surroundings, this can be a lifesaver.
Storm alarm and up to date weather forecast help you stay out of harm’s way.

Weather forecast
Barometer and Altimeter. Storm, sunset, and sunrise alarms.

The most resilient battery life out there
Suunto Vertical packs a battery life that’s miles ahead of its competitors: 60 hours of exercise tracking on the most accurate GPS setting.
In daily mode, Suunto Vertical accompanies you up to 60 days without charging!

Dual-band GNSS for best accuracy
Military tested

Battery life comparison
Suunto Vertical doesn’t sacrifice accuracy for longer battery life. It communicates with all five major satellite systems via Dual Frequency an express lane for a faster, reliable signal.
The battery life comparison was conducted in training mode with the best possible accuracy settings on.

Train for your next adventures
Suunto Vertical is an excellent companion for everyday training too. From running to cycling, and swimming to cross-country-skiing, your favourite sports are sure to be found here.
Still need more? Head on over to SuuntoPlus store and customise your watch even further with apps for climbing, Cooper test and more!

90+ Sport modes
50+ sport apps via SuuntoPlus
Voice feedback via Suunto app

So what are you waiting for? Check out the Suunto Vertical today.

10/06/2023

Did you miss yesterday's TRAILmail newsletter?

Explore the benefits of nasal breathing to your overall well-being.

How skipping rope can make you a stronger, more resilient runner.

Learn about the brand-new Suunto Vertical adventure watch.

There's a shout-out to team South Africa which is in Austria for the second World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC).

And lots more trail running goodness!

Read the emailer online now https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-11

05/06/2023

It's 5 June and that means it's time to celebrate World Environment Day!

What would trail running be without the beautiful landscapes we traverse? Trail runners have a deep connection to Nature and its beauty.

Have you run at Kogelberg Nature Reserve? It's a 3,000ha trail running paradise in the Overberg district of the Western Cape.

Photo: Deon Braun

25/05/2023

2024 ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN!

Experience beautiful Karoo night skies, braai fires, condensed milk coffee, koeksisters, and EPIC running trails at Run the Karoo 2024!

Rustle your team of besties and enter quickly to get your hands on the Early Bird merchandise and the benefit of a group booking. It's great to have a few extra bubbly buddies laughing with you past a roaring surprise in the veld...

Don't forget about your support crew and Sunday plans, and remember to add the following options while you enter:
- Supporter passes
- Kiddies Meal/ Zone pass
- Sunday dinner & Live entertainment passes
- Upgraded accommodation
- Massage packages

These options on extras work on a first-come, first-served basis and run out quickly.

Event date: 9-10 March 2024
Early Bird entries close 31 July 2023

Enter at https://tinyurl.com/run-karoo24-fb

"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

https://tinyurl.com/run-karoo24-fb

15/05/2023

You ran, you saw, you LIVED.

(And you took pics...)

Now is your chance to share a photo or video from one of your favourite trail runs in the past two months.

Tell us a bit about it, and name your fellow adventurers if you had company.

Pic: Throwback to 2017 with Karine Bezuidenhout and Marzelle van der Merwe on a soul running mission in the northern Drakensberg.

08/05/2023

It SOLD OUT last year...
It's BACK for a SECOND YEAR...
NOW with a 50KM OPTION!

The TITANIC CHALLENGE Trail Run returns this September and entries are OPEN!

After last year's awesome turnout, the organisers have been hard at work to make the second edition of the Titanic Challenge Trail Run even more epic and they are Oh So Excited to share with you some exciting race updates:

Happening on 2 September in the beautiful village of Clarens, Free State, there are the hugely popular 10km, 21km, and 35km routes... but now they have added a stunning 50km route to race day for ultrarunning diehards!

This new route still includes the section through the private game farm where many runners saw plenty of wild game before it veers off onto some thrilling singletrack paths which will take you right past the other iconic rock in town - Mushroom Rock.
This is definitely one of the trail runs you'll LOVE doing this year, so do yourself a favour and book your spot NOW.

The funds raised go to the Clarens Village Conservancy who work on the preservation and protection of the conservancy.
The funds from last year's race have been put towards the building of a wheelchair-friendly path in the Clarens Nature Reserve as well as appointed another full-time ranger so that more people can experience the beauty of this stunning area which the Clarens Village Conservancy work so tirelessly to maintain at such a high standard.

"With this year's funds we aim to have the first section of the wheelchair route completed in time for the Titanic Challenge trail run as well as covering at least one ranger's salary for a full year!" says a spokesperson from the Conservancy.

Entries are OPEN and will be capped at 1,000 runners.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/titanic-chal-23 to enter now!

06/05/2023

Train Your Lungs (On Your Couch).

Trail running tests many things: How strong are your legs? How good is your coordination and reaction time? Are you able to sustain cellular energy with your nutrition plan? Are you skilled at hydration to limit dehydration?

These factors may take several kilometres to make an appearance, but BREATHING makes its presence known from the first step. And sad to say, it's the one aspect that we don't actively work at improving. We expect (and hope) running will do that.

There are many ways to improve lung capacity, but all the ones I can think of – barring one – involve either a lot of sweat or cash to buy resistance tools.

The exercise I'm thinking of has to be the easiest and quickest, and can be done on a couch, and even if you are injured.

The backstory: I have been training with the Hurricanes apnea group at Kings Park pool in Durban once a week since February, in addition to my own pool training. I am finding that apnea is making a huge difference to my cardiovascular ability during runs and open water swims.

It's an exercise you can safely do on land. You'll find it similar to Box Breathing if you've done that before. But while Box Breathing is about relaxation, this is about giving your lungs a workout and increasing your tolerance of CO2.

I find it best to do it seated on a couch, using a smartphone countdown timer and just tapping the restart button at the end of each period.

If you're new to apnea (breath-holding), start with a 30-second cycle:

5 second full inhale (through mouth)
10 second hold
10 second exhale (exhale all the air you can through your mouth. Purse your lips if needed, to stretch out the exhale to 10 seconds)
5 second hold (optional if you find holding breath with just residual lung volume uncomfortable)

If that's too easy, do a 60-second cycle instead (ie breathing in just five seconds every minute):

5 second inhale
35 second hold
10 second exhale
10 second hold

Repeat 5 – 15 times in a continuous breathe/hold/exhale/hold cycle.

Watch a YouTube demo of the above by Alexey Molchanov (world champion freediver, pictured). For 'That's Amazing! inspiration, see his phenomenal 2018 monofin world record 130m dive (13M YouTube views) and his 2021 new mark of 131m. (Click https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-08 to access the links).

This article originally appeared in TRAILmail newsletter. https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-08

Do you subscribe to the newsletter? Why not sign up? https://tinyurl.com/newsletter-trailmail

04/05/2023

Congrats to the following 16 runners selected by Athletics South Africa to race in the World championship in Innsbruck Austria from 6-10 June!

The selection race was last weekend's Ultra-trail Drakensberg, held in hot conditions.

Mbuleli Mathanga, winner of this year’s Two Oceans Half Marathon, Johardt van Heerden - multiple winner of the Otter, Whale and Cape Town Trail marathons, Siboniso Soldaka - fastest 3000m steeplechaser in the country this year and world-class internationally-based athletes, Toni McCann, Naomi Brand and Meg Mackenzie are amongst those chosen.

The full SA team:

Mountain classic 13.7km
Men - Mbuleli Mathanga, Sipho Mbanjwa, Llewellyn Groenewald, Siboniso Soldaka
Women - Bianca Tarboton, Nwabisa Mjoli, Lijan van Niekerk

Short Trail 44 km
Men - Kane Reilly, Johardt van Heerden, Jacques Du Plessis
Women - Toni McCann, Landie Greyling

Long Trail 85 km
Men - Daniel Claassen, Christian Greyling
Women - Meg Mackenzie, Naomi Brand

While South Africa has participated in both trail and mountain running championships in the past, this will be the country’s first involvement at the newly constituted combined event. Both disciplines have been formally recognised by World Athletics in recent years and the inaugural combined championship was held in Thailand last November.

“We are proud to send a team from South Africa to these championships,” said ASA President, James Moloi. “Trail running is a new discipline in the ASA fold, but we are giving this venture our full support. It is good to see that athletes from track, road and cross country contested the selection races at ultra-trail Drakensberg against more specialist trail athletes last weekend and some made the team. That can only be good for the sport of distance running in South Africa.

"We wish those athletes chosen for the team well for their best possible races in Austria.”

The athletes will compete in short and long trail races of 44km and 85km respectively, a vertical kilometre challenge and a 13,7km mountain running classic.

Athletes were selected on the basis of meeting at least one of the following criteria, that:
Athletes competed well against competitive international competition and showed an ability to compete in the last two years with an emphasis on the last nine months. This includes performances against other athletes in this bracket (competing for the same event in the team).

A strong performance at the selection race at Ultra-trail Drakensberg from athletes that had not fully met the criteria above. They were assessed on positional finish and overall time clocked.

The International Trail Running Association (ITRA), the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the International Association of Ultra Runners (IAU) and World Athletics have partnered to ensure a single high-profile event which will attract the world’s best athletes to compete for the honour of championship medals, in addition to substantial prize money.

More than 1500 athletes from 70 countries will be competing in the championship in one of the world’s most iconic alpine venues.

“Combining the ITRA, WMRA and IAU competitions into one increases the impact many times over,” said IAU president, Nadeem Khan. “The increased interest has positive economic implications and the logistical and organisational challenges are certainly more than offset by the magnitude of the event.”

Tirol Werbunglso CEO Karin Seiler said: “The landscape of Tirol is made for Mountain and Trail Running. The region has a large network of trails on the valley floor and up in the mountains where runners can look forward to fabulous views and challenging terrain.”

Official World Champs website https://tinyurl.com/world-champs-innsbruck-fb

04/05/2023

If you love your life and want to make yours even BETTER, you know it's something you have to keep working at.

One way to stay FOCUSED is to feed your mind positive things.

TRAILmail, our FREE fortnightly newsletter, is a perfect fuel for your brain.

If you missed the last one, it featured New Balance's beefy new trail shoe, a potent workout for your lungs (which you can do on your couch!), ways to moderate your blood sugar after eating, and a tribute to Namibia's first 7 Continents Mom.

Read it at https://tinyurl.com/TRAILmail-08 now.

And signup to tomorrow's newsletter via https://tinyurl.com/newsletter-trailmail

03/05/2023

EXERCISE versus NUTRITION: Which would get the win in a no-bars fight to secure a long, healthy, and happy life for you?

He's a rare combination of British Army submarine hunter turned nutritionist turned exercise scientist... and Dr Paul Taylor has answers to this incredibly important question.

A former British navy submarine hunter has science-backed advice for you to live a longer, more satisfying, and more vibrant life.

29/04/2023

Soften your impact! Get comfortable with the outdoors.

Whether you're hitting the trails for training or just to enjoy the scenery, keep your feet cool, comfortable, and cushioned in the New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3.

This trail running shoe has a synthetic/mesh construction for breathability, and a two-part Fresh Foam X midsole for exceptional comfort.

Also featuring Toe Protect technology and New Balance's highest all-terrain stack height, these shoes help keep your feet protected from debris, no matter where you roam.

If you're looking for adventure or wanting serenity in nature, the first thing you'll need is the right pair of shoes. After all, the path to all those landscape views is filled with uneven terrain, exposed roots, loose rocks, and sticks.

The Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is built to make your excursions as easy on the feet as they are on the eyes, with a cushioning-led approach to outdoor functionality.

A stacked height, dual-hardness Fresh Foam X midsole is paired with the superior grip of a Vibram™-lugged outsole, for a blend of softness and structure.

The breathable, engineered knit upper is equipped with printed, abrasion-resistant detailing, offering protection against trail debris.

FEATURES

- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers New Balance's most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. Bio-based content is made from renewable resources to help reduce carbon footprint
- Synthetic/mesh construction
- Toe Protect technology helps protect feet from rocks, roots and debris
- Two-part midsole offers durability
- Adjustable lace closure for a customised fit
- 4mm drop: due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 4mm drop are approximate
- Vibram™ Ecostep Recycle outsole is made from virgin rubber and a minimum of 30% recycled rubber
- Mass 320g
- Available in two styles
- Retail R3,199

View both styles on the newbalance.co.za site --> https://tinyurl.com/nbmorv3fb

22/04/2023

We know that trail runners celebrate Earth Day everyday... 🥰

But still, wishing a very happy Earth Day to all trail runners everywhere!