The second Xterra of the South African summer season will commence later this month – at the absolutely user friendly venue of the Albert Falls Dam, 20 minutes outside Pietermaritzburg, in Natal. If you’re a newby, or even still a fence sitting sceptic of your own ability, then you’re in the mix.
Although its the first Xterra hosted at Albert Falls Dam, I’ve raced two Jeep Msinsi multipsort events in the reserve. There arent any crazy climbs testing traction like a a cricket trying to run out a bath tub, nor any descents that will rattle your teeth and flick you over the handlebars with a cartoon like caption of “Sunday’s werent made for this”. Equally the run wont have you sitting on a rock while reminiscent of your younger days. No, Albert Falls will have you entertained and challenged and enthralled with the spirit of Xterra, without the near death survival tales for the camp fire.
With a just on four weeks of opportunistic training left to your procrastination/deligence, I’d suggest you take the boardies to away from the beach and into an outdoor pool. You’ll hold the tan, as you build to three weekly swims of 1k each. No need to pull this out the bag in week one, but if you could get to that yardage, you’ll be fine on race day.
Beg, borrow or steal a mountain bike for the month, or better yet, find a Specialized retailer, and get sized up to something entry level but comfortable. Just make the start, and smile while doing so. Your smile is more important than the bike spec for now. Join some experienced riders, the ones with an allergry for Lycra, and end every second ride at the local coffee shop. If you can comfortably enjoy a 2h ride, you’ll be fine.
And finally swap your slip-slops and sneakers for a few 30-45min blocks in some comforatble trainers a.k.a. Puma’s. If you’re anything like me – make the the 10min commute to a greenbelt where pavements are in sight, and enjoy the freshness and views. Start with a walk/jog routine, ie 1min walk, 5min jog. Something to that effect.
Without trying to downplay the challenge of an Xterra, with demands some respect, I’m attempting to shift your expectations to thoughts of possibility. “Xterra – Live More”
But thats my take, herewith the more formal need to know’s:
DUESOUTH XTERRA DEBUTS AT ALBERT FALLS DAM
Excitement is in the air as the third leg of the 2008/2009 DUESOUTH XTERRA presented by Nissan is set to debut at Albert Falls Dam nestled in the beautiful KZN Midlands. Providing the ideal multisport playground with warm water, a fast and free flowing single track and enough hills to get the heart rate pumping, participants stand a chance to get up close to free roaming rhino, giraffe, antelope, zebra, wildebeest and small game.
Featuring three disciplines, individual athletes or teams of three can tackle the full challenge of the XTERRA, consisting of a 1.5km swim, 30km mountain bike and 10km trail run. Although the XTERRA Lite consists of shorter distances than the full XTERRA, athletes will still be faced with a pleasant challenge and will need to complete a 400m swim, 12km mountain bike and 5km trail run.
DATE: Sunday, 29 March 2009
VENUE: Albert Falls Dam, KZN
COST: DUESOUTH XTERRA: R260 per individual and R360 per team
(male/female/mixed)
DUESOUTH XTERRA Lite: R130 per individual and R180 per team (male/female/mixed)
START: DUESOUTH XTERRA Lite: 08h00
DUESOUTH XTERRA: 10h00
Registration will take place on the day (at the venue) from 07h00 to 09h30. Late entries will also be accepted, however, a late entry fee will apply.
Runners wanting to be part of the action, but that are not yet ready for the excitement of the XTERRA, can choose between the XDURO 5km or 10km Trailrun. Entry fees are R30 and R60 respectively. Registration will be from 05h30 to 06h30 on race day, while the race will start at 07h00. Enter early via the website or on the day.
Junior XTERRA supporters can now join in the fun with two XTERRA kids events set-aside especially for them. Age groupers 6 – 8 years can enjoy a fun 700m mountain-bike ride, 300m run and a wade in the water, while 8 -10 year-olds can enjoy an exciting 1.5km mountain-bike ride, a 400m run as well as a short swim. Entry fee is R20, entries will be taken on the day and all XTERRA kids will receive a medal. The XTERRA kids events will start at 13h00.
Located just 15 minutes from Pietermaritzburg, the dam offers chalets and camping facilities right on the water’s edge. The venue is ideal for spectators, family and friends, who want to be part of the XTERRA experience with many viewpoints along the route.
For more information on the DUESOUTH XTERRA presented by Nissan please contact Stillwater Sport and Entertainment on: (021) 883 – 2413 or visit www.stillwatersports.com.
