OAK & HOLLOW: October 2012

Etienne and I knew that our event started at 9:20 Saturday morning, so we didn't binge drink as we usually do on a Friday night, but rather stayed home and got to bed relatively early.

We woke up and realised the long wait was over, race day had finally arrived.

We got up just after 6am, got dressed, met a friend to pick up a helmet, got some coffee and it was off to the races.
We briefly made another pit stop to pump the tyres on our bikes and now, we were off to the race venue.

On route to Stellenbosch we were driving amongst fellow mtb'ers and we really got a feel for what these events are all about. As we pulled in to Eikestad Primary School we realised the magnitude of the event.
3500 cyclists take part in the beautiful race through various vineyards, which brings me to our event.

As 9:20 approached, we were ushered to the starting lines. Rather embarrassingly we realised the 15km route is for mostly kids under 10, their assisting parents and grannies.

Having said all of that, this was still my first MTB event, so I wasn't deterred by my fellow competitors.

As we pulled in right at the front, I was overwhelmed by fear and nervousness. Fear for falling, and nervous for not being able to complete this.

After entertaining us for what seemed like forever, the announcer fired the proverbial gun. We were off.

We started off well, with about 500m of tar, then it was directly onto our first incline. I found it incredibly difficult. The track was wet, muddy and filled with dips/holes you either had to dodge or brave. I didn't have shocks on my bike, which I then realised the importance of. A bike without shocks combined with a unfit rider makes for a toxic combination.

It wasn't long after that, I couldn't get my legs to continue peddling. I quickly got off the track and off my bike. I walked for rest of the hill, where I met Etienne's friendly face waiting for me at the top. He encouraged me to continue the race with him, but I was completely out of my depth.

I couldn't breathe and felt very nauseous. He stood by me for a while as I tried to catch my breath. After coming to terms with the fact that it wasn't in me to finish the race, I dramatically encouraged him to 'continue without me'.

I turned back, yep, after all the excitement, a blog post, chit chat in the office and personal sense of accomplishment (even before the race) I, in utter disappointment turned back. I couldn't complete the 15km route.

I was, and still am, very disappointed in myself. How unfit am I? After chatting to some cyclist colleagues, the nausea can definitely be attributed to my fitness level. I was also not geared correctly, like I mentioned earlier. I had no shocks, which plays a major role and I didn't know how to properly work my gears.

I can make many more excuses, but at the end of the day, I wasn't fit enough to do this. *Totes embarrassing.

This means two things - 1) start working out more, in small ways (I hate the gym) and 2) don't quit. Start training on tar, as you get stronger on tar, move onto outdoor tracks and in this way grow my fitness and build up strength to do better.

I'm not giving up - this was only a small curve ball in my pursuit to entertain at the tea time trolley.

Pre-race Registration @ Sports Science Institute - Newlands

pre-race checks

our race numbers + timing chip

Us - before my *meltdown

Die Burger MTB Experience

I've never been one for exercise. In fact, climbing the stairs at work isn't even on my daily to-do list.
I prefer the 'crash diet when needed option', but when you work for the country's biggest sporting retailer, you get cought up in tea time conversations about trail runs, mountain bike races and marathons.

Most of my colleagues are all either professional or recreational athletes. We've got the ladies top SA trail runner who works in our apparel department, a 2nd placed FINA world champion swimmer and a SA hockey player all working in various departments.
As you can imagine, it becomes difficult not to get self conscious about ones lack of exercise/recreational sport - and even though its perhaps not my thing, I can't say that for certain as I've never done anything like this.

So, in light of all of this, I decided to enter my first mountain bike race - Die Burger Mountain Bike Challenge. I even managed to convince Etienne to take part with me. We both entered the 30km option, thinking we would be strong enough to do this, but after consulting with some cycling friends like @herrielloyd we decided we might be getting ourselves into some difficulty by starting off with such a technical route.

We've now opted for the 15km and our race is tomorrow. Etienne and I are both very excited - nervous, but excited, which might also stem from the Super 15 semi-final looming tomorrow afternoon.

I'll write again post event, but until then, its padded spandex for 15km. Keep us in your thoughts.

image found here

RED

Indie AWE someness

I'm a big fan of switching off the morning news, and replacing it with MTV/VH1 or MK while I conjure up the courage to get out of bed and start the process of getting work-ready.
It was on such a morning that I saw Florence and her machine of indie awesomeness for the first time.

Lungs + the acoustic edition followed shortly after I saw the 'Dog days are Over' music video, and now recently I ~~bought~~ borrowed from my sister, her latest album, Ceremonials. I know it's been available for a while now, but I was busy listening to my Kings of Leon 'Come around Sundown' album on repeat.

This album makes me want to leave all worldly possessions and get lost. I think a forest will suffice.

Our Breed of Choice

My boyfriend's name is Etienne. We live in a two bedroom apartment in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. One day, we would like to move into a home, with a big garden, fireplace and perhaps even a pool.
We'd also like to add a little puppy to the party, and our breed of choice has to the the Bull Terrier.

Although I was quite frightened at the prospect of a bull terrier in the home, Etienne convinced me that they are absolutely adorable pets, having grown up with them his whole life.

Subsequently, I've Googled, catched a couple of 'Dog Whisperer' & Dogs 101 episodes.
You don't need more than that to convince me - the Bull Terrier is the perfect family dog.
For our dream house, one day...

Although, the ultimate companion would be a Frenchie, and her name would be Sophie. She would fit perfectly with ~~our~~ my fabulous home and the mandatory Land Rover.

For now though, I think when he comes, and he will. We'll call him Nelson.