I'm thrilled to announce that Empower Five has joined forces with leading South African race organizers! This partnership is a game-changer, supporting both organizers and athletes while contributing to our mission of empowering teachers. By collaborating with these events, we're not only inspiring new athletes but also pushing seasoned competitors to new limits.
Our inaugural partnership is with Trinity Sports, and they've challenged me to participate in their Sprint series this year. This will be a nostalgic journey as my last Sprint triathlon was over two decades ago. Let's dive into the race report and relive the adventure together!
The Trinity Sprint race series consists of two exciting events: the first at Vaal Marina (which we're about to dive into!) and the second on November 3rd at Germiston Lake. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, follow the link at the end of this blog, to learn more and register.
Now, let's unpack the Vaal Marina race and see how this thrilling event unfolded!
Vaal Marina might be a bit off the beaten path for Jo'burg and Pretoria residents, but trust me, it's worth the extra miles. This venue is a hidden gem in the South African triathlon scene. The organizers nailed it with safety in mind, the roads were pristine, and the support services were top-notch. Plus, the views were absolutely stunning.
Vaal Marina's low water levels meant a longer-than-usual transition from swim to run. As I listened to Japie's race briefing, I weighed the pros and cons of wetsuit versus skinsuit. With the heat pumps on the fritz at my local Virgin Active and my body acclimatized to cooler temperatures, I opted for the skinsuit.
The small field size was a blessing in disguise. It allowed for instant camaraderie and a more intimate racing experience. As Japie sounded the start, I harbored a fleeting dream of leading from start to finish, however, this was only 150 meters into the swim. As we ventured further from the sheltered beach, the wind picked up and the water became choppier, adding an extra layer of challenge to the swim, making sighting adn breathing interesting.
Emerging from the water in first place, I was one third of my way to making a dream come true, I made a beeline for the small transition area. This was transition 1 teh bigger of the two transitions for the day. With everything going according to plan, I quickly transitioned and embarked on the long run to reach the road and mount my bike.
The bike course was a 2-lap 25km loop that took us directly into the wind for the first leg. This headwind obstacle would repeat twice, while the rest of the loop offered some awesome respite from the wind., and as it weaved through the little community of Vaal Marina, the roads were fantastic and cars a scarcity. At this point, I realized a dream was within reach: leading the race from start to finish. But I knew this was a training opportunity and not a chance to rest on my laurels. I pushed my heart rate to the limit, battling both the wind and the infamous hill we had to conquer twice.
As a non-time-trial triathlon, drafting was allowed, so I'd planned to conserve energy by riding in a pack. However, leading the race meant sacrificing the benefits of drafting. This was a bittersweet realization, but it didn't deter me from giving it my all.
Before I knew it, two laps were in the bag. The wind had tested my endurance, the hills had challenged my strength, and the solitude of leading had pushed me to my limits.
Transition 2 was a blur of speed and efficiency. In less than a minute, I was out and running, facing the infamous hill once again.
The 5km out-and-back was a battle against the wind, with a few undulating sections thrown in for good measure. At this point, victory was within reach. I wanted to finish strong, leave nothing on the table. But as I analyzed my race data, I began to wonder if something was amiss. My coach, Mike, raised a valid concern about my heart rate levels in our post race debrief. According to my Garmin, my average heart rate during the run was 197, with a maximum of 206 – a sign that I might have pushed myself to the brink.
Cruising down the hill towards the finish line was a euphoric moment. It was a tough race, a reminder of why I hadn't tackled a Sprint triathlon in over two decades. But it was also a testament to my endurance and determination and definitely something I needed to remind me what was needed for what is going to be a very competitive 4th Race in the EMPOWER 5 Challenge in Tangier Morroco on the 27th of October. I am hoping I have not undone all the hard work Danielle has done, with fixing my muscles and joints preparing for Tangier, that might be separate Story!
To all the athletes that took part, THANK YOU for making the effort to be there, thank you to your supporters and well done on competing and succeeding!
As the Tanzanian proverb goes, "Little by little, a little becomes a lot." This race was more than just a competition; it was a stepping stone towards bigger goals. Representing Empower 5 and supporting Japie's efforts to bring accessible triathlon to South Africa were key motivations. It was also a much-needed reminder of the challenges and joys of racing after a break since Rwanda.
While winning is always gratifying, the true victory lies in pushing my limits, seeing how my body responds to training, and feeling the unwavering support of my coach (Mike), sports therapist (Danielle), and family (Candice, Brennan & Tayla). Their encouragement fuels my determination, even if it means waking up at ungodly hours and enduring my grumpiness during tough training days.
Empower 5 is about making a difference, one step at a time. Thank you to those individuals and companies that have decided to join the challenge, they are empowering teachers and, ultimately, our nation's youth. Let's continue this momentum, spreading the message and inspiring more individuals to take part.
So, whether you're a seasoned triathlete or considering your first race, join us at the Trinity Sprint race in Germiston on November 3rd. Let's create a ripple effect of empowerment and inspiration together.
To find out more information about the Trinity Sprint Series go to: https://trinitysports.co.za/sprint-triathlon-series/
To find out more about Mike and his coaching go to: https://www.instagram.com/mikeking9315/
To find out more about Danielle and her sports therapy go to: https://g.co/kgs/vSndnrZ or you can call Danielle on 065 582 2871
To find out more about the Empower 5 Challenge and how you can get involved, go to: https://www.techtacademy.com/empower5
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