Training Log Archive: briangardner

Wolkberg time again! Less than optimal build up in the last 6 weeks, but I wasn't going to miss this one. Route: Start at Magoebaskloog canopy Tours, up and over Iron Crown, down past Haenertsburg and through the forests back to Stanford. Only about 60 runners, as many of them downgraded to the shorter Woodbush 25k run today. Weather was terrible - misty, rain, wind all day... It was a fast start as always. Malcolm Dunkeld, Khumbulani (local Magoebakloof guy who I'd never heard of, but flippen fast), and myself setting the pace up front. I settled into 3rd as the other two pushed the pace up the switchback climb. I caught and passed Malcolm on the grasslands before Iron Crown, but Khumbulani was gone. It was 30m visibility in the mist up there, and the wind was pumping. Quite epic conditions, just had to move forward and keep my head down. Family was cheering me on in the mist at the Haenertsbrug Cemetery, which helped the motivation a lot! Caught sight of Khumbulani across the valley at the last waterpoint (about 8k to go), and he was about 8 minutes ahead. No way I would catch him, and just hoped Malcolm was far enough behind. The last few km's hurt as always, but happy to get 2nd place, in the end only 4 mins behind. Malcolm came in 3rd, about 6 mins back. Happy with my run, but my legs really felt the effort. Nutrition was good - first time using Tailwind in the race. Time was 6 minutes slower than last year (although 2kms shorter this year), but no surprise considering the conditions on the day and lack of training leading up.

C • Well done! Epic race! 1

Been sick again for almost 2 weeks. Chest infection. Recovered properly by Tuesday, but took it easy until today. Not the best lead up to Wolkberg... On the bright side - new shoe day, Kalenji XT7. Ran up concrete track, bottom section of double-D, down gully, up Ode to Erik track and home. Nice run, felt fine again. Liked the shoes!