"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Alberton Rietvlei Country Run Race Report

On Sunday I ran the Alberton Rietvlei Country Run. I think the name says it all as this was a very pleasant run and a real family event. It is a trail race but I think “Country Run” describes it much better. The race was about 14.5km and there was also a 4km fun run.

Ready to run…the kids enjoyed the 4km fun run that was also run on trails.

The weather was perfect and although it was a little cool at the start it wasn’t cold. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Waiting for the start I was a little bit worried as I ran a very tough 28.5km training run on very difficult trails on Saturday and I was wondering how my legs would feel during the race. The back to back trail runs are part of my training for the 50km in September. I wasn’t sure about the route and decided I would take the run real easy.

Waiting for the start, lovely morning.

The race started at 08:00 and there was a big field for a trail run. A lot of road runners do this race and I think it is perfect for someone that wants to get some exposure to trail running. Luckily the first few kilometers are run on a path that is fairly wide and smooth which helped a lot to spread out the runners before the single track started.

Nice path for the first few kilometers.

We zigzagged through some tall grass and the course was flat until we reached the first single trail. We went through a few patches of trees and finally got to the hills. I kept it slow but was surprised at how good I felt after Saturday’s tough run. My legs were feeling great and I was very happy about this. My training is working well. Even on the steeper climbs my legs felt good and I couldn’t feel that I trained hard the previous day.

The climbs weren’t very steep or long, just right.

The route followed a single trail with a few climbs and descents up to halfway. The trail was moderate and never very technical or steep. There was a big board to show where halfway was. It said ±7.5, so ±halfway.

One of the steeper, more technical parts of the route.

I was very surprised when I caught up to our sandal wearing runner from last week’s half marathon. Here she was…sandals and all on the trail! She said it was more fun in the sandals, but I'm not so sure...


Although we never went very high the scenery was still beautiful and the sky as blue as you’ll get.

Beautiful scenery, beautiful blue sky.

During the second half I was still feeling very good and enjoyed running through the trees and also crossing a small water duct several times. I was having a ball and pushed a bit harder towards the end.

Running next to the water duct...

…through the trees…

...and finally out in the open for a flat run to the finish.

I’m really happy with my run, but even more about my legs that are feeling 100% after my back to back trail runs that totaled 43km for the weekend.

We received a medal and some stickers with motivational messages from one of the sponsors.



This is a great race for anyone who wants to get into trail running or would just like to experience a trail run. The route is moderate and just gives you a feel of technical trail running, nothing difficult or impossible. The kids or not so fit family can enjoy the 4km fun run on trails as well. A good venue and race for the whole family.

I reached 2000km for the year while running to the finish (Yeah!), still on track for my 3000km goal for 2010 (Yeah!).

Have a great week everyone!

23 comments:

Julie said...

Hi Johann,
You had another great trail run! It did look like you had a lovely morning and I love that your kids also ran in a 4K! I need to find a good kids run for my four year old. He loves to run and wants to come with me all the time:)

Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures:) You are the guy version of me in Blogland! When I say this I mean that you take as many pictures as I do:) I think pictures add so much to a race report....especially a race report from South Africa:) Take care Johann!

Andrew Opala said...

To trigger on something Julie said, you have to carry a camera with you - as well as water and food ... where do you carry everything?

Quinton J said...

2000km!!!!!!!! That's amazing. No bloody wonder your legs felt so good. My legs feel good just reading that you've run 2000km for the year already. Congrats on a strong run. And your kids are really cute. How old are they?

abbi said...

Great report! I certainly loved all the pictures too!

Pahla said...

What a wonderful race report! Congrats on a terrific run!

ajh said...

I love the pictures. I can't imagine wearing those sandals! My chiropractor would tell her she'll be in trouble later! I get the barefoot thing but not the sandals. Like the medal too!

shannon said...

Great race report! The trail looks absolutely beautiful. Awesome race medal too!

KovasP said...

I wonder how fast you'd be if you didn't take so many photos! :) Good to hear that your legs are holding up well.

Emz said...

Your photos are always the best [and your RR's]

Awesome.

Lesley Looper said...

Another nice race report, Johann! I can see why you liked running through the trees and by the water duct! Pretty blue sky, to boot. Was this your children's first race, or have they done others?

Bethany + Ryan said...

great pix as always. the first picture with the kids is so strange for me because it's all flat behind you! its strange how i can see for miles and miles! we don't have land like that here in Massachusetts. great race report. i liked the water duct pic, cool

Char said...

Great run especially considering that long run you'd done the previous day. You seem to have no end of choice as far as trail runs go. Lucky you!

Jill said...

I can't believe sandal woman was there again - yikes! You had quite hte diversity of terrain, which I'm sure makes it that much more fun. Congrats on a great race...and very cool triangle medal!!

Molly said...

you've got your km goal in your sights!

The woman wearing the sandals....yikes, all I can think of is the blisters she must get from those!

Christina said...

That's awesome you are so far along in your goal.

The lady wearing sandals....doesn't look like fun to me.

I like the medal too...the fact it isn't round makes it cool.

Natalia said...

Baie mooi! What a great race report, and result. Congrats on the 2000km mark, and it looks like the stars have aligned in your universe.

Looking forward to reading more. cheers.

Giorgio said...

You showed us another wonderful race report Johann! I like reading your trail adventures through that special part of the world. Nice image of the kids :) And congrats for your 2000 km!

judy said...

I needed this post,it lifted my spirits!

Cathie said...

you are going to thoroughly enjoy Mt Aux, and I can't wait for your pix. My sister is doing her third one, and the views are breathtaking- wait, that might be lack of oxygen because of the high altitude! Well done on your awesome mileage!

Africanmom said...

I can't believe you've got a picture of me on your blog! You should've introduced yourself and chatted to me. I'm the lady with the sandals
This was my first trail/country run. I was expecting a few kms on dirt track and the rest on tar. But I loved the way it turned out. It was loads of fun, took me two hours but it didn't feel like an hour. I had no blisters - just dusty, dirty feet at the end. The beauty of running in my huaraches (www.invisibleshoe.com) is that I get no blisters and no black toe nails. The following day I ran the Totalsports Ladies 10km barefoot. Sadly it was because I forgottom my sandals at home :-)
I trust I will see you on the road - please say Hi!

The Boring Runner said...

LOVE the picture of the family. Glad everyone had a good time.

I have yet to do a trail race, but would love to get out there and get one done. Someday!

Scott McMurtrey said...

I love the trails. :)

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