I was tagged by Molly to answer a few questions so here they are:
Do you prefer winter or summer running? Why?
I prefer winter running. Our winters in South Africa are pretty mild and I can run outside throughout the year. It does dip below zero but it is still good for running. Here in Johannesburg the winters are dry with no snow or ice and things like that. I don’t do well in the heat although I relate bad summer runs directly to my fitness level. If I’m in great shape I can get through any distance in the heat, slow but without problems.
What's been your toughest race to date?
I’ve had quite a few of those. I’ve run some races on very tough routes and things went well and then I’ve run some races on easier routes and it was all hell. If I have to say the toughest was when I felt the worst, it was the 1996 Jock of the Bushveld 54km. I nearly died there and was on two drips before I could get up again afterwards.
Running goals for 2011?
I have a few main goals for 2011 with many other races to help me reach these goals. Some of the main goals are the Odyssey Ultra, Comrades Marathon and a 100km circuit race. Maybe the SA Sky Run but I’ll see about that. I also want to have another injury free year and run 3500km (2175 miles). I'll do a post about my 2011 goals soon.
Do you have any other passions in life?
Quite a few! My 9 year old son is my life. I’m lucky to also be passionate about my work. I have a passion for trains and model trains as well. Wildlife Conservation is also very close to my heart. Then there’s gardening and photographing flowers and many more.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
In South Africa I would love to live in the Bushveld (Google it and see why) or somewhere in the Drakensberg Mountains. Overseas…probably in the USA where the best trails are! I’ll leave it to my US friends to decide where that is.
Now, I need to tag three people. I’m going with Staci (from SA), Natalia (SA ties) and Tim Wilson (SA ties).
26 comments:
I just googled Bushveld--stunning! Here's to a great 2011.
OMG "I nearly died there..."
Bushveld looks kind!
D
I've decided that I really dont' like winter running or summer running. I prefer spring running and fall running myself.
Wow, thats one thing you dont want to ever hear about a race
I like these types of post, fun to read, thanks for sharing
It seems like your climate is very much like Bay Area in CA only in reverse.
Bushveld would be hard to beat even by beauty of our area.
Great set of questions and answers! South Africa sounds like such a beautiful place to run. As for model trains, my uncle is quite an enthusiast too. This is actually his setup: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/mrht_reardon_on3
It's quite something to see! He's been building it since I was little - 35 years at least.
I could get used to a winter like that!
A man of many passions, all very interesting Johann. Looking forward to one day meeting in person.
wow--almost dying in a race. Yes, I guess that's a tough day! I could almost like winter if it were like yours.
I agree with everyone else who has said it, yikes over almost dying in a race!
I love your answer about your passions : )
loved this.
Photography & trains. Love learning more about what makes you - you and what you enjoy other than crazy long/awesome trail ultras!!
Comrades! So cool!! Can't wait to hear more about that.
While I was reading your first question (Do you prefer winter or summer running?) I thought the tempo run which I ran this afternoon: today I really enjoyed my workout and I felt good although the weather was cold and two km of the path was covered with ice. Of course, I like winter running :)
I'd like to live in Germany where there are nice towns and beautiful landscape. Germans are practical and rational. But first of all, there is a big increase of sustainable development awareness among germans.
Nice post Johann! I completely agree with your two passions which are model trains and environment.
I look forward to reading your post about your 2011 goals!
A man of many passions. I like that.
Almost dying at a race doesn't sound like to much fun, but did you back at it and exact your revenge on the course?
Love that you put injury-free miles on your agenda - Having nursed an injury for the better half of a year, as you know, I wish you only the healthiest of 2011!
Very revealing Johann!
Why doesn't it surprise me that you're into Wildlife Conservation? It seems that most things you do have a good dose of nature involved. It must keep you really well grounded.
Thank you for tagging me! Yes, I can understand wanting to live in the Drakensberg region. We have the Overberg mountains near us, and they are incredible. Nog nie n' draak nie, maar nogwels asem rowend! I like the wildlife conservation passion too - both fauna and flora. Mooi loop! Now I am off to do my tag.....
Wow, Comrades. It looks tough!
Have you done Comrades before? Is that the race that goes in opposite directions each year? Is it the one that was just in Runner's World? Bushveld is amazing.
So great to learn more about you! Pretty scarey to have to have a drip after a race!!! Love your goals for the new year - hope you make it to the states for a trail run! And love that your son is your #1!!!!
Wow, Comrades, how brilliant is that. That would be such a Buzz. The uphill or down hill ???
I googled it too. Amazing. Super cool Post Johann. I didn't know you were so passionate about trains, I'll try to post a few more for you on my Blog :-) I think you should organize a "Blogger" race in SA and we can all meet up there. Just don't invite Kovas :-)
I loved reading your lists...I like those kind of post!
Hi Johann,
This was a great post! You know how much I love learning more about my fellow bloggy peeps:) I love that you are such a great father...your son is very lucky! Holy cow to almost dying during a race! You are so hard core:) I need to do a google search and see what all the fuss is about...Hmmm, Bushveld.
Take care Johann!
Johann, I have to ask you, what kind of camera do you use? Your pictures are always amazing!!!!
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