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

Monday 8 August 2011

Rietvlei Farm 15km Trail Race Report

Yesterday I ran the Alberton Rietvlei Farm 15km Trail Race. I ran the race last year and enjoyed it a lot so I was keen to do it again this year even though I ran a hard 28.5km trail the day before. I wanted to get some tired legs training in so this was a great opportunity to do so.


The morning was cold with some clouds and wind. This race is close to home so my club had quite a few runners that braved the cold.


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Despite the cold weather there were a good number of runners for the 15km run. There was also a 4km run for those who didn’t feel like a longer run.


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Waiting at the start.

I was happy when we started as I knew I would warm up quickly. This was indeed the case and by the time we reached the first climb I was sweating already.


The first 2km or so is run through grass fields and then the route goes into the hills with more technical trail to negotiate.


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Through the grasslands.

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Not long before the trail becomes more technical.

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A few traffic jams early on.

I was feeling good but kept things easy as I knew my legs would feel the previous day’s long run later on. The route is not difficult but there are a few testing little climbs along the way. By the time I reached the more difficult part of the course, the sun was out and it was becoming a beautiful morning.


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Not many clouds left.

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One of the steeper climbs.

Once over this steep climb there is a steep descent as well and I tested my legs while going up and then down here. I could feel the week’s training but also that I’m getting stronger. At the bottom there is a lovely run through a small forest with lots of twists and turns. I was feeling really happy while I ran through the trees.


Into the trees…


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At the 9km mark we headed out of the trees for a loop of about 2km before we headed back towards the trees.

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Leon, one of my club mates, at 9km.

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Nice loop.

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Back into the trees.

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Stream crossing on a mountain bike bridge.

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Nearly 12km done.

At 12km we ran onto a dirt road and started the 3km run back to the finish. I was a bit tired but knew the rest of the run was nice and easy. The road took us back to the grasslands and the trail winds its way through here down to the finish.


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Onto the dirt road.

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Last little uphill.

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Lovely trail through the grass.

We crossed one more mountain bike “bridge” and then it was a short run to the finish.


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Mountain bike “bridge”.

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Finish!


I finished in 01:49:45 and was happy about how I felt.. This was the end of a 95km (59mile) week and I was tired but good.


We received a medal and a hand towel with some other goodies that my son claimed. A great, well organized race that I enjoyed very much indeed!


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Medal and hand towel.

My trail training for the mountain challenges ahead is 100% on track and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year for some awesome trail fun!


Thanks for reading and happy running!

20 comments:

ajh said...

59 miles is serious. Congrats on a good race!

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

A race that includes a run over a mountain bike bridge? Yeesh :)

Other than that, sounds like a great morning!

Michael said...

Looks like fun. I definitely want to do a trail race someday but I will have to travel. No real trails around here.

Unknown said...

looks like a beautiful trail run. good job!

A-Pi (Peter) said...

A towel with the medal, now that I could do with at the end of most of my races!

Char said...

That was a pretty big weekend - mileage wise. I love the way that your son managed to make some of your loot disappear. Mine tend to do the same.

Kate Geisen said...

I like that picture running through the bare trees. Actually, I like them all. You really have some beautiful places to run. Isn't it such a great feeling to realize you're getting stronger? Awesome...all that training is paying off. :)

HappyTrails said...

The tree lined trail is cool - odd to see for us since we have leaves when you don't! Great race report as always - have a fantastic week Johann!

Amy said...

It's so great when you're feeling everything is falling into place. You must be doing something right! I love seeing pictures of your trail races...it makes me want to get off the road and onto more trails!

Richelle said...

I like that they gave out a towel at that race. What a fantastic idea!

Congrats on a great race! It seems like they have more trail races where you are than where I am in the US (Minnesota).

Marlene said...

You are getting tons of practice running on tired legs! Great job!!

Molly said...

great mileage!!! I don't think I've ever gotten a towel at a race : )

Laura said...

Your running is just amazing.
Great job on the race!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Amazing as usual!!

Giorgio said...

That's an interesting running path over bike bridges and among trees. The first photo shows a nice running group.

You did that 15 km race as a great training! I think that you enjoyed it considering that while yu were running you took a lot of photos :) Have nice runs, Johann!

Emz said...

Amazing.
Love the medal.
Really the this...."along with other stuff my son claimed". ;]

Alyssa said...

This is one serious race! Well done!

Amy said...

Glad to hear it went so well for you - those climbs didn't look easy at all!

Dawn said...

This looks like an amazing trail! My 29k trail is coming up...I can't believe you did THAT and then ran another the next day!!! Way to run the Trails!!
Happy running:)

Staci said...

Good running Johann.
I did the race last year and loved the section among the trees and your pictures of that area are lovely. Thank you.