ASICS FrontRunner Jani du Toit ran the 10km at the second installment of the Nissan Trailseeker Trail Run Series at Buffelsdrift on the last weekend of June.
Event: Nissan Trailseeker Trail Run Series #2
Venue: Buffelsdrift
Date Held: 30 June 2019
Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 20km
I was very sad to have missed the first edition so I was super excited to take part in this race.
It was held at Buffelsdrift MTB Park. Just north of Pretoria close to Roodeplaat dam, lies this bushveld haven filled with trails made up of farm roads, cattle paths, dual tracks and strategically designed singletrack for mountain bikers and the NISSAN TrailSeeker event(s). The terrain is hard and rocky among the grasslands and boasts rivers and canals. There is wildlife on the grounds, and it’s epic spotting animals while you’re racing.
I was happy to be joined by my family at the event. When we arrived, I went to have wee and they had a gazillion toilets - I was super impressed, seriously the last thing you want to do before a race is stand in a bathroom queue forever, and being a mom, I almost never have enough time to quickly use the loo before we leave the house.
I felt nervous at the registration, but then they moved all the 10km runners to the front to speed up the process. As I walked towards the start they were counting down the last minute – I literally prepped my watch and energy sachet while I started the run. I felt adrenaline pump, which was good, because I ran past everyone fast to get to the front of the field.
My goal was to run the fastest that I could, and to be honest, I wanted to win. I wanted to know that my training and all the effort I had been putting in was paying off. So I pushed as hard as I could, at a point I was so out of breath, I didn't know if it was the adrenaline, energy gels or just sheer will that was keeping me from passing out; whatever it was, I was breathing deeply and at my limit.
*Read about Jani's favourite trail shoes, here.
The route was quite flat, with some technical bits and small inclines and descents that made for some good fun. With no intense climbing on the 10km, it was a great running route, just what I needed. It made me feel alive.
The water tables were very well stocked, but I was concentrating so hard on running fast, that I didn’t stop for a drink.
After the first 5km I tried to open the gap between myself and the other ladies, balancing a comfortable pace with pushing myself. I focussed on regaining control over my breathing, and not exhausting myself before the end. Towards the end my hamstrings started feeling stiff, but luckily I didn’t cramp. The stiffness was a new sensation (I have never had my legs feel this way before) but then also I’ve never run that hard before.
In the end I managed to hold on to first place I was very happy to take the win!
All-in-all it was a great day out and a really fun race. I loved the post-race area and vibe and, with awesome goodie bags!
Thanks so much for Nissan TrailSeeker and Advendurance for the great race! Excited for the next one – Next up is Trail Races for the Cape Town folks, see events below:
HEMEL & AARDE #3: 07 JULY 2019 | SUMARIDGE WINE ESTATE, WC
WELLINGTON #4: 18 AUGUST 2019 | BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS, WC
VAN GAALEN #5: 15 SEP 2019 | NW
See you at the next one!
