Saturday February 23 looms ever larger, and while there is little that any runner can do to improve on specific fitness for the Discovery Surfers Challenge events, it is more one does do that can impact either positively or negatively on performance.
There are three weeks to go, and inevitably there will be nagging doubts creeping in as to “have I done enough, should I do more?” The most appropriate answer would be to tell yourself the truth about where you are and then believe in your own ability to deliver the best possible result.
Many opinions may be offered, often from folk poorly qualified to voice those opinions on the Surfers Challenge. Indeed unless a runner is completely convinced by the advice offered it would be best to pay little heed and to simply enjoy the interaction with humour.
Going into any race under trained is far superior to being overtrained, if for no other reason than that being aware of one’s limitations in an under- trained state is likely to see a runner approach the race with more caution and respect. That in turn offers a far more comfortable experience on the day.
The weather this summer has been, to put it mildly, unsettled and the recent good rains will hopefully change that.
What the rains are also capable of doing is completely changing the nature of the route in respect of the rivers, the rocks, the sand, driftwood and the like.
So while we would often, at this juncture, hone in and discuss the route in depth, it may well be somewhat premature to do so.
In reference to weather patterns, there is a theory that emanates largely from the boxing, soccer and rugby-playing fraternities that running or exercising in clothing that will encourage your body to sweat more profusely than would otherwise be the case, is a great way to go in terms of seeking weight loss and more.
In the highly humid conditions of February it is more likely to be dangerous, uncomfortable, unnecessary and result in severe overheating, loss of strength and possible collapse, to put it in layman’s terms.
It is in fact advisable to run with as little clothing on as possible, to keep the head wet and hydration under control.
Another fable that should be considered seriously is that the terrain of the traditional 17.5km Surfers will injure a runner.
It is true that the route is precarious in that there are many rocky sections. That, however, is the nature of the route and should have been prepared for in training. It is not the route, but the absence of due care from a runner that could cause injury, as indeed is the case in any race and specifically in training techniques.
If a runner feels they are not designed to run the race it may well be prudent not to do so.
For personalised running ideas contact bob@boastrunningsuccess.co.za..