Arranging a trip in a day


Normally it takes a few weeks or even months to arrange everything for a trip overseas. This includes accommodation, travelling, visa and all other. But we managed to co-ordinate all in a day and then wait 5 days for the visa.

I was told on Wednesday morning that I have to race in Switzerland 10 days later and I need to organize everything. It took a team effort to get everything that I needed in one place, my passport and all of my documents were at home and I was in. This meant that someone had to bring the stuff to me and I have to organize letters from the University to give me permission race in Europe. Unbelievably, the following morning Lindsey and I applied for my visa, the Swiss Embassy accepted everything I could obtain it in 5 working days. This means I’ll receive my visa Wednesday morning and will depart for Lausanne later the afternoon.

This was only possible with the help of my support system. Thanks to my Dad, Mom, brother, coach Lindsey, Stef at te TSA office, Nicola, team members and the helpful lady at the Swiss Embassy for arranging everything ready on time.

I appreciate your kindness.

Bela Bela 5150


It was time after a long spell of no racing to get back into things at the first 5150 on South-African soil. The conditions was hot, because we only started at 12 noon. The race was held in Bela Bela (formerly Warmbaths) and I always liked hot conditions. I was feeling very positive about the race, because it was a non-drafting race and normally, I am pretty good at it.
Breakfast
I did my normal pre-race warm-up and was ready to go. We were quite a small group – only the pro’s and elite age group athletes - so the swim wouldn’t be such a huge fight. We started and immediately Jeff went out in front and no one could follow him. In the 2nd bunch it was Erhard, Wian, Lucie, and I - we kept a good pace and I was feeling good. At that stage I thought it was going to be a good race. After the swim we rushed to transition on the bikes and out of the Forever Resort we went.
On the way to T1
It was a 2 lap cycle and after the first lap I was still feeling very good. But then the 2nd lap started and my legs decided to go on holiday and abandon me on the race. I was suffering on the bike and everyone came flying past me.

Then, I knew the run was going to be a fight for survival. On the run I was struggling a lot, my legs didn’t want to move and my lungs was on fire. I shuffled the 10km to the finish. 
The suffering
After the race I was quite disappointed but then I looked back on it and saw I had a really good swim and a first lap cycle. It is still a privilege to be in good health and be able to race. It was a very fun race and I will be back next year. That evening we were spoiled by the Sullwald’s with a wonderful braai.