News

Xterra Lite

23 February 2013

Article by: Tiaan Pretorius

After deciding to go under the knife, this was my 1st event back after double ankle operation and also my 1st Xterra experience.

Taking on the Xterra Lite was always going to be a challenge with all the very fast youngsters taking charge on this 400m swim, 12km mtb and a 6km trail run.

I have made use of Raynard Tissink to prepare a 4 week guided training plan so that I managed my rehabilitation according to some structured training and strengthening.

After a warm up session the Thursday before race day with Corne and Denver I have decided to try and save some time by swimming without my Orca 3.8 wetsuit, which on race day proofed to have been a VERY big mistake with the 400m being so tightly bunched and a fight for survival from the word go.

Soon the swim was over in 00:07:29 over the 400m and the race was only starting for me with my best leg being the mountain bike.

The MTB leg was the most fun I have had in such a short time with some climbing and then ending with awesome downhill single-track into T2, I have spent 00:38:10 on the mtb course and by then moved up into top 15 overall.

Leaving for the run I knew I just had to hang on as much as possible since my running progress have been really slow due to operation and 2012’s issues I have had with my ankles.

The 6km of beautiful trail running took me 00:30:31 and I only lost a few positions ending in a total time of 01:19:32, 16th overall out of the 993 athletes and also 3rd in my age category out of the 118 athletes which came as a massive surprise and the confidence was high thinking that if I could get an entry for the Xterra Full I would take it as I have to come back even if it was just for the 28km MTB route.

The most special part about this day was Corne (my brother), Denver (oldest friend) and Matt (friend) joined in the challenge I set weeks in advance, who will take on the challenge in finishing their first Triathlon?

Special well done on the courage shown, wipeouts on the MTB and determination to complete a multisport event.

Also a special thanks to my support from my family and sponsors that helped me get back on my feet, sitting on the sideline for any athlete is truly hell!

32Gi, Cape Auto Centre, Power Protection Testing, Glider Eyewear and Tuna Brands.

http://tiaanpretorius.weebly.com/index.html