As I drove around the last bend on the way to Infinite Adventures, in the Valley of 1000 Hills, venue of Waterra OCR’s Waterra Event 1, the name of the area resonated as I witnessed the majestic view of lush green hill tops peeking out above the clouds. The sight was so awe-inspiring but the hills on the 12km Heroes for a Day route would prove to be an obstacle in their own right. The impeccably marked trail was beautifully brutal with its technical canopy-covered singletrack and snaking switchbacks and of course hills… for… days!

When I was perched on the resting point of the “Harambe” between the Cargo Net and Cliff Hanger, looking at the plethora of purple discarded DQ bands on the ground next to the obstacle, I decided that if I made this attempt, my aim would be to keep my band and go easy on the run… and that is what I did. The “Hang Man” was another close call and I managed to grab onto one of the tree grips just in time after losing my grip on the last suspended tire. The delicious Keto Sports Nutrition Fat Bomb I had with me was exactly what I needed for an extra boost for the rest of the grueling race.

Getting closer to the finish line, all I could think about was the final “Peg Board” obstacle, but having conquered so many previously failed obstacles throughout the race, mostly thanks to my terrific technique session with Trish Bahlmann and Claude Eksteen at Adventure Obstacle Training the day before, there was still a glimmer of hope that the “Peg Board” would also be a conquest. I knew that the technique session would be beneficial, but I didn’t realise it would make such a dramatic difference! I still need plenty of practice, but I guess if the strength is there, some technique tweaks are all you need!

The incredible Trish had been the only lady to make it through and I arrived after Catherine and Nedene Cahill to be the fourth and final Elite lady to reach the “Peg Board” obstacle, DQ band intact. Even though the “Peg Board” took my band, I felt such a sense of accomplishment realising that I had triumphed over so many obstacles that I have always struggled with. I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday and it is vital to remember to celebrate the tiny victories too!

Report Credit : Taryn Strydom and SAOCR
Photo Credits: Graham Daniel and Besnapped

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