Mossel Bay Race Reports

A Couple of our athletes have the bragging rights since recently completed Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay , Let's hear what they had to say about the race and experience .

Athlete : Marianne De Villiers recently completed the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay lets hear what she had to say about the race .

 A challenging but rewarding experience.
I trained with Embark in Cape Town and my coach was STeve. The group training was very beneficial for both motivation and accountably and of course fun. The weekly planning kept me progressing and the What’s App groups are certainly entertaining.

Race day swim conditions were favourable, and despite being seeded towards the back, I was able to make some good progress. The preparation in the canals in my wetsuit made me feel very comfortable on race day. 

Unfortunately, I forgot all my nutrition at home, which was a major setback. Thankfully, I was able to borrow some from a fellow competitor and then used the aid stations more than I had planned for. The hilly course and strong winds added to the challenge, but living in Cape Town and riding Chappies regularly and mostly in the wind made me ready for this.

Run: The run was tough. The heat and hilly course were relentless. I had to walk most of the uphill sections and relied heavily on the water stations to stay hydrated. I did a lot of the group sessions for the hills practice, but it was till tough on the day.
The finish line and beyond crossing the finish line was a great feeling, I am totally hooked on this sport!

Overall, the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay was a fantastic experience. I'm grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself and push my limits.

            

Athlete : Christené Fourie

Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay: A Triumph of Determination

My journey to the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay was an incredible experience, made possible by the unwavering support of the Embark community and the expert guidance of Coach Tracey. As a Pretoria-based athlete, I couldn't physically join the weekday training sessions. However, the virtual community provided invaluable support and motivation. Coach Tracey's personalized coaching plans were instrumental in preparing me for the race. Embark played a pivotal role in my success, and I'm incredibly grateful for their support.

Race Day Swim: The sea swim was a new challenge for me, and I learned the hard way about the impact of currents. Starting 20 minutes late due to seeding cost me valuable time. However, the clear water conditions and the support of fellow competitors made the swim a memorable experience.

Bike: The bike course was incredibly tough, with its challenging hills and non-drafting format. A flat tire added to the adversity, but I persevered and managed to make the cutoff with 30 minutes to spare. The mental battle was as intense as the physical one, but I pushed through, leaving everything on the course.

Run: After the gruelling bike leg, the run felt like a victory lap. The scorching heat was mitigated by the efforts of the amazing volunteers, and I enjoyed every step of the 21.1km course. I opted for a solo strategy, walking the hills and running the flats.
Crossing the finish line with my family cheering me on was an unforgettable moment. The post-race celebrations were a perfect way to cap off an incredible day.

Lessons Learned: This race has taught me the importance of mental toughness and the power of perseverance. I've also learned valuable lessons about race strategy and the impact of external factors like currents and weather conditions.
I'm incredibly proud of what I've accomplished, and I'm excited to continue my triathlon journey.

                        

Athlete : Thuthuka Ngobese

The Isuzu Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay was a demanding race, but the experience was truly unforgettable. The challenging course combined with the unforgiving weather conditions pushed me to my limits.

Training with Tracey at Jozi Embark's tailored training program was instrumental in preparing me for the race. The coaches were always available to provide guidance and support, ensuring I was well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Race Day Swim: The challenging sea conditions and strong currents made for a tough swim. Despite the adversity, I persevered and completed the swim, gaining valuable experience in open-water swimming.

Bike: The bike course was incredibly challenging, with long, steep climbs and strong headwinds. The well-stocked water stations provided much-needed energy and hydration. I pushed hard on the climbs but struggled to maintain momentum on the descents due to the wind.

Run: The run course was hilly and hot, making it a true test of endurance. The support from the local community was incredible, with spectators cheering us on and providing cooling relief. I focused on pacing myself and maintaining a steady effort, ultimately achieving a personal best time.
The Finish Line and Beyond Crossing the finish line was an exhilarating moment. The post-race meal was a welcome reward after a long day of racing.

                                       

Lessons Learned This race has taught me the importance of mental toughness and adaptability. I've also learned valuable lessons about pacing myself and managing my energy levels throughout the race.
I'm incredibly grateful for the support of my coaches, family, and friends. I'm already looking forward to the next challenge.

                                          


Athlete : Lwazi Magadla

The gruelling training program from Embark prepared me for the physical and mental demands of the race.

The Embark training program was intense and required significant dedication. While the program was well-structured, it pushed me to my limits. The support and encouragement from the coaches were invaluable in helping me persevere through the toughest training sessions.

Race Day Swim: The ocean swim was a new experience for me, and the strong current made it more challenging than anticipated. Despite the difficult conditions, I managed to complete the swim and get onto the bike.

Bike: The hilly course and strong winds made the bike leg a tough one. The well-stocked water stations were a lifesaver, providing much-needed hydration and energy. I struggled with the technical sections and the long climbs, but I persevered and completed the bike leg.

Run: The run was brutal. The heat and humidity took a toll on my body, and I experienced cramps and blisters. I had to slow down and walk up the hills to manage the pain. Despite the challenges, I finished the run, fueled by the support of the crowd.
Crossing the finish line was a huge relief. I was exhausted but incredibly proud of what I had accomplished.

Lessons Learned This race has taught me the importance of mental toughness and perseverance. I've also learned valuable lessons about pacing myself and managing my energy levels, especially in challenging conditions. I'll continue to work on my bike handling skills and leg strength to improve my performance in future races