RSAWEB Cape Town Triathlon by Gareth Spencer

What better way to experience my first triathlon than the 2023 RSA Web Cape Town Triathlon!

Having entered the RSA Web Cape Town Triathlon months back, I was concerned when the realization hit that it was the morning after the 2023 Rugby World Cup final! But man, am I glad I got up early that morning to participate in this fantastic event!

After some coached group training with Embark leading up to Ironman 70.3 in Mossel Bay, the RSA Web Cape Town Triathlon was on our “to do” list as preparation. The Saturday before the event was used to plan and pack all the necessary items as well as register and rest knowing that Saturday evening would be a full send in support of the BOKKE!

After all, the journey of being a triathlete is aimed to be a sustainable one which means incorporating all the training as well as maintaining and balancing a healthy social life. Being fit and doing races must never get in the way of fun times with family & friends.

It was an early start on Sunday morning however the organization of the event was one of a top tier production, with everything from registration, bike check-in, running gear check-in and start line organization running extremely smoothly. In fact, it was so smooth it reminded me of Faf De Klerk’s hair from the night before.

The race organizers had meticulously thought through every aspect of the event, allowing athletes time to enter the water before the start of the swim, to get used to the water temperature and clear the head. What better way to take care of the “babalaas” from the night before than an early morning swim in the Atlantic Ocean?

After the reassuring sight of many life guards, boats and paddle boards I knew everyone would be safe in the water. When it was time, we set off for an out-and-back loop in the Atlantic Ocean.

As soon as I had completed the swim, there were enough hands to help pull me out of the water and guide me in the direction of transition zone 1. Even if you had a really rough night before, you would still make it onto your bike.

After a quick transition, I was out on my bike heading out along beach road. With fantastic support from residents, there was never a dull moment on the bike. On a fast and flat track, it wasn’t long before I was back into transition zone 2 to switch out the bicycle for my running shoes.

Another well-oiled transition zone, similar to that of the Handré Pollard’s right boot! All athletes were able to rack their bicycles and head out swiftly and smoothly for the final discipline, the run.

With the running course leading through the Green Point Park, there was always fantastic scenery to keep the mind off the task at hand. The end was never too far out of sight and before I knew it, I was running towards the finish line with cheers from fellow Embark members and supporters.

Crossing a finish line regardless of the event, is always a fantastic feeling of achievement and it is something nobody can take away from you.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone from Embark for all the support as well as the coaches for the hard yards behind the scenes in getting all the athletes ready. A massive well done to all athletes who crossed that finish line.

If you are considering signing up for an event, big or small, just do it. If you are reading this, you are already in the right place to get the necessary support and coaching required to achieve your goal. Come and join a community which inspires, encourages, celebrates and hands out Kudos on Strava every day. The only competition is with yourself to be better than you were the day before.

It is either someday, or today. So, dare to be bold, pick an event, set a goal and get training!