| | TRAIL Mail #19: Fri 22 May 2020 | Dysfunctional SA turns to exercise.
Magalies puff adders and baboons.
Don't delay, enter to win Suunto 7. | | In this issue (click the category to save scrolling): - From the Editors. Exercise therapy exploding in the suburbs.
- Photo of the week. Dodging baboons and puffadders in the Magaliesberg.
- News. UTMB cancelled (for real this time). UTD event video.
- Funny. The most controversial pun we've shared (yet).
- Trail Poll. Are the legs feeling fresh – or are the niggles niggling?
- Calendar. New virtual events and hopeful races in late June.
- Gear. Local, lekker! Enduren Nutrition Endurance Energy Drink.
- Competition. Get your entry in to win Suunto 7 smartwatch worth R8,000.
- TRAIL, print & digital. Read issue 35 online, anytime.
| | | | 1. FROM THE EDITORS
DEON: South Africa, I'm impressed!
This week I drove through Durban's Glenwood to a biokineticist appointment. There were a ton of people exercising at 7:45am. I think all that spare time has created a new generation of exercisers. An industry insider told me that Sportsmans Warehouse had bumper sales, especially of footwear, the moment lockdown allowed its doors to open.
South Africa's problems may be as dysfunctional and worrying as the next country, but I think it's safe to say we are not afraid to self-medicate with exercise.
The bio meeting went well. A big thanks to biokineticist Stephan Terblanche for his assistance. Apart from being an excellent injury-prevention speaker at our Trail Camps a few years back, he is consistently the most-recommended bio in Durban when I've spoken to friends. He assessed my big toe tendon six weeks after the surgery to reattach it, and gave me a few simple but potent exercises.
So, how are YOU doing? Hit reply and tell us.
The COVID-19 experience has affected everyone in some way. What a crazy situation. There's a sentiment that life is not fair. But since death has a 100% success rate, maybe we should accept that death is an essential passage of life. I think fear of COVID-19 is about being unwilling to accept our mortality.
Of course, wear your mask in public, keep a respectful distance from others, practice hand hygiene. But don't forget to exercise your mind too. I'd recommend you watch or listen to this Rich Roll conversation with Dr David Katz. The summary is an opinion I'm seeing elsewhere from other sources I trust. In summary, you're highly unlikely to die (at least right now, from coronavirus).
To put things in perspective, World Health Organization data reveals that seven million people die every year from air pollution. That's 19,100 people every day... And nine out of 10 of us breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. But there's almost no media fuss or public resistance to it, is there? Some enemies kill by stealth. Others have much louder barks, but smaller bites. But they sure can cause misery in other ways.
So get out there again tomorrow morning and exercise your right to make your own intelligent decisions for a healthier and better South African society for all.
Have a fantastic Friday. Happy trails!
Deon Braun, TRAIL founder publisher | | HELOISE: Remember the start of 2020?We were all lining up goal races, thinking of what we'd be up to in autumn, winter, and spring. We couldn't possibly have seen where we were headed. Have you found a new goal? Or are you holding out for the event you had your eye on to go ahead? I have a few personal goals, new best times and strength, and will let you know if and when I reach them! I've been getting articles up on our website consistently throughout lockdown. The latest is our TRAIL 32 TrailHealth article about trail runners with type 1 diabetes. Keep them in mind when you are suffering throught the shared streets with your sweat-soaked mask on! Heloise Hunter, TRAIL associate editor | | | | Mark Easter is lucky to live on the edge of the Magaliesberg. He had to dodge puff adders and baboons during his weekend solo trail run. “The hazards make it more fun,” quipped Mark. His photo may appear in a future TRAIL print issue – and so could yours.Share your lockdown trail running #TrailTrophies on Facebook and Twitter at any time. Use that hashtag and #trailmagpix on Instagram and Twitter when you tag us. Or email us. Be sure to tell us a bit about your run for the caption. (Please note: event photographer images aren't printed.) Prefer words? Write a letter instead. Your opinions, life-changing experiences, happy and sad memories, and reflections on our sport are waiting to be shared with the community. If your letter is published, you'll receive a pair of run-specific Feetures socks. | | |
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