While I was out running (swimming or cycling)

[johncleophas]

Parkrun is the best thing since sliced bread

I’ve been running for quite a few years now and to this day I have not settled on a definitive reason as why I do it and keep doing it. 

So whenever someone asks me why I run or why they should run, my answer always end with “Go do a parkrun!”.

This morning I did my 11th Parkrun (I really want the 50 t-shirt) and it was so cool to watch runner’s, walkers, young and old and every where in between just enjoying being active. There are no medals or prizes (except for those t-shirts .. I really want one)

If you ever want to get moving again with no pressure.. Go do a Parkrun!

http://www.parkrun.co.za/

[johncleophas]

Found this little gem of a bakery that specialises in banting friendly baked goods. What a great experience chatting to Natasha Mandiringa at Freedom Bakery. Freedom Bakery can be found at 13 Main Road, Cnr Dunlop Lane, Bergvliet

[johncleophas]

Paleo hearty winter burgers

[johncleophas]

Time to rebuild

[johncleophas]

What comrades means to me

This year I am attempting to finish the ultimate human race, The Comrades Ultra Marathon.

All South Africans grow up with comrades. It is part of our shared culture. For me it was a Sunday spent in front of the TV with my grandparents. As their health was failing when I was a young child, watching comrades with them was one crystal clear happy memory I shared with them.

So now as an adult I am slowly watching my mother’s health fade. My mother recently spent a week in hospital and on one of my visits a nurse that was taking care of my mother in the evening said “I know all about your family and the marathon that’s 89km’s long”. Sadly and distressingly, my mother’s memory is so bad that she forgets conversations she had minutes before, but she remembers comrades and she remembers that this year I am taking part.

So on Sunday my mission is clear. Bring a piece of comrades home!

[johncleophas]

What comrades means to me

This year I am attempting to finish the ultimate human race, The Comrades Ultra Marathon.

All South Africans grow up with comrades. It is part of our shared culture. For me it was a Sunday spent in front of the TV with my grandparents. As their health was failing when I was a young child, watching comrades with them was one crystal clear happy memory I shared with them.

So now as an adult I am slowly watching my mother’s health fade. My mother recently spent a week in hospital and on one of my visits a nurse that was taking care of my mother in the evening said “I know all about your family and the marathon that’s 89km’s long”. Sadly and distressingly, my mother’s memory is so bad that she forgets conversations she had minutes before, but she remembers comrades and she remembers that this year I am taking part.

So on Sunday my mission is clear. Bring a piece of comrades home!

[johncleophas]

Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon race kit prepped!

Sunglasses

Club Vest

Race Numbers pinned

Nipple Tape

Arm Pocket Sleeve

Running Shorts

Race belt

Running Shoes

RaceTec Timing Chip

Injinji Socks

Garmin 910xt Watch

Fruit Jellies

4 x Hammer Gels

Tube of Perpetuem Solids

Zippy Bag to keep money and phone dry

[johncleophas]

The last days before Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 2015

I just got back from the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo and I am totally amped up. This will be my 5th year taking part in the events on Two Oceans weekend, (3 Half Marathon and 2 Ultra Marathons .. fingers crossed)

Seeing Ross Tucker, Elana Meyer and Bruce Fordyce on the same stage was definately a highlight of the expo this year.

So now all thats left do is to get as much rest as possible and wait for race day 

[johncleophas]

My first 1 mile Open Water Ocean Swim 

So my first open water 1 mile ocean swim went down at the Human Rights Day Swim in Camps Bay as part of the Freedom Swim Series.

The water was friggin freezing, someone mentioned 12 degrees celsius. A couple of who weren't wearing wetsuits were fished out of the water with hypothermia.

It was a bit scary at first being tossed around by the swell but i relaxed after a while. After that I loved every minute. I cant wait for the next one!

[johncleophas]

@PrimiWorld goes Low Carb! Well done guys! http://www.primi-world.co.za/ Adding you to my list of low carb go to places! @BantingKitchen, @KneadBakery, @Blonde_andBeard, @TheAnnexRestaur, @KauaiSA

Nice to see more restaurants making low carb more accessible .. below is a list of a few i've tried. 

@KneadBakery - Excellent pizza on a low carb base .. when its in stock though.

@TheAnnexRestaur - Great food, great views of Kalk Bay. This must be one of my favourite low carb restaurants

@Blonde_andBeard - Simple food, great value for money. Awesome breakfast spot

@BantingKitchen - Great concept but the food was terribly bland. 

@KauaiSA - Kauai now has low carb options. Everything is low fat though. 

[johncleophas]

My departure from minimalist running shoes

I’ve always enjoyed a minimalist type shoe. From being barefoot and wearing Xero Shoes

to my favorite pair of running shoes Saucony Type A6.

The Type A6 is a lot lighter and the stack height is a lot lower. This makes for a fast run. Ideal for a 5k to 21k even a fast Marathon.

So why change? Well i didn't ... not really. This year I am doing 2 ultra marathons. Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Comrades. The Type A6 is just not going to cut it.

So my choice for a long run is the Kinvara 5. 

Firstly its a very stable shoe and it feels really comfortable on the long run. However if you expecting to go fast in these then you will be disappointed. Oh yeah the stupid pro lock thing. Thats supposed to keep the shoe nice and snug on your foot and prevent the shoe sliding around on your foot. It just gave me a pain in the top of my arch. So I loosened up the laces a lot and that went away. 

So far after a few long runs in these, I will definitely hang on to these for my ultra runs but for anything shorter than a marathon, its back to the Type A6

Both pairs I bought at the best running shoe shop in cape town. The Sweat Shop. The service at the place is awesome and they go out of their way to make sure you fitted with the right pair of shoes

[johncleophas]

#summer #braai #jackrussel #littlegirl #tank (at Muizenberg)

[johncleophas]

#ball #jackrussel #jet #bigboy (at Muizenberg)

[johncleophas]

my running shows are getting cheaper and cheaper thanks to @nictam_tam @uct_essm @sportscience_sa

[johncleophas]

Say hello to my little friend.

[johncleophas]

Freezing water... so what. #getitdone

[johncleophas]

@newlands swimming pool