German Pro, Till Schramm, to donate R25 000 to SA Triathlon Development

Top German pro triathlete, Till Schramm, is heading to Port Elizabeth, SA, to take on the world’s toughest sportsmen in the Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship -- and to donate
R25 000 to triathlon development in SA.

Schramm is sponsored by Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo which is donating R25 000 (R1 000 per development team member) to the South African Triathlon Development programme. In addition, he has entered IRONMAN on March 29 on a charity ticket which includes a donation of R13 000 to the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust that assists destitute children.

Schramm will hand over the R25 000 donation in PE on March 25, and will host a short training run
with some development athletes afterwards. He will visit the Khayalethu Children’s Home -- which
will benefit from his charity entry – on Thursday 26 March.

“Contributing in this way is important for me and Alpecin because we believe in giving back to the sport and society where we are able to,” said Schramm.

Paul Wolff, South African Triathlon Development Manager and IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Trustee said: “We see IRONMAN as so much more than just a race. It’s an example of overcoming odds and offers a positive message not only to athletes but also the communities that the event touches.  It is encouraging to see professional athletes giving something back to the sport by playing an active role in its development as well as supporting worthy initiatives.”

Schramm, 29, from Cologne, Germany, is based in Dubai and, come March 29, faces stiff competition from around 70 other pros in his debut Standard Bank IRONMAN African Championship. He will be among a field of 2 100 of the world’s toughest, vying for a total prize purse of US$150 000 and world championship qualifying points.

Pressed on his race goal, Schramm says: “I hate the pressure that goes with predictions, but my aim is a top five finish.”

Schramm is in good shape, having notched up several podium finishes recently. “I finished second in the Dubai International in November 2014, achieving the fastest run-split behind Slovenia’s David Plese. Since then I have won a few smaller races this year and feel ready for Africa."

PMB MTB Festival’s marathons clear early season cobwebs

The Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival’s brand new 50km Classic, 20km Ride and 10km Fun Ride events at Cascades MTB Park on Sunday 5 April are set to kick start the world famous KwaZulu-Natal mountain biking winter season, giving riders a chance to test themselves on the course that hosted the UCI MTB Marathon World Champs last year.

With the crowd-pulling favourites like the Sappi Karkloof Classic, Nedbank sani2c and BSi Steel dusi2c as well as the popular Quattro ROAG Series' remaining eight legs all drawing near, the 50km and 20km events represent a golden chance to clear away the cobwebs for many.


Participants of the 50km Classic, 20km Ride and 10km Fun Ride events that take place at the Pietermaritzburg Mountain Bike Festival on Sunday 5 April can expect courses of immense beauty and vast mountain biking variety. Darren Goddard/Gameplan Media

“More and more people are feeling the pinch of the current economic times and going away on holiday during the Easter period appears to be less and less common these days,” says event director Alec Lenferna.

“Many MTB lovers will be looking for recreational opportunities during the Easter long weekend and mountain bikers will be hard pressed to find an excuse not to be part of the Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival!”



Few visitors to the province are expected to pass up the rare opportunity to tackle a top class race outside of their regular riding circles.

“Many of those likely to be heading down from Gauteng and surrounds – looking to take advantage of the extra-long holiday weekend – are avid cyclists as well.

“We are therefore looking forward to welcoming all those from up-country to Cascades this Easter, especially for Sunday’s 50km, 20km and 10km events!” said Lenferna.

The three-day mountain biking fiesta’s full schedule offers riders the chance to both participate in one or more of the wealth of events across the variety of disciplines and/or watch some of the top local and international stars in action.

“The Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival’s programme includes events for all ages and abilities across all major mountain biking disciplines so there is something suitable for and of interest to everyone,” said Lenferna

“We expect Sunday’s mass participation events to be very popular as the courses have been designed with the area’s extensive natural beauty and uniquely African experiences in mind.”



Amateur and social riders alike can look forward to a challenging yet manageable outing while the 50km Classic course’s inclusion of much of the routes used for last year’s UCI MTB Marathon World Championships and Rainbow Challenge offers beauty and MTB variety of international appeal.

Riders start by contouring their way out of Cascades’ forests and heading for Albert Falls Dam before a trip through the Edmonds’ Farm brings them to the uniquely African cycling experience of a journey through Mt Verde’s game reserve.

The day’s one and only tough climb out of the valley and up to Otto’s Bluff will get the heart beating and blood pumping however the extra bead of sweat is soon justified as at the top, cyclists are treated to the breath-taking views of Albert Falls Dam, Karkloof, Hilton College and surrounds before going through the downhill gate as they start the final stretch home.

The home ‘straight’ adds a final pinch of spice to the day’s mix as riders are kept on the edge of their seats with a maze of twisting, turning cross country-like obstacles all the way to the finish line.

The 2015 Pietermaritzburg MTB Festival takes place at Cascades MTB Park from 3-5 April. More information on the Pietermaritzburg Mountain Bike Festival and the event’s full programme can be found at http://www.cyclingsa.com/2015-pmb-mtb-festival

Every step was well worth it!

Michelé before

Michelé after

Today, I will be doing a Skype chat with Michelé Sturman.

She sent me a wonderful story on how she lost weight without going to extreme measures.

The combination of correct eating and cardio exercise has helped Michele to drop from 89.8kg to 60kg in 7 months, a drop of 29kg!She now runs or exercises 5 to 6 times per week to maintain this loss.
Michele says “I was very focussed and the more I would lose the weight the more I wanted to do it – I craved it! My biggest hurdle was my mind and I was totally determined to do it and very excited! I was also motivated, which is critical for successful weight loss. A positive mind set makes a huge difference.
My lifestyle has changed significantly and my attitude towards food and my body. I lost the weight over a 7 month period. Smarter eating habits require care and thought.
I still log my daily food / meals. I didn’t see it as a diet but living a healthier and smarter life.”
Slimming down isn't easy, it takes time and commitment to reach your weight-loss goals, it's definitely not impossible. 

I will be chatting with Michelé on Skype but also trying to have a Google Hangout too so that you can join in. Please have a look later on.

Pedalling 4 Pompe raises funds for rare diseases

2015 was the third year in which ‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ entered as a charity bond at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday 8 March 2015 and despite being both amateurs at cycling and at the fundraising process, this year they managed to raise R97 140 for the Rare Disease Society of South Africa (RDSSA).

‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ is the main fundraising initiative of the RDSSA and encourages participants to ride for a cause and raise funds for better care and to create awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.

Kelly Du Plessis, founder and chairperson of the RDSSA said: “What began as a simple challenge among friends and family to raise awareness about Pompe Disease, ‘Pedalling 4 Pompe’ has evolved into a charity initiative that seeks to help children and adults with rare conditions.”

All the funds raised from the cycling event will go towards assisting patients with treatment costs, aiding potential patients with costs associated with diagnosis as well as funding the development of rare disease specialists in South Africa.

For more information visit: http://rarediseases.co.za/join-cycle-team/

For further information about the Rare Disease Society of SA:
Email: info@rarediseases.co.za
Twitter: @RarediseasesSA

Mpumalanga's Malaga Hotel | Adventure Sports Paradise

Here is something that crossed my desk yesterday...

I have not been to the hotel, yet, and will hopefully be able to do a full review.
What I found interesting about the write up is the re-angle of the venue. From simply being a stop over on a route to a place, the hotel is now boasting that it is becoming a venue for all the sports that are available in the area.

I too think that Waterval Boven has always been overlooked. It's that town before Waterval Onder.
If you have been to this spot, let me know please. Would love to know more...

The beautiful, Malaga Hotel, situated on the banks of the Eland’s River in Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga has been stylishly renovated and is under new management.  The luxurious 3 star hotel is perfect as a country retreat for a family leisure trip or as a stopover en route to the Kruger National Park or Mozambique. But what the hotel is fast becoming known as, is the adventure sports capital of SA with incredible rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, fishing and hiking on offer in the area.
The 52 well-appointed rooms offer world-class service and stylish comfort and all boast private balconies with garden and mountain views. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a menu featuring farm-fresh country fare and organic homegrown vegetables..
The beautiful Panorama Route that includes: the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie, Grasskop, God’s Window, waterfalls, Pinnacle (rock formation), Burk’s Luck Pot Holes and Three Rondavels (mountain range), along with the Kruger National Park, is easily accessible from the hotel. The area is renowned for Adventure Sport and is situated at one of South Africa's top rock climbing destinations with breath taking waterfalls and scenic views. Other facilities include the Deluxe Spa with jacuzzi and sauna and a volleyball court. A beautiful kids playground facility makes the hotel even more suitable for the whole family!
For more information or to make a booking, please visit http://www.malaga.co.za or call 013 257 5300.

Add a little sparkle to your healthy lifestyle

The pressure of inadequate hydration can cause fatigue, and this ultimately affects everyone’s productivity levels – from school children, to fitness fundis, domestic executives, as well as professionals.  The far-fetched idea of members of society resorting to carrying around hydration packs is definitely drastic, but if we don’t take care of our daily hydration needs – this is exactly what we would all need to do.

Fortunately, there is a much more fun, practical, and beneficial way to keep one’s hydration at desirable levels.  It’s also a delicious way to facilitate a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis.  With just a simple press, anyone can turn ordinary water into fresh sparkling water, and flavoured sparkling water in seconds.  It’s also encouraging to know that people who own a SodaStream machine drink one liter of water more/

From an aesthetic point of view, a SodaStream machine isn’t only a stylish, and absolutely ultimate must-have kitchen appliance – it’s also a positive enabler for health and fitness fundamentalists.

With the Sugafree SodaStream flavours range, you get to enjoy the flavours, and not feel any guilt.  It’s definitely a product you’ll use all the time – Fill up the bottle and drink it at home, take it to the gym, to work, to the park, everywhere.  It’s not just about drinking water, it’s an exciting hydration experience that supports healthy living in a cost-effective and proudly-green kind of way.

For a flavorful glass of nutritious sparkling water – try adding a slice of lemon to your just-carbonated morning glass, a bit of mint to your mid-afternoon replenishment, or some cucumber for your dose of evening hydration.

And when the time comes for you to cater for a family braai, a kids birthday party, or just a normal Saturday night in with family or close friends, SodaStream will have you covered.  You’ll be able to make everything from sparkling water, to flavoured low-sugar sparkling water, and even exquisite cocktails for everyone.

A few good reasons to stay hydrated
Enhancing mental clarity: A loss of just 2% in body water can cause short term memory loss and difficulty in concentration. Good hydration helps you stay mentally alert all day long.
Improving digestion: A digestive system without enough fluid will become constipated. Fluid is essential for nutrients to pass through the membranes of the intestines.
Softening skin texture: Proper hydration makes it possible for water to move through all the membranes so that the largest organ in your body, your skin, is soft and pliable. The aging process is slowed.
Wrinkles are less pronounced. Baggy skin tightens.

Busting a few myths about hydration
Myth – Everyone should drink 8 glasses of water a day:  Although it’s a nice reminder that most of us should aim to drink more, the truth is that not everyone requires 8 glasses of water a day to maintain adequate hydration. The amount of fluids that each person needs varies based on activity level, gender and body size. Other sources of fluids that contribute to hydration include carbonated drinks, juice, milk, coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables and other foods with higher water content.

Myth – Only water really hydrates you:  Not true. Many beverages with high water content contribute to the body’s hydration status, including carbonated soft drinks, juices, tea and even coffee to a certain extent. In addition, 20% of your hydration regularly comes from the food you eat.

Myth – Thirst is a good indicator and my body’s main signal that I need to drink:  Many people can use thirstiness as an indicator to rehydrate, but that may not always be reliable. As many of us know, thirst signals are easily ignored when it’s inconvenient to drink, and we do this regularly, so it’s tough to rely on thirst as a signal to drink. In addition, physical activity, high temperatures, stress and fatigue may increase water loss making it necessary to consume more than you usually need.

2015 Slow-Mag Maratho

The 23rd edition of the highly anticipated annual Slow-Mag Marathon will take place on Sunday the 26th April 2015 at Benoni Northern Sports Club in Albert Bekker Park, Gauteng. This year the Slow-Mag Marathon is an Official CGA Half Marathon Championship event and is yet again a Comrades qualifier. Runners are invited to take part in the Ultra (50km), Full (42.2km), Half (21.1km) Marathon, 10km and Family Fun Run (5km).

The annual Slow-Mag Marathon is more than a Comrades qualifier and official CGA event.  This is a fun day for the whole family to enjoy outdoors in the warm Gauteng autumn weather. There is something for runners and walkers as well as their supporters who have come along to enjoy a morning out. Secure parking, music and entertainment, morning coffee, a cash bar, food stalls and a variety of children’s activities will ensure that a good time is had by all.

Starting times are as follows:
06h30 for Ultra, Full and Half Marathon
06h40 for 10km and 5km Family Fun Run

Venue: Benoni Northerns Sports Club, Albert Bekker Park, corner of O’Reilly Merry & Brodigan Street, Northmead, Benoni

GPS co-ordinates:

Latitude: 26°10’23.16”S
Longitude: 28°19’42.33”E

Pre-entries online or instore.
Pre-entry closing date: 17th April 2015.

ONLINE: www.enteronline.co.za

IN-STORE:
- The Sweat Shop, Irene: 012 665 0048
- The Sweat Shop, Dunkeld West Centre, Jan Smuts Ave: 011 325 2567/8
- The Sweat Shop, Fourways: 011 467 5966
- The Bedford Runner, 2 Bedfordview Arcade, Van Buuren Rd: 011 450 1847
- The Randburg Runner, Sanlam Court, cnr 5th and 4th Ave, Linden: 011 888 9644
- Run away Sports, 302 Freesia St, Lynwood Ridge, Pretoria: 012 361 3733
- Sportsmans Warehouse, Boksburg Value Mart: 011 823 3350
- Woodstock Cycles, Benoni, O’Reilly Merry Street: 011 849 1305

No postal or faxed entries.
Late entries will be taken at BNAC on Saturday 25th of April from 10am to 5pm and on the morning of the race from 4.30am.
T-Shirts for all entrants at the finish line.

Race info and Enquiries:
Tel: Race office 076 819 2122/ 079 836 4019
Email: bnacraceorganisers@gmail.com
Tel: Madge Attwell 083 573 1011