24 NOVEMBER, 2018 | LESOTHO ULTRA

Where The Mountains Meet The Sky ...

The Mountain Kingdom

They say a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. The Lesotho Ultra is no different…

One can argue that, that first step is taken the moment you submit your entry for the event. With no qualification race needed, the Lesotho Ultra is one of those events that attracts entrants from around the globe, all with a common goal in mind… to conquer the Mountain Kingdom.

As with many mountain races, the weather is completely unpredictable which is why the race organisers insist on a list of compulsory items. These items are there to keep you safe, should something unexpected happen while you are out on your adventure. Some items are only on the race organisers "Suggested" list, but I can say that there is value in having these with you...

This is where my Lesotho Ultra Story begins...

2018 has been a rather busy year when compared to my previous years. Reason being that my trail running focus has somewhat shifted over the last 2 years and I have decided to take on more of the longer events which are mostly 50km or more. Some of these are staged races, and some are single day events, but ultimately I have my sights set on doing my first 100 miler in the near future.

Having had a busy 2018, I would like to think I came to the Lesotho Ultra rather well prepared, although I do still believe I could of done more. My journey to LUT2018 started off in March when I did the Three Cranes Challenge, my first staged race, followed by my first Comrades Marathon, Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge, and finally the Golden Gate Challenge. Each of these races had their own challenges and I was able to learn from each.

To waste, to destroy our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed.

― Theodore Roosevelt

From the first week in November, the nerves started to play on me, the final confirmation / instruction e-mails appearing in your mail box, almost like a reminder that Yes!!! you have entered this race, and there is no turning back now. The week before the race, I had a bit of a bumper bashing in the later afternoon traffic, you have to love JHB Traffic, which resulted in a lower back injury. Fortunately, the injury was not too severe and a good physio session before heading on my way quickly had it sorted.

On 23 November 2018, my dad and I set off on the roadtrip to Lesotho. My dad has become my traveling supporter at these events, and although I think he thinks I am crazy, I think it is a nice way for him to get away from the busy city life, and for us to just enjoy some father and son time together. As with any roadtrip, tradition is to stop for a Wimpy Breakfast along the way and then on to our final destination, Malubi Lodge, Lesotho. This would be both my dad and my first visit to Lesotho.

On arrival at Maliba Lodge, reality sets in as you approach the registration table. With compulsory kit in hand for the kit check, one can't help but being left in awe while surrounded by the majestic mountains, mountains that will be testing your mental and physical strength come 05H30 tomorrow morning.

My next steps ...

As I make my way to my accommodation for the weekend, I am greeted by a few warm and familiar faces. These are the faces of those who you met along one of your previous adventures, and at the time they helped you silence one of the several voices in your head. Friendships built on the trails are ones that truly last. The next thing is to make sure that my kit is all ready for the morning. Running tights, Compression Top, Thermal Layers, etc are all set out on the bed, and everything is doubled or even triple checked, nothing can be missed, last but not least I attach my bid to my Compressport Racebelt, tomorrow I am #153...

The 04H00 alarm clock sounds, this is it, this is race day. I get out of bed, and start getting ready for the day ahead. Looking out the window, conditions are overcast, and it looks like ideal running weather. Everything is packed, and I am ready for the challenge.

The race starts, and all the nerves seem to settle, there is no turning back now, and all you can do is place one step in front of the other, hoping and praying that everything goes according to plan… Wait… What plan???

The first 10km are easy going, with around 250m of vertical elevation gain. You are able to have a comfortable run, just making your way through each of your paces… A comfortable stride…

Before long, all hell breaks lose and the hard work begins. Your pace is slowed by the steep climbs in front of you, and before long you find yourself at well over 3,000m above sea level. The air becomes extremely thin, and your rate of breathing speeds up, running even short distances becomes a challenge. It is at this point in time, when you need to start fighting the demons, determination and mental strength is all that will get you through these next few km’s.

Not all is dull and bleak as you are surrounded by some of the most amazing views that mother nature has to offer. The friendly faces at each of the aid stations is sometimes that little bit of encouragement that you need to just push you that little bit further.

Then come the times when you find yourself somewhat alone, trekking along the route, no one else in sight. These are times when you can reflect on who you are and why you decided to take on this journey in the first place. Sometimes these moments last forever, and sometimes there is another friendly face just waiting around the next corner, or on top of the next climb.

The Lesotho Ultra is a truly amazing event, one that reminds you of the simplicities of life. The impact a single vote of motivation can have. Everyone on this journey has the same end goal in mind, yet we all get there differently. Tears, sweat, blood, determination, and support is all that rings each of the runners home.

One of the most amazing feelings fills you up as you approach that finish line, hearing the cheers of those waiting for you, some of them strangers, and some of them friends and family... But at the end of the day, you have all shared in this experience and made new friends who will join you on your next journey.