Runner’s World versus Women’s Health at the Knysna Oyster Festival

For years, I’ve always wanted to participate in the Knysna Featherbed Trail Run, but never seem to have balanced the logistics – and every year the race passes me by. Imagine my excitement when The Knysna Oyster Festival invited the Women’s Health online editor (Thamar) and myself to participate in, amongst other events, the trail run. Very eagerly, with minimal research into other events, I accepted the offer.

After the initial excitement had passed, I decided to thoroughly investigate this “Knysna Big 5” in which I’d enrolled.

Let me preface further elaboration on the Big 5 by giving a brief background to my sporting experience. I am a keen trail runner – but my no means any good. An afternoon spent exploring the single tracks of Table Mountain is an afternoon well spent. Earlier this year, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and invest in a mountain bike. I’ve never been a huge fan of cycling of any sorts, but figured I should try it instead of knocking it.

I began with commuting to work. A 3km, downhill free-wheel in the morning, and a gentle, 3km climb in the afternoon. An easy introduction to the sport. After getting comfortable on my saddle, I ventured up onto the jeep tracks of Table Mountain. While I struggled and swore most of the 2 hour ride, I came back hooked. I would work my way up to “mountain biker” status.

Back to present day: The Knysna Big 5.

This epic assortment of events takes place over the course of the Knysna Oyster Festival. The events include:

- An 85km mountain bike race
- A 100km road bike race
- A full Xterra Duathlon
- The 15km Featherbed Trail Run
- The Knysna Half Marathon

While I am petrified of the two and a half cycle races, I am totally excited about the entire event.

I’ll be racing head-to-head against the Women’s Health online ed (Thamar). I should probably mention that Thamar is running Comrades… but am secretly hoping that the 89km race will put her out of training for a week or two – and at least give me a hope in hell of catching up to her. Also, the competitive glint that she gets in her eyes when we discuss the Big 5, paired with an excited, evil, grin, reminds me of a bull eyeing out a matador. And it scares me… just a little bit.

I forsee an overload of training over the next four weeks… and am hoping that the adrenalin, vibe and beauty of the Knysna Oyster Festival will help to carry me over those finish line – hopefully ahead of Thamar!

I can’t wait!

Read more of Amy’s Knysna Oyster Festival blogs here.
Read Thamar’s blogs here.
For more information on the Knysna Oyster Festival, click here.