2015 was a challenging year but when I reflect on all that has happened I come to realise I have so much to be thankful for. As my postgraduate studies (see what my research group has been involved with) at the University of Cape Town draw to a close, there are new goals to be set and new heights to reach for. Once I complete my masters in engineering (hopefully in the next few weeks!) my full attention and focus will shift to sprint kayaking.
Breathtaking view of UCT Upper Campus
The next big local sprint event is the SA Sprint Champs, which doubles up as the trial for the African Sprint Championships and the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup. This regatta is taking place in Natal – my old stamping ground – at Shongweni Dam near Durban, mid-March.
Action shot from last year’s SA Trial event – I’m being powered by Dewald Hattingh
It has been testing juggling the varsity and training – discipline has become essential for survival. I am grateful for the support from my family, better half, conditioning coach and training partners who have helped me to make good progress on the water and in the gym even though time has been short. I also believe it’s important to have fun and take time to enjoy the small pleasures lest we drown in the responsibilities that each day brings.
The training focus over the last few months has largely been on aerobic development, an aspect previously lacking in my physical arsenal. Most people think that sprinters don’t need to be ‘that fit’ or require to much volume training but this is simply not true. Having a big aerobic engine is particularly critical for the longer sprint distances such as the 1000m (my main event distance). Let’s hope I’ve done enough to carry me through the next few weeks of intense training leading up to the Champs. I am looking forward to burning it down the course on race day!
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading!
Ben
Ben Biggs 
Hey Ben, great read! It was good to be sharing water with you last Sunday. Keep the blog going, it will be really good to develop! Have you seen mine at andreschirp. WordPress. Com? I’m having such a joll with it. I’m sure you are going to have a lot of fun with your’s.
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Hi Andre. Thanks for the response. I’ll do my best to keep the posts going. It’s something new for me but I’m sure I’ll my groove. I have have been following your Dusi preparation posts – they’re great to read! I feel like I’m missing out on not doing it this year. There is nothing quite like the ‘Dusi fever’ building up to the big day. All the best with final ‘touches’.
Cheers,
Ben
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All the best at Nationals Benny. Enjoy the taper!
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Thanks Stevo!
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