A Search for the last elephant in Knysna Forest 

On Saturday, June 22 I raced the annual Knysna Forest Half Marathon.

21.1 kilometres of running through the most iconic forest in South Africa.

Knysna is known for its elephants, who once roamed the area freely. A local writer, Dalene Matthee’s book on the forest even made it to the big screen – Circles in a Forest. However, today, the majestic Knysna elephants are critically endangered, with only a single female believed to still inhabit the forest. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but sightings are rare, adding a mystical allure to the forest’s already enchanting atmosphere. Their dwindling numbers highlight the urgent need for increased protection and awareness.

I am a dreamer (call it wishful thinking if you will), and hope to catch a glimpse of the last remaining elephant in the forest during my run.

I prepared well for this half marathon and did everything to a tee. Race morning I triple checked my fuel before suiting up in my PTC and PDSVISION branded trisuit. The starting line buzzed with nervous energy and excitement, with runners stretching and chatting eagerly under the canopy of ancient trees. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and moss, and the sound of birds chirping added to the anticipation. As the countdown began, a hush fell over the crowd, each participant mentally preparing for the journey ahead through the heart of the mystical forest.  African taxis shuttled athletes to the start of the race (which was an experience in itself).

A sold out race had thousands of runners finding some warmth around open fires, the energy was contagious.It’s been a long standing tradition to donate old clothing items to the informal settlement close by.

Arriving at the start I reminded myself of the race plan and my suggested pace.I knew that there would be loads of trial running in the forest and the elevation would be insane.Ten minutes into the race I checked my Garmin watch and realised I was totally off pace and running way too slow.There was a moment I thought about forgetting about the plan and just enjoying the vibe and the energy and perhaps stopping to take photos of the spectacular views.

I decided that a race was never decided in the first few kilometres and stubbornly opted to keep my eye on the prize and push forward.

I finally found my rhythm and were hitting my race pace.I felt euphoric.Cue the 15 kilometre mark and the wheels came off completely.Out of nowhere and with no warning my legs started cramping.I decided not to stop and walk it off – I was sure that once I stopped,I wouldn’t run again.

Safe to say the last 6,1 kilometres I ran in agony with tears streaming down my face.Despite this I managed to smash my half marathon goal and cross the finish line in a time of 2:08:23.My average pace per kilometre was 6:07.

Although I did not encounter the last elephant in the forest, I did realise that my mind was so much stronger than my body. Your body will tell you to stop – it’s your mind that will push you to continue.

I am currently less than nine weeks out of Ironman Mosselbay. It is all systems go for all three disciplines (also nutrition, which I am told is the fourth discipline of triathlon). At this stage training is increasing in duration and my body needs more time to recover from these endurance sessions. Weekends I’ll run, cycle, and swim the Ironman route in preparation for race day.

While I continue to pursue this dream of redefining the impossible and becoming an Ironman, some of my colleagues completed the Stockholm marathon in September.

To quote CEO,Mats Oretorp:

“#PDSVISION reminds us of Passion, Determination and Stamina!”