Jozi Triathlon: Chasing Provincial Bling & Testing the New Magic Mix!

Jozi Triathlon CGT Champs 2025

September 28th, 2025

Benoni, South Africa

Olympic Distance/ Standard Triathlon

Medal Monday is always a good day, especially when the bling comes with a side of bragging rights! Admittedly, the thought of earning my provincial race kit again and securing a spot at the SA Champs was half the reason I signed up for the Jozi Triathlon. This race was serving up a double portion of drama, doubling as the Gauteng Triathlon Champs (CGT) for both the Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run) and Sprint Distances (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run). I was doing the Olympic.

The other, far more sensible reason, was pure, unadulterated race prep. I needed a high-stakes stress test to see exactly where this aging, yet determined, machine was sitting. This was the ultimate trial for the current training intensity, my new-and-improved nutrition plan, and, perhaps most crucially, the new Nutr8 race fuel and supplement magic mix. Essentially, I showed up to race, but also to see if my body would finally agree with my brain's ambitious plans!

The Build-Up: Dad's Lads Hockey & The Comrades Hangover

Now, about that build-up. While the race prep was humming along, a few muscles decided to get a little tighter than usual. Why? Tuesday night was the annual 1st team dads and lads hockey match.

Without going into too much detail—we won, obviously (we weren't going to lose, come on!)—but the sacrifice by the dads was heavy. We walked off the pitch with bloodied and roasted knees, bruises all over, looking like we'd been in a dust-up rather than a friendly game. But the real payback came on Wednesday and Thursday. The pain that followed was instantly reminiscent of those poor souls walking up and down stairs after the Comrades Marathon.

Not many of us were 'hockey fit,' and our muscles made sure we knew it, screaming a painful symphony of protest. If it wasn't for Danielle and her magic sports therapist hands on Thursday, untangling the knots and soothing the muscle rage, I genuinely don't think I would have made the start line. A huge shoutout to her for turning a marathon of muscle agony back into a triathlon-ready body!

Course Recon: The Sketchy Sixteen

Happening to be in the area on Friday, I thought I'd pull a classic move and get a little sneaky upper hand: collect my race number and scout the course. The plan was to drive the bike loop and sneak in a quick jog around the run course for some essential knowledge.

The only part I got right was collecting the timing chip. As for the run? The security guard at the entrance of Ebotse Golf & Country Estate was having none of it. So, I had to settle for a drive-through of the bike course, navigating the perimeter like a nervous delivery driver.

Phone in hand, I proceeded to map out all the possible sketchy sections. The final tally? Fourteen speed bumps per lap, sharp bends dusted with gravel, acres of dodgy road surfaces, a few 'natural' bumps to keep things interesting, and one great downhill complete with crosswinds. After that tour, my confidence in using my speedy TT bike for this "little race" was rapidly deflating.

I immediately sent my rough sketch to my club mate, Gary—who is an absolute machine on the bike—just to see if he was nervous. (He wasn't, obviously). Oh well, the game plan was set: I would just need to take it easy on the bike section, and try to push like hell in the swim and run.

Race Morning: First In, Last to Trust the Bike

Race morning was an absurdly early start, leaving the house at 4:30 AM. Arriving at the venue in the pitch dark only added to the dramatic build-up—it felt like a covert operation! Being so early afforded me the sweet prize of being the first person to get my bike into transition, allowing me to handpick what I felt was the best spot.

The morning was fantastic, with three other team members all tackling the Olympic distance and a great posse of support crews milling around. The energy was high, and the camaraderie was flowing.

Then came the race briefing. Glen, the organizer, decided to emphasize that his main concern was the bike course, urging us to be extra cautious and vigilant because the circuit was not closed to traffic. Well, if I wasn't already nervous about the 14 speed bumps, that little tidbit certainly sealed the deal! It instilled even more confidence in the bike section... not!

Before we could overthink the potential traffic chaos, it was time to head into the water.

The Swim: The Wrong Line & The Solid Start

The swim was a two-lap, 750m clockwise triangular course with an in-the-water start. The water was thankfully shallow enough to stand on my toes, which meant plenty of jostling for position without having to actually tread water.

And then, go time! I'm finding my wetsuit is becoming more and more like a comfortable second skin, which is always a bonus. For the entire first lap, however, I felt like I was deliberately swimming the wrong line, as if I'd forgotten basic geometry. Perhaps I was just making the most of the open water!

Fortunately, the second lap was much tighter and more efficient. About 1km in, I distinctly remember feeling strong—a fantastic sign. It was a pretty uneventful swim, which, after battling "rogue ninjas" in the ocean before, is exactly the kind of boring I like. I was happy to finish with a solid time and head to T1!

Swim time: 27min 07sec

Transition 1: The Towel Tangle

Transition 1 took a little bit longer than planned. It turns out I haven't done the classic "towel on the floor" transition in a while, and the muscle memory was clearly rusty. I was attempting a graceful change, but it probably looked more like an octopus wrestling a wet towel.

Eventually, I got everything off that needed coming off, and everything on that absolutely needed coming on. No major disasters, no forgotten helmet, just a slightly slower-than-hoped-for dance on the mat. Time for the bike... and the 14 speed bumps!

The Bike: A Speed Bump Safari

To be honest, looking back, the fourteen speed bumps that had filled me with pre-race dread didn't remain obstacles; they became targets—mini-goals for each of the four laps.

Once I completed the first 10km lap, I had effectively reintroduced myself to my rough sketch from the previous day. Every speed bump, pothole, and uneven surface was exactly where I left it. Now, throw in a continuous flow of non-racing cars, and this bike section instantly became a mental pressure cooker. You had to be 100% focused, eyes constantly scanning for the next hazard or the next family vehicle trying to navigate the course.

Laps two and three became a high-speed game of speed bump tag. It got easier and easier each lap as my brain mapped the safe lines and my muscles memorized the necessary lifts. Lap four was really interesting, with nearly everyone on the course at the same time—it was a true traffic jam. And, I must admit, I spent a good portion of that final lap looking over my shoulder, waiting for Gary to come flying past like a missile. When he didn't, that was the final boost my ego needed as I mentally geared up for the run!

Bike time: 1hr 12min 49sec

Transition 2: In and Out, No Waiting

Transition 2 was a blissful contrast to the earlier towel tangle—a simple, elegant in and out. No wrestling with wet neoprene, no confusing dance steps; just pure, unadulterated efficiency. My body, perhaps sensing the final stage, allowed for no waiting around. I was off the bike and onto the run carpet in a flash!

The Run: The Internal Battle & Corner-Cutting Chaos

Well, I did it again! The run started with the same internal lecture I give myself every race: We need to take the first lap a bit easier, then build into the second. But did I listen? No! The sight of athletes ahead was like a lure, and I was off, chasing down targets instead of adhering to the slow-burn plan.

The course itself was great—a perfect two-lap loop featuring a good little uphill climb at the start, followed by a gradual, winding descent. It was runnable, engaging, and scenic. However, I noticed that practically everyone cut a few corners on the course, which explained why the overall run distance felt a bit shorter than advertised. Corner-cutting chaos aside, I stuck to the main lines.

The second lap was, predictably, a little more difficult. My pace dropped slightly as those protesting hockey muscles and cycling legs started shouting their complaints. But the finish line was in sight! I finished solid, happy with the effort, and ready to claim that provincial bling!

Run time: 40min 18sec

Overall time: 2hr 20min 15sec

Post-Race Reflection: Red-Lining and the Podium Paradox

Well, that short distance Olympic sprint was definitely harder than a 70.3! It’s a completely different beast—you’re just red-lining it for most of the race, pushing that internal engine until it screams. But overall, I absolutely loved it, even with that sketchy, speed-bump-riddled bike section.

A massive thank you to all the amazing KimiTri supporters! I really do try to respond when I can, but this race, I was pushing it slightly harder than normal, so apologies if I just gave you a wind-sprint grunt instead of a proper wave.

Now, for the results—the day ended with a bit of a podium paradox! I finished 14th overall and 1st in my age group. Wait, scratch that, 1st in my new age group and my old age group! Yes, the CGT results are awarded based on the age group you will be racing in next year. So, yes, I’m turning 50 (yowzers!) and moving into the 50-54 bracket, which is what they award for the SA Champs qualification.

This sucked a little because it meant my club mate, Gary (who wasn't in my current age group, but I will be joining next year), and I had to share the same podium instead of both snagging a gold. Sorry, Gekko! But overall, it was a great day for KimiTri, coming home with 4 medals at the CGT champs! I’m not sure any other club matched that performance!

What is Next? World Champs & The Final Push!

So, what's next after that adrenaline-filled sprint? The big one: World Champs! Yip, we’re down to the wire with only six weeks to go, and the excitement is building just like the training intensity.

I'm thrilled to report that the sports fuel and supplementation, courtesy of Nutr8, is on point. I'm truly thriving off this supplementation, and with a few more little tweaks before the World Champs in Spain, I feel super excited about my race-day machine. Things are generally running smoothly thanks to the entire team: Candice De Mendonca and the Total Transformation Project nailing the dietary plan, Brad Jay crushing it in the gym, and, of course, Danielle with those magic hands keeping my hockey-battered muscles in check!

The Empower 5 Challenge: Let's Hit the Magic Number!

As for the Empower 5 Challenge—I still firmly believe we can reach the magic number of 1000 teachers onboarded before I toe the line at World Champs! And that is exactly where I need your help.

Come on board and sponsor 5 teachers or sponsor loads more! There are still some prime spaces available on my race kit for your company logos. PLEASE come on board and make a difference. Your support empowers our educators, which is the key to shaping the future of our country.

Head across to www.empower5.com to see how easy it is to partner with us or find out more info.

See you in the pool or on the road! The grind for World Champs is officially on!