FREEDOM SWIM SERIES

In MARATHONS & SPORTING EVENTS we thought it vital to focus on SWIMMING MARATHONS, mostly because swimming is one the best forms of exercise, and should be added into training regime. 

Our last two entries had us in warmer waters, and this event calls for growing a pair and just doing it for the experience, them bits will recover, we promise.

Meet...

This is another great event in the fairest Cape, and is a cold water race that is part of a series of cold water races that are held to promote swimming...why we need to promote it, I don't know, WE REALLY SHOULD ALL BE SWIMMING!!! The race also raises funds for really good causes, which we think is awesome. 

Each of the series swims take place on public holiday's, and are done so specifically to celebrate these auspicious occasions which celebrate South Africa's History and Heritage. 

Now the next FREEDOM SWIM, which is set for April 11th 2015, begins at roughly 10am, from Murray's Bay on the WORLD HERITAGE SITE, ROBBEN ISLAND, and ends  at the beautiful beach of BIG BAY, in BLOUBERGSTRAND. 

AGAIN, we are surrounded by beauty, and a little itty bitty cold water, BUT KEEP FOCUSED ON THE SWIM, THE CAUSE and the CHALLENGE.

There are two categories, SOLO (7.5 km) & RELAY (4 swimmers 9.2km), and swimmers should be accompanied by a sea worth motorised vessel.

Since the inception of the race in 2001 the swim has grown each year with more than 500 swimmers, most of the m being extreme athletes and international competitors, and he event highlights Robben Islands role in SA's struggle for democracy and the historic context of this is relayed to the swimmers, with utmost care and dignity to the Island conservation and its surroundings. 

OK, so the fear factor is that the cold waters pose a real physical threat to swimmers no matter how fit they are and swimmers, entrants, must obviously check the rules and guidelines and see whether are ideal candidates for such a swim, but IT IS AN AWESOME AIM, and something to behold as the ultimate challenge. 

BUT go find out more about this swim and others @ www.freedomswimseries.co.za, its definitely worth considering, and at the very least putting on your bucket list....its a must do before you die. 

(We think the one thing to consider, other than the sheer magnitude of this challenge, is to think if you had to escape from Robben Island as a prisoner, what it would take...just a thought.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MIDMAR MILE

In MARATHONS & SPORTING EVENTS this month, we are having a look at OPEN WATER SWIMMING COMPETITIONS. Again, we think that swimming is one the best, if not the frontrunner, when it comes to best exercise.  Not only because it trains both upper and lower body, giving you a full workout, and not only because its one the best ways to learn how to regulate your breathing, but mostly because you can use at as a form of meditation. You are fully immersed in your own world, there is mostly silence, \even when in a competition, its you against you.

Meet...

If you haven't heard about the Midmar Mile, we are glad you are reading this post, as its only been around for more than 40 years. It is the WORLDS LARGEST OPEN WATER SWIM, and it happens in FEBRUARY of each year at the MIDMAR DAM, North of Pietermaritzburg in the fabulous Kwa-Zulu Natal. 

Each year it draws thousands of competitors, from serious international athletes and the big boys of holding Olympic medals and titles, to purely recreational swimmers and those who have a point to prove to themselves. There are a few inspirational stories that'll have you at the very least respecting this race, but hopefully doing it at least once in your life. (Read this story on the following link, it'll leave you feeling like you complain about crap... http://www.midmarmile.co.za/us-motivational-speaker-heads-to-south-africa-for-aquelle-midmar-mile/)

The race is attracting over 15 000 people each year and growing, and is already recognised as the Worlds Largest Open Water Swim as per the Guinness Book of World Records, and that was in 2009 already.

The distance covered is roughly 1 mile, and there are qualifiers so that, because of sheer participant volume, fastest swimmers are let off first, and then they work their way backwards. 

Its an awesome race in an awesome place, just do it, even if its just once, its an experience you'll never forget and medal you'll have forever. 

Find out more @ www.midmarmile.co.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DOLPHIN MILE SURF SWIM SERIES

Lets get wet...shall we?! 

This month in MARATHONS & SPORTING EVENTS, we thought we'd take to water, and focus our attention on Water Based Marathons & Open-Water Swimming. (AND ITS AWESOME EXERCISE) 

Meet.... 

Firstly, without a doubt, swimming is the best form of exercise, it is such an all-rounder and benefits you the most in comparison to any other form of exercise. What marathon enthusiasts forget is that it is an awesome sport too. Its excellent heart rate training, breathing conditioning, it is the best all over workout, its also the best body shaping exercise you can get. Cycling and Running just trains your legs, Swimming trains everything. 

To prove a point, (and NOT KNOCK a sport), if body comparisons are a reason to choose to do any of the three sports, let look at the average body shape of each...(LONG DISTANCE)

Cyclists (Heavy Legs/ Skinny Arms)

Runners (Skinny Legs/ Skinny Arms) 

Swimmers...(need we say anything?!)

Good sales tactic ne'?! 

Now please remember, before you attack our perspective, its just our perspective and a sales technique to get people into swimming, as its not only good for an all-over workout, its also damn good for your joints, and rehabilitation.

So we continue to the Dolphin Mile...how awesome is this...Starting off in font of either uShaka Pier or the Marine Surf Life Saving Clubhouse, both of which are close to the Durban Harbour, you can choose between a 1 Mile/ 1600m swim, or the 2 lap version of the course. (You have to complete the first lap in 40min in order to participate in the long version, double lap course.) So ultimately, this race steers you in the direction of a 80 - 100 Mins Time Completion. 

The dates are either the 7th of December 2014, or the 18th of January 2015, and again, this is the best opportunity to experience our lovely little land, be a part of it, be in it, see it, do it.

Find out more @ www.dolphinmile.co.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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