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Griesel and De Swardt to take up The Challenge

The second Cape Odyssey presented by Salomon takes place from 8 to 12 October this year. Starting in the coastal town of Hermanus, athletes will run the equivalent of four marathons and one ultra marathon over five consecutive days, finishing at the beaut

The second Cape Odyssey presented by Salomon takes place from 8 to 12 October this year. Starting in the coastal town of Hermanus, athletes will run the equivalent of four marathons and one ultra marathon over five consecutive days, finishing at the beautiful Boschendal Wine Estate.

Ryno Griesel, who finished in second place last year in an accumulated time of 23 hours, 44 minutes and 10 seconds (overall and in the men’s category) with team mate Nicholas Mulder as Team Salomon, will once again take on the challenge with new team mate Arrie de Swardt.

De Swardt has a number of achievements to his credit. He has done a huge number of long distance, multi sport endurance races. He also finished in fifth place at the 2006 Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

Competing in teams of two, runners need to avoid time penalties by staying together and developing strategies to remain in the race and sustain their energy. Says Griesel: “The 2007 Cape Odyssey was by far the best life changing experience I’ve ever had. It’s addictive! The greatest attraction of this race is the dynamics of two team members working together and striving to be the fastest team they can be over five consecutive days.’

On why De Swardt decided to participate this year, his comments were that he has done the Absa Cape Epic, which is organised by the same company and that it seemed like a great challenge, “I used to do many multi-sport events but it’s extremely time consuming, Running takes far less time (an hour a day is already a lot), than for example cycling. Also, one can do it anywhere as you only need a pair of shoes. I also love trail running and this race takes part in one of the most beautiful areas in the country. And the multi-day nature of the event, as well as the team aspect, makes it all the more attractive.”

They train together as often as time allows. Griesel, who has had outstanding results in multi day adventure racing locally as well as abroad, works as a Chartered Accountant and De Swardt as an actuary. “We mostly train individually in the week and join up for longer off-road runs over weekends. Being good friends and having raced together as a competitive adventure racing team, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses quite well.”

They train on a heart rate based training programme that focuses on quality and duration of sessions rather than distance covered. “We focus on a good balance between speed work and longer endurance sessions. We also try to build in all the different expected terrain into our schedules and simulate tough racing conditions to learn to push through mentally.”

With regards to diet, Griesel cuts out red meat and coffee, and eats well in advance before a run. De Swardt, on the other hand, tries to eat quite healthily but does not follow a specific diet.

Griesel’s answer to the question on whether it is a punishment to put oneself through such a strenuous event, is simply: “This event is a condensed version of LIFE – it’s about managing relationships, making choices, preparing well and pushing through. It’s as much a physical as a mental challenge and an opportunity to grow with your partner and change the way you experience life forever. If you grasp the journey it will teach you that you’re capable of so much more than you think.” De Swardt’s answer to the same question is simply: “If you need to ask why, you’ll never understand.”

Griesel’s other passions include mountaineering, rock climbing, adventure racing (which includes mountain biking, running and paddling), outdoor equipment and toys, and of course his work. De Swardt loves a challenge, “whether it’s physical or mental – something you have to work for”. His other passions include multi-sport endurance races, outdoor adventures, travelling, his work and investments.

This is definitely one of the teams to watch!

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