Back Between the Tape 🤍

My first race in what feels like forever was this weekend’s Trailseeker at Plaisir Wine Estate—and my gosh, it was fun- and very weird- to be back between the tape.

It’s strange how normal it still feels to line up, even when you’re not expecting anything spectacular. The race kicked off with fast gravel through forgotten vineyard fields, then finally we made our way through to Boschendal and onto the most amazing swooping singletrack—keep an eye out for the video coming soon!

We then trekked back the way we came to head toward the finish… but first, we had to climb.

Oh my word, we climbed.

Add scorching heat pushing into the mid-thirties, and that was where I really had to tap off. Ever since my diagnosis my body can’t seem to cope in the heat, as soon as it goes over 30 degrees something doesn’t work!

It’s hard—and honestly sad—for me to admit this, but I’m not sure I’ll ever be racing where I used to. Since myocarditis, it’s been a whirlwind of ups and downs with pregnancies, random infections, and all the postpartum fun no one really warns you about.

That said, I am proud of what my body can do. This is just part of the cards I was dealt, and I’m choosing to accept it and embrace this new chapter.

On that note, I’ve made the call to take all racing pressure off. I can’t push harder than what my body allows—and if you’ve walked this road, you’ll understand why I don’t ever want a repeat of what I went through a couple of years ago. So for now, my racing shoes are becoming riding shoes 😉

I love this sport too much not to be part of it. And now, I get to do all the fun things I never had time for…

👉 So tell me—what events should I do next?

I look forward to seeing you all out on the trails, shredding and having fun.

And if anyone would like to chat about coaching, feel free to drop me a message.

Next up: The Ceder Race – 14 February.

See you out there 🤍

M