How are you dealing with being locked inside your house? Mentally and Physically.So mentally I am doing great with the lockdown. Everyone around me is positive. We all are motivated to get through this. My coach gives me great training to keep my spirit high whilst on the indoor trainer. Physically I am also doing great. We are fortunate enough to stay on a rather large piece of land, and we have more than enough to keep us busy. I also have an awesome, self-built workshop in my garage where I can keep myself quite busy. What positives are you taking from this lockdown?I am super positive. The time spent on the indoor trainer has also been a great exercise and motivation to focus on staying positive through tough times. What do you miss most about the trails?Although I miss the trails, I really miss the traveling and time spent with the team much more.  Are there any skills that you are learning in this time?So there is some skills I am trying to learn in this lockdown. The first is my cappuccino art. Secondly I am training my core strength and working on my balance. Lastly, my welding skills as my dad and I put up a steel parking roof where he teaches me all he knows about welding. Fitness and Skill. How are you keeping up?I think my fitness is going on strong. I am doing my training just as it is uploaded so that is great for me. I think my skills are taking a few shots, if I have to be totally honest. You live with your family on a plot in Potchefstroom. How is this time opportunistic for quality family time?This is some great time to spend with family. We are making the most of it . Myself and my dad were rather busy for the entire 3 weeks already and we have a lot to do still, so I am enjoying this. What ride are you going to do when you get to ride outside? Distance, terrain and goal?Well when the lock down ends I might do a long ride on the indoor trainer just for the joke. I also won't mind doing my favourite loop around Potchefstroom. What is your next racing goal?My next racing goal is to race whatever comes first, to go for the win and just to enjoy being able to do what I love after looking forward to it for so long.
0 Comments
Being a participant in the 2012 Olympics, and numerous time South African Cross-Country and Marathon Champion, Philip surely has a knack for the trails. He answered a few questions regarding the #lockdown South Africa and other countries are facing.  Photo by Milan de Beer for MEDIATIC Studios. How are you dealing with being locked inside your house? Mentally and Physically.Apart from that we are not allowed to train or race outside, my day is going pretty much as usual. I am fortunate enough to have an indoor trainer so my current riding is good enough to at least maintain fitness. I am also doing more core and stability work which is great for overall performance. What positives are you taking from this 21 day lockdown?All my home improvements and maintenance will be done. I am hoping this time will raise awareness and that everyone will be more conscious and considerate towards people around them with regards to spreading any kind of virus or contagious illness. What do you miss most about the trails?The rush and risk of pushing my limits on the trails..  Photo by Daniel Coetzee. Edited by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios. Is there anything that you could take from this experience?There is a lot that you can get done online. Are there any skills that you are learning in this time?I did an online SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) course. I am improving my balancing on a gym ball whilst juggling. Fitness and Skill. How are you keeping up?I have an indoor trainer specific plan and also do a 30 minute coordination and stability exercise routine indoors. I have also activated my Zwift account, which also helps with the riding part. You and your wife have two children. How does this time create ideal opportunities to spend time with the family?My wife also works from home, so our routine is not much different than usual.  Photo by Milan de Beer for MEDIATIC Studios. Taken at the 2020 Attakwas Extreme. What ride are you going to do when you get to ride outside? Distance, terrain and goal?It will probably be a 2 hour ride to Wolwespruit with a few runs down the “flowline” and then end it off meeting the family at Spout for a coffee and fresh croissant. What is your next racing goal, being said if the quarantine time stays 21 days?If we look at the bigger scheme of things, my plan will be built backwards from 2021 Epic.
Matthys is a long time local to the trails of the Western Cape, especially George. We asked him some questions and we would love to share his insights with you regarding the #covid19 lockdown South Africa is facing.  Photo and Edit by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios How are you dealing with being locked inside your house? Mentally and Physically.Trying to take it day by day and like everyone else, I’ve got my ups and downs. It’s tough times for most people out there and there’s no escaping the fact that it is a depressing time on planet earth. I think it's important to realize and accept and know that it isn’t a sin to be a bit down and in the dumps. Once you have come to terms with that, it's important to know that the power to turn this around lies within us all. What positives are you taking from this 21 day lockdown?Personally this time is filled with good rest and quality family time. I needed a bit of a reset and for me this has provided a great opportunity to start fresh. The trails in George is definitely one of your loves, especially on the bike. What do you miss most about the trails?The freedom. Is there anything that you could take from this experience?That sometimes, taking a few steps backwards is the best way forward. Are there any skills that you are learning in this time?I'm reading up on a few things, but between housekeeping, family time and getting my riding back on track I haven’t done as much as I would have liked.  Photo and Edit by Milan de Beer/MEDIATIC Studios Fitness and Skill. How are you keeping up?I'm doing a mix of general strength training and endurance on an indoor trainer. Some of my explosive/intensity training I complete on a lap I designed in the garden around the house. You and your wife have a daughter. How does this time create ideal opportunities to spend time with the family?Well we have plenty time now so we try and do at least one or two activities with Annabel per day to keep her stimulated. What ride are you going to do when you get to ride outside? Distance, terrain and goal?Most likely a four to five hour cruise, trail/gravel/road/mountain/forest/beach mix with a coffee stop. My second option would be to have no goals, just enjoy the riding and be thankful for everything I already have in my life. What is your next racing goal, being said if the quarantine time stays 21 days?At this moment Im not thinking about racing, I have taken a proper break for the first time in years so Im just thinking about doing my best day by day.
If I do that well, the rest will fall into place. |
