News

Go the extra mile

Private Property South Africa
Cath Jenkin |
Go the extra mile

Are you doing the Midmar Mile this year? Here are a few tips to get you ready.

The Midmar Mile holds an esteemed place in the heart of many Durbanites, and not just swimmers. It’s an annual family fun day out that sees many people setting up braai fires and camping chairs to support their favourite athletes.

Your first mile But swimming the Midmar Mile is no silly feat – a mile equates to just over a kilometre and a half – not exactly a little summertime splash in the pool. It’s recommended that swimmers start their training early, with the Midmar Mile website listing an eleven-week basic training programme from start to finish.

Ask an expert Using a combination of gym workouts and swimming sessions can help you swim the distance required. Local personal trainer, Jane Kilian of GI Jane, advises her clients who are keen on swimming the mile to start training a few months before. “It’s best to give yourself adequate time to get your fitness and strength levels up.”

Get swimming Jane says, “To get swimming fit you need to swim. Just as you need to cycle in order to be cycling fit, your swimming fitness comes from swimming.” So head out to your local swimming pool as often as you can to prepare for swimming the Midmar Mile, and work on increasing your distance in small increments each time. Jane says swimmers can incorporate weight-training into their exercise programme. “Strengthening your shoulders and legs will help give you a more powerful pull and kick.”

Swimming fit While distance covered during training is important, so is making sure you’re breathing correctly. Jane reminds her clients to focus on their breathing during training. “The last thing you want during the race is to get flustered and not breathe properly. That's when you get more tired and stressed during the swim, especially with so many people around you. It’s also important to ensure that you have a comfortable costume. Test it out during your training. You don't want to be fiddling with a costume while you're in a race.”

Experience it for yourself:

Midmar Mile

midmarmile.co.za

Midmar Mile Training Programme

midmarmile.co.za/info-rules/training-program/

GI Jane

gijane.co.za

This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.

Explore neighbourhoods mentioned in this article

Pietermaritzburg
Charming Countryside City
Pietermaritzburg, set amidst the rolling countryside of the Natal Midlands, is one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the world. It's a deeply historical city, characterised by museums and historical routes. Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in the province. The city is well served with transport links and is conveniently situated between Durban and Johannesburg. It's a thriving modern capital that has carried its history fully into the present. This area has the most comprehensive education centre in the country. Beyond the city limits, the Victorian inspired streets give way to beautiful countryside, characterised by rivers, farms and nature reserves.

Related Articles

EcoMobility Festival aims to cure traffic congestion in Sandton
Georgina Guedes | 14 Sep 2015

EcoMobility Festival aims to cure traffic congestion in Sandton

The World EcoMobility Festival, taking place in JHB from 1 October to 31 October, naturally has residents and businesses concerned about how traffic congestion will be affected.

National Antiques Faire in vogue and on trend
Jackie Gray-Parker | 01 Jun 2016

National Antiques Faire in vogue and on trend

2016’s National Antiques & Decorative Arts Faire (NAADA) officially kicks off with a grand gala cocktail opening night at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday the 2nd of June.

Transport in Sandton still an issue
Georgina Guedes | 09 Nov 2015

Transport in Sandton still an issue

While the City of Joburg’s Ecomobility Festival can be termed a success from an organisational perspective, true transport alternatives have not been established for the majority of commuters.

sample image of property alerts

Get instant property alerts

Be the first to see property alerts for your area.
;