Good Morning Champs 🙂
I caught up with Digital content producer/blogger/entertainment journo Jason Von Berg this week to chat about Triathlons. What a jol. If you have your own questions for the man get him at http://jasonvonberg.me
When and how did you get into Triathlons?
I got into triathlons by default in 2011. My friends were all gunghoe and keen and so was I. They all dropped out at the 11thhour and I decided to push through. My first triathlon was on a mountain bike and it was challenging to the say least, but I loved the challenge and I love the different disciplines so now I’m in it for the long haul.
What gear do you prefer;
Running shoes – I’m a big Nike fan. I’ve tried other brands and while New Balance offered a good running shoe a few years back, I haven’t been able to find a pair just as good. Nike offers comfort and their Nike Plus app really works for me too, as far as motivation and fitness monitoring are concerned.
Bicycle – I’m still in the market for a new bike, but I’m looking at a Merida bike. Cycling isn’t my strongest discipline, so I’m taking a more conservative approach when it comes to purchasing a bike.
Tell us about the cause which you raise money for.
I’ve partnered with the NGO, Smile Foundation for a few events and they’re an incredible group of people. They provide children with facial abnormalities the opportunity to receive free corrective plastic and reconstructive surgeries. No matter who or where you are, whenever someone smiles at you, you are bound to smile back. If I can do my bit to give some of our youngSTARS the opportunity to smile, I’m all in.
strong>Which are you favourite events?
I really enjoy the 5150 Triathlon series. I’ve participated in both Bela Bela and African Champions and they’re challenging, but awesome. Hopefully come the 26th of January, I will be able to add 70.3 Half Iron Man to that list.
What is your next big event?
Do we really have to talk about this now? Like really at this stage? Okay then, 70.3 Half Iron Man in East London on the 25thof January. Eish!
What is your number 1 cheat tip;
Swimming – Vaseline on ankles… If anyone feels the need to pull your leg in the water, they’re going to have a tough time trying to grip on to you.
Cycling – Spend as much time on the bike as possible. It really helped me a lot.
Running – Run on the road. It’s a completely different experience to running on a treadmill, which is quite boring to be honest.
What do you eat the night before a race?
Chicken breasts and salad is my meal of choice. Maybe throw in some caulimash, for the banters out there. Prof Tim, you dig?
Are you a fan of Gu?
Not particularly. I don’t go out of my way to consume this product before a race, but I did find a Gu helped out on the run section for one of my races in 2013. I was physically exhausted and it gave me a little booster to get to the end. So it served its purpose.
If you could train with 1 South African for a day, who would it be?
Can I choose a few because it’s Christmas? Well I’m going to anyway J
Famous, none athelete wise? Jeannie D. She’s fit and fab and loads of fun to be around.
Hlubi Mboya, my fellow #Ride4Smiles partner and all round wonderful soul. She’s a pocket rocket, and an amazing friend.
The healthy couple, Gugu Zulu and his wife Letshego. These two do enough training to ride for you if you feel tired – a good duo to have on your side.
From a sporting, I’m-going-to-win-this-ish perspective, I’d definitely go with former pro Triathlete, Raynard Tissink. I have family friends training with him currently and it’s amazing to see how they’ve transformed into triathlon machines.
