Hey Holla: Q&A with Kavit Naran
This month we’re chatting to new Holla Trails running Ambassador, Kavit Naran (or Benjy). Read our Q&A with Kavit…
Where do you live? Born and raised in Durban
How did you get into running? So my running journey started in September 2020. I had just recovered from Covid and had lost about 7Kg’s and I was probably in the worst space in my life. Lung capacity was compromised and I could barely hold a conversation longer than 3 minutes without running out of breath. I was tired of staring at the four walls I had been confined to during lockdown and decided to do something about it. I had never run a day in my life before that, but I literally put on my shoes and ran out the front door and decided to see where it would take me. It was tough in the beginning, I could barely run 2 to 3km’s without feeling exhausted, but I kept at it and slowly progressed from 3km runs to 5km to 7km and before I knew it I was on my way to doing 15km runs within a space of just a few months. The feeling of accomplishment from getting from point A to B and doing something you never thought was capable was truly exhilarating.
How long have you been running at Holla Trails for? Can’t believe its actually only been a year and 4 months, it feels like it’s been so much longer!
What’s the furtherest distance you have ever run? On road and trail my furtherest distance has been 21km’s but I’m definitely aiming to go beyond that this year!
What is your favourite trail at Holla? Oh definitely the Brown trail! It encapsulates all my favourite elements. It’s just the perfect mix of everything. From the sugar cane fields to the forest to the iconic swings overlooking the dam – Definitely my favourite!
Do you prefer trail or road running? And why? Road running keeps me fit, but the trail is where my passion lies! Absolutely love getting out there in nature at the magical hour of sunrise. Somehow it just has a way of recharging my energy levels. Also just love the technicalities involved in trail running. It forces my mind to be fully engaged and stimulated with each footing along the way.
Do you have a group of running buddies and who are they? Indeed I do, running with friends definitely motivates me. Tamara Klos, Giselle Ferreira, Tasneem Khan, Bianca Botha, Bradley Petzer, Lauren Neilson, Kuven Mudley, Leanne Banks, Tess…
What do you love most about Holla Trails? I love that there are trails for absolutely everyone. Whether you’re a beginner, just starting on your journey into trail running, or on a more advanced level, there’s a track for everyone that brings like minded people together. Also features one of the best post run breakfast spots!
What is your most memorable run? My most memorable run has got to be the 21km virtual comrades I ran in 2021. At the time, the most I had done was 15km’s so this was the first time I was going to push my limits to that extent. Leading up to the run was exciting, discussing strategies with my running buddies and preparing physically and mentally was all part of the game plan. We actually ran part of the official comrades route from Pine Town through Cowies Hill and passed quite a few of the official iconic comrades milestones which was absolutely epic! I learnt a lot about myself on that run and how to manage my energy levels on the longer more challenging routes. Could not have done it without the support of great running buddies to keep me motivated along the way and an awesome playlist!
Parting words of wisdom? Don’t forget to stop, be present in the moment, and take in the beauty of your surroundings…