Q&A with Holla Ambassador, Ash Naidoo
This month we talk to Ash Naidoo, a Holla Trails Ambassador and seasoned Comrades runner
Congratulations on completing the Comrades Marathon again this year! What was the experience like for you, and how does it compare to other races you’ve participated in? Thank you. This was my 8th Comrades. I am an endurance athlete and prefer long distance (100 milers as a challenge), Comrades is always a beautiful and humbling race. I love the vibe – people coming out there to cheer the runners, it is amazing and no other race can compare to that.
As someone who runs both trail and road, how do you find the two disciplines complement each other in your training and overall running experience? Road & trail running are two entirely different disciplines, but they compliment each other well. By improving our ability in one you will see the benefit in the other, as we use different muscle groups. Changing up our running routine keeps things mentally fresh & helps to prevent injury.
What was your preparation like leading up to the Comrades Marathon? Did you incorporate any trail running into your training, and if so, how did it help? My training this year was kept to a minimum. I trained totally alone & over shorter distances (besides the 100 miler I did in January). I only did 3 long runs, a few short trails & a few races. Yes the trail runs did help as it helped me mentally & physically with the change in environment.
How do you balance the physical and mental demands of training for long-distance road races like Comrades with the unique challenges of trail running? Consistency, self motivation & a strong mind is what helps me balance the demands of training for long distance as I run alone. I don’t find trail running as much of a challenge as I enjoy the beautiful tranquil environment. I love nature & being out there in the different terrains. I run at my own pace just taking in the scenery & forget how far I have been running for.
Can you share any particularly memorable moments from your Comrades Marathon journey, either during the race or in your preparation? During this years Comrades, whilst I was walking a stretch, a guy on a mic by one of the water tables was teasing me that I didn’t look like I was running Comrades as I was walking with such ‘ pezzaz’ he then followed me & kept picking on me, so I started running (it made me laugh).
What aspects of trail running do you enjoy most, and how does it differ from the appeal of road running for you? I love the technical aspect of trail running. Trail running makes me happier as I am out there away from the noise & pollution. Road running alone, for females especially, is not very safe. Although I do love the mileage, trail has lesser impact on the legs.
How do you stay motivated and focused during long training runs or races, whether on the road or on the trails? Self-talk and self-motivation. I focus on being in the moment and just ticking off each kilometer, as I am grateful to be out there running.
Do you have any favourite trails or running routes that you frequent, and what makes them special to you? The silver long route on Holla Trails, as that is the one that I have done the most during the segment challenge. On road it would be the route from Midrand to the Mall of Africa and back as I sometimes stop and shop lol and it’s the route that my sister and I did during the Comrades virtual run during covid.
What advice would you give to other runners who are considering making the switch between road and trail running or who are thinking about taking on a challenge like the Comrades Marathon? If you are considering a switch from road to trail you will never go wrong on trail as it has a calming effect of running in nature on softer ground with the twists & challenges that mixes it up. There is always a different route on a different day, according to how you feel. Comrades is a unique race, more than running between two cities… it’s a lesson about life. When you are out there on Comrades day, it’s just you & the road to the finish & you get to prove to yourself exactly what you are made off. You on a race against the clock . If you have not run Comrades, just do it at least once to experience what it is all about… especially if you live in South Africa, as we are privileged to be hosting this in our country. Represent.
What are your future running goals, both in trail and road running, and do you have any other races or challenges on your horizon? I would love to do UTCT and Ultra trail Drakensberg as well as a few more 100 milers both trail and road.