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Whoever is reading this may or may not know that I try to raise funds for CHOC at every opportunity. Usually, it's in the form of swimming the 8 Mile Charity event at Midmar, with 2024 marking my 9th attempt. This year, I thought I'd mis it up a little as the feat does not seem as impressive as it did the first couple of times I did it, with many of my mates suffering from "donor fatigue". So this time around I figured I'd try something very different and perform multiple impressive feats all in the name of the little legends CHOC looks after. My race calendar therefore looks as follows: 15th October 2023 - Cape Town Marathon - Running - 42.2km 19th November 2023 - Ride Jo'burg (94.7) - Cycling - 97km (it'll be my 10th) 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th February 2024 - Midmaar Mile - Open Water Swimming - 16 Miles over 4 days There will be other little events and what not added in amongst the above three events, but these will be shared as they come up. All I'm asking for in return is a little donation, big or small, to CHOC who does such amazing work looking after childhood cancer sufferers and their families. September is Childhood Caner Awareness Month, let make a difference for these little fighters. Have a look at my fundraising page and feel free to send this on to anyone who may be keen to donate. Thanks in advance. Jason Raath is raising funds for CHOC | kydrin foundation

Hubbers, as some of you may be aware, I have been participating in the Midmar Mile 8 Mile swim for some time now. In fact, I have completed six to date. 2022 was gearing up to be momentous as my daughter, at age 16, has become eligible to compete in this event as well and we were super excited to do this together. 2021 was strange as Midmar was cancelled due to COVID-19. We did, however, get permission to swim the 8 Mile event though and this was done on the Thursday and Friday, with no boat transport. A decision by the organisers was taken to swim Finish-Start-Finish-Start which was quite a change as I'd never swum Midmar backwards before. It was so successful though, that a decision has been taken to repeat this this year with the 8 Mile no longer taking place with the group swims but as a separate event on Thursday and Friday again. The excitement of completing this event with my daughter was quickly dashed however, when on 21 August 2021 I was involved in quite a serious MTB accident that left me with a fractured vertebra in my thoracic spine, a broken nose, and serious dose of roasties, some of which required stitches. The neurosurgeon ruled me out of any exercise for six months. I healed a bit and was given permission to get onto a stationary bike at the end of November, although no resistance was allowed. Full recovery has been slow though with constant pain almost daily. The pain has disappeared over the last week or two and I'm gently getting into the pool again, with a view to hopefully being able to accompany my daughter on her first 8 Mile, although my ability to keep up with her, even at full fitness, is doubtful at best. She has promised that she'll hang back for us to complete our last mile together though. Now the kicker, we are doing this for CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa). These guys do amazing work, not only in assisting with the provision of care for childhood cancer sufferers, but also by providing accommodation and transport to the parents of these little fighters. Often this support is the difference between whether these kid's parents are actually able to bring them through to the major centers for treatment or not. In short, it's life saving. Please go an have a look on their website to see what they do: www.choc.org.za Over the last four years swimming & cycling for CHOC, I have raised almost R100,000 for them and am super excited that my daughter has chosen CHOC as her charity of choice as well. We are obliged to raise R10,000 each for this worthy cause, failing which we are liable for this sum ourselves. Whilst I normally add to the total myself anyway, the time off work due to injury, coupled with the economic issues caused by COVID (I'm a commission only earner), makes this year a little tough to carry this. Please can I ask that you consider supporting our cause? It's as easy as as online shopping and any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please send this to anyone who may be interested as well. I'm happy to do some stupid stuff to acknowledge your donations, although it'll need to be contingent on full recovery. Check out or fund raising pages and have a look: Jason Raath is raising funds for CHOC | kydrin foundation

I have a pair of Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles (http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/aqua-sphere-kayenne-mens-goggle/4264) They fit perfectly and worked well up to a point. They recently started leaking (left side only) and no manner of adjustments help. I wear contacts while swimming and water inside the goggles is a big no no. should I stick with the same and replace them often or what (brand & model) would you recommend? (had speedo before, wore them once and took them back) I mainly swim in the pool with the occasional sea swim Thanks

I am not sure if there is already a thread for this event, if so, I apologise. This will be my first Ironman 70.3 as well as my first Triathlon, Training has been going well and feeling ready. I have a few questions re the event and triathlons in general, any help will be greatly appreciated: 1. Are trisuits necessary or is it possible/advised to just run in your cycle shorts and shirt? 2. If Wetsuits, on the day, aren't compulsory, is it still advisable to wear one? will it help with speed or tamper with it? I have now forgotten my other questions! will post later when i remember! Thanks in advance

Hi all, does anyone know a good swimming coach in Joburg? I am planning to do my first 70.3 Ironman and I think I could benefit a lot from training with a professional in order to improve my swimming as it is quite technical. Many thanks and best regards, Mathias

Hi, anyone know where in/around Cape Town one can by quality men's triathlon suits and full body swimwear? thanks

We are a multisport club based at Cresta corner that caters for beginner to advanced athletes Whether you are a mountain biker, road cyclist, triathlete or runner. If you live in the area and keen to join up with a group let me know.

Hi Guys So I did a sprint Tri (Rockman Tri at Heia safari park) last year and loved it, even though it was the really short on, and have decided to start training for more Tri's however while swimming in the pool I have noticed that I can only swim 3 or 4 laps (aka 75 - 100 m) before I feel dead and completely out of air. I know there isn't a quick fix to this but I was wondering is there is a chance that you may know a training technique or a Breathing technique I can use to improve my breathing or lack there of while swimming... I would like to do the Ironman 70.3 next year Jan and a few tri's during this year so this will be training for then Thanks for the help in advance.

Any suggestions on open water swimming venues in and around Gauteng, Is Germiston lake safe to swim in? I've seen many negative comments about the lake online.

Hi fellow Hubbers, I would like to introduce Power Pins. We are a power training studio opening in Centurion in Janaury 2016. We will have Cycleops indoor cycles, treadmills, an endless pool, bike fitting, bike mechanic and many more other awesome services onsite. Please register your interest on our website www.powerpins.co.za to be kept in the loop. We will be giving away some merchandise and memberships closer to opening time... so make sure you don't miss out! See you in January...

Does anybody know where one can rent a swimming wetsuit in the Cape Town area for less than R650 or 3 weeks? Or maybe a friendly owner willing to rent his? I am looking to partake in a triathlon but cannot foresee paying R650 to rent a suit I will be using for hopefully 30minutes.

Just in case any of you missed it, the Human Rights Day Swim that was supposed to happen on the 21st is now happening on the 30th. There's a 3km swim which should be a nice warm up for next week's Ironman.