#StepOutChallenge: David Bellairs

The new Sox Footwear motto is to step out and step up. We’re following inspiring stories from all walks of life, fitness levels and ages, and sharing them with our community to uplift and motivate each other to be the best version of ourselves.

David Bellairs
RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon Georgia
250km unsupported run over 6 days

This year I will turn 60! My mantra since I turned 50 some 10 years ago has been…Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. 

My trip to Georgia to run this event self-supported is to push my personal limits to see what I can actually achieve if I set my mind to it. Especially this year as I head towards celebrating my 60th birthday.

I work for the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust organizing the Cape Town Cycle Tour in March each and the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century in November. I have been involved with the Cape Town Cycle Tour for about 31 years. I live in Kenilworth in Cape Town. Born in November 1962 this year I will be turning the big 60!

Inspiration to take on the ultramarathon was born of a desire to see how much it is possible to achieve if one really puts one's mind to a task. Too often we say “oooh that's way too hard I could never do that” I have decided to step out of my comfort zone and believe that if I put my mind to it and commit to the training… Anything is possible!

I am on a 22-week training program which ramps up as we head towards the event in June. Currently, at about 5 hours a week then ramping up to peak at about 11/12 hours a week. Training consists of runs with and without a backpack. Currently, the backpack weight is only about 3kgs but that will increase to build up to race weight at about 12kgs. Shoes of choice are Hoka Speedgoats, running top is Icebreaker (100% merino wool – only have one set of running kit for the six days and merino wool does not smell at all) Socks…Well, Sox Footwear of course!! Nutrition and hydration are extremely important. I tend to stay with food as opposed to energy gels. Nuun and rehydrate with water and limited carbo drink, biltong sticks, droëwors, nuts etc. Dinners are rehydrated meals, grated parmesan, olive oil, tuna, smash, oxo cubes etc

We carry everything on our back that we will need for the 6 days; all food, bedding, clothing, medical, emergency equipment. Athletes are required to carry a minimum of 2000 calories per day with them. The only thing provided by the organizers is water at the start, finish and en route as well as a tent that we share with 7 other people.

At my age just finishing would be great but I would aim to finish somewhere in the middle of the field.

I will be posting race updates in June on my Facebook page and Instagram. Hoping to set up a blog site in the next few weeks to track my training 

Advice – The most difficult part is taking that first step to enter the event and then get your first training run under the belt!