Trail Talker of the Week – Marinda Lindeque

How did you get into  trail running? I’m a member of New Balance Multisport club and my friend Lisa, who was trail captain at the time, gave me total FOMO with her newsletters and passion for trail – I started joining her weekly runs – the love grew from there.

How long have you been trail running? Nearly 2 years.

What is your favourite distance to run and why? That’s kinda a hard question with trail running, because every race/terrain is different – distance can be very deceiving when it comes to trail.

Who is your biggest trail running inspiration and why? My husband is my biggest inspiration, he’s an amazing athlete and my biggest supporter.  And my trail running friends inspire me – pushing boundaries and comfort zones all the time.

What is your biggest or best running achievement? What are you most proud of? Definately the Fairview Drylands Traverse – running back to back and it’s also running the longest distance I’ve ever done in one go.  I’m most proud that I finished with a smile and made amazing friends along the way.

What is your favourite trail running quote? Dory’s “Just keep on swimming” on the hills – LOL!  And my team-mate and friend, Shirley’s words – ‘small steps’, also on hills!!

Where is your favourite place to run and tell us why? Every race/place has it’s special place and memories for me, but I really love Jonkershoek’s beautiful forests and single tracks!

Why do you run? I run for ME – I’m a stay-at-home-mom of 2 amazing, busy boys and it gave me a sense of self again and I also run for my boys – hoping that they will follow in our footsteps.

What has been/is your biggest trail running challenge and how did you/ do you overcome it? Definately Mountain Warrior’s Botmaskop Traverse this year.  The weather was INSANE, it was the first time ever I thought for a split-second ‘today I’m in trouble’ – I overcame it by being with a group of my running friends – we stuck together, took one step at a time and came out so much stronger on the other side.

What is the biggest life lesson trail running has taught you? It’s taught me I’m so much stronger than I ever thought possible – physically and mentally.

What race/s is/are on your bucket list? To be honest … I haven’t actually thought about this – we are SO spoiled in the Cape with the most amazing races.  The next thing on my bucket list is 70.3!!!

Who is your dream running partner and why? My husband … I’d LOVE to be fast enough to run a stage race as a team with him – we’ll kill it J …. or each other …. LOL!

What do you love about trail running? I love seeing places I never would otherwise and I love all the friends I make along the way.

How do you deal with disappointment or injury from a mental perspective? I have been really lucky in that I haven’t suffered much with injuries, but the frustration that comes with resting is real – I tend to focus more on swimming or cycling then, just to keep the juices going.

What is the number 1 tip you would give to a brand new trail runner? GO FOR IT!!! Trail runners are awesome people and love welcoming new people into the sport.

Do you use any running apps or gadgets? If so what is your favourite and tell us a bit about it? I don’t … Trail running comes with freedom and I’m also not a gadgety kind of person.

Where can we find you on socials networks? (Twitter/facebook/blogs) Just of and .

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