Knysna - Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a multi-sport athlete, or thought about entering the Big 5 Sports Challenge - or the all new Big 5 LITE - to see for yourself?
We sat with Carla van Huyssteen - beautiful, talented and
determined, she was a Big 5 2013 podium finisher - for a sneak peak on the
experience.
Here’s what she had to say...
What are your secrets to success – what does a person need to
do to be a successful multi-sport competitor?
Carla: There are no real secrets, you just have to work at your skill/fitness/strength in whatever discipline you prefer, on a continuous basis, CONSISTENCY is key!! Gaining good technique in the various disciplines will also really help your training effort.
What do you like best about the Big 5 Sport Challenge?
Carla: I like the variability, having to take on multiple disciplines
is always a challenge. The whole week is very festive and the Big5 competitors
have a sort of camaraderie in the suffering of racing on really sore legs.
Tell us about your training regime – what is a typical workout programme entail? Do you have any training tips you can share with others thinking of doing the Big Five Challenge for the first time?
Carla: I have followed various training regimes under different coaches. Basically 2 workouts a day, am and pm,(adding in strength or recovery as a 3rd) , which varies between all the disciplines and training outcomes (eg. easy, intervals, long aerobic etc). I don’t think there is one specific training regime that works more than the other, it all depends on your situation, time constraints, and what your area has to offer. A tip, be aerobically as fit as possible, don’t over do the high intensity training, recover well.
How do you keep yourself motivated when the going gets tough?
Do you have a favourite training soundtrack you like to listen to?
Carla: When the
going gets tough, my motivation comes from knowing that I am blessed to be a
pro athlete, a “job” that lots of people would love to have, so stop moaning
and get one with it!! Not really, I like a variety of music, but anything with
a good beat that can get me going.
How do you reward yourself after a particularly challenging
competition?
Carla: With a chocolate croissant!!
Feeling motivated to enter the challenge yourself? Here’s the link with all the information you need: http://www.oysterfestival.co.za/the-big-5-sports-challenge/