This winter however has been FUN!!!
I have been running a lot more than last winter! That was not hard, last winter I was off injured for the majority of the time.
There are some amazing trails around PE and we have been making the most of them. Most of them are free, some you pay a nominal amount – all are very worth it.
Here are a few of my favourite photos
First, My favourite one of me running. (Thank you Willie Lawson for taking it)
Did you know that it is free to visit the Van Stadens Flower reserve and there are walks, runs and mountain bike trails that you can use all year round.
Notes on the 3 of the venues:
In Port Elizabeth – Baakens Valley – FREE!! There are many access points to the Valley all throughout the city. It is free to run, walk or bike here but it is advisable to go in a group. We have not had any problems but I have heard of some people being harrased or mugged. BE CAREFUL
Port Elizabeth – Surrounding areas:
Van Stadens Flower Reserve, access on on the same road as the Van Stadens Pass and Woodridge Schools. You can visit the Facebook group “Friends of Van Stadens or the website VAN STADENS: for more info. The reserve spans both sides of the N2 and is stunning. Entry is free of charge and there are easy walks, hikes and bike paths. There are also more challenging trails for running and walking. The vegetation is diverse and has wooded areas and fynbos. It is awesome.
3 Rivers Trails – Crossways Farm Village Cost R40.00 For more information visit their Facebook page or website 3 Rivers Trails. The trails are marked and there are many different options for mountain biking, running and walking and all different distances. Each time we have been we have done a different route. Those that did the Port Elizabeth leg of the Rhino Run will know it – this was the venue. Sign in and pay at the Crossways Farm Village Country Kitchen. If you plan on doing parts of the Longmore Forest, you will also need a forestry permit.
If you would like to stay up to date on trail runs in the Port Elizabeth area there is a group on Facebook called Trail Adventures which is updated regularly.
My Happy Pace! 
Love! I must say I have come across 2 *scary* snakes on my runs in our estate this last week and it really freaks me out. The puffies are the worst – lazy buggers lie on the jeep track and do not move! I adore winter for trail running….summer I think twice – especially about single track stuff. That being said – am doing a 15k this Sunday on Constantia Nek but its a race….so the front runners will scare off all the nasties before i get there!!
I am also very wary of snakes and we saw one on Saturday, but it was disappearing under a rock. I will still run trail in summer as I have entered the Addo 44km in February…. Yikes – an ULTA on trail….
you look SOOOO happy in that first pic!
Thank you, yes I love trail running and I was running with my sister so a win win situation.
I like it that you love the trail running so much. With the mountain biking it’s the same. It’s great to be out on the trails, make one forget you live in a city.
Yes, it is awesome. And you get to see parts of the city that you did not even know existed
I am now 18kg down and just about ready to start running again. Threatened to take my bike out this week as well. Need to get onto the trails whichever way
There are a lot of trails around PE, and you are more than welcome to join us.
I love how happy you look in that first pic and I really stand in awe of all you that run so well. I think we may do some hiking in one of these spots in December.
Please say hi, when you are here. They are awesome spots to hike!
You look so happy and the views are amazing. I’ve done on grand total of one trail walking and it is hard! Well done!!! I definitely prefer winter exercise wise I find it so much easier than walking in summer