Some people run for medals. Others for time. I run for memories
The Whale of Trail 38 km run through the De Hoop Nature Reserve offered more than just a physical challenge, it was a canvas of wild beauty, a chance to capture fleeting moments through the lens of my iPhone, and a reminder of why I’ve traded tarmac for trail.
Running with a Photographer’s Eye
I’m an avid photographer, though this time I wasn’t behind my usual gear. Armed only with my iPhone, I found myself pausing—not for breath, but for beauty. While professionals dotted the course capturing stunning images, I sought something more personal: my own memories, framed in my own way.
I have photographed many cows on wild beaches, but for the first time on a run, I stopped to photograph flowers. Vivid proteas, delicate Ericas, and the rhythmic splash of waves against rock formations became my subjects. I stepped off the trail to compose a shot with the rocks just right, waited patiently for the wave to crest, and even experimented with long exposure to blur a silky rock pool into something dreamlike. My finishing time faded into the background; the image was the prize.
My mantra is simple: run where you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must.
Running with a Photographer’s Eye
I’m an avid photographer, though this time I wasn’t behind my usual gear. Armed only with my iPhone, I found myself pausing—not for breath, but for beauty. While professionals dotted the course capturing stunning images, I sought something more personal: my own memories, framed in my own way.
I have photographed many cows on wild beaches, but for the first time on a run, I stopped to photograph flowers. Vivid proteas, delicate Ericas, and the rhythmic splash of waves against rock formations became my subjects. I stepped off the trail to compose a shot with the rocks just right, waited patiently for the wave to crest, and even experimented with long exposure to blur a silky rock pool into something dreamlike. My finishing time faded into the background; the image was the prize.
The Whale Trail: Beauty, Challenge, and Character
The Whale of Trail was no exception. From the top of Potberg, I looked northeast and saw the patchwork of wheat and canola fields - gold and green in perfect contrast. Along the coast, I spotted the occasional plume from a distant whale, though never a breach. Maybe next time.
I watched an orange-breasted sunbird feed on a protea bush and a Jackal Buzzard soar overhead. These moments reminded me that trail running isn’t just about movement - it’s about presence.
But the trail also demanded focus. Twice I stumbled, nearly going down, saved only by miraculous recoveries. On trails, even when your thoughts wander, your feet must stay alert. Before the beach section from Lekkeslaap, I asked a volunteer if the next stretch would be “character building.” He smiled and replied, “No, it won’t be character building - it’ll be character revealing.” He was right. I learned that character is best built before the morning start.
Reflections from the Trail
As a Grand Master runner, I’ve come to value endurance not just in distance, but in perspective. The Whale of Trail reminded me that the journey is as much about what you see as how far you go. It’s about pausing for a photo, noticing the sunbird, and letting the trail reveal who you are.
I didn’t just run the Whale Trail - I experienced it. And that, to me, is the real finish line.
By: John Armstrong
Grand Masters 35km Podium Runner 2025