Marissa Griesel
Leader for Trail Runs in Gauteng
Leader Roodepoort
I am a researcher by trade and spend most of my working day staring at a computer screen. We all know that all work and no play makes for quite a dull day, so to balance this, I love being outdoors – running, biking, strolling with the dogs or simply sitting quietly with a view of a mountain or a river. My husband of almost 7 years is just as enthusiastic about endurance sport and getting out in the fresh air. I started my healthy journey with earnest about 4 years ago when we moved to Jo’burg from a small town. One day I realised that all of the changes were showing around my waistline more than anywhere else. I did a clean up of our kitchen and our habits to make space for fresh fruits, veg and proteins. I also joined a local gym and started one of those couch to 5km programs.
The trail running gotta bit hard in 2015 and I have since completed almost all of the local races – anything from 5 to 25ks – as well as the Two Oceans Long Trail – still one of my proudest achievements. It is unfortunately not possible to get out to trails as often as I would like during the week, but I try make time for at least one run on dirt and mud over the weekends. The tar around our house in Ruimsig has to suffice for weekday runs.
So, I run wherever I can and I try to maintain balance in work, in the kitchen and in everyday life. I would love to share the joy and peace the trails have brought me with other ladies, as well as share your journey to overall fitness and wellness. I know the struggle of being a beginner all too well so think I would be able to help newbies fall in love as I did. I have a solid knowledge of the trails around Gauteng and am committed to my own improvement as I have entered my first ultra trail run in 2017.
To get in touch with Marissa, message her on Instagram.
