My journey with PVM started in 2017, when I became an official PVM ambassador. Before that I was a Sport Scientist at Middelburg High School, as well as for the Puma Craven Week rugby team and the Puma U21 provincial rugby team. During my time as Sport Scientist, I contacted PVM as they were my nutrition company of choice and I felt very comfortable giving PVM products to the kids on my teams. PVM is, in my opinion, one of the most trusted nutrition companies. I am also not aware of any cases where athletes tested positive for banned substances when using PVM’s products – a “bragging right” not all nutrition companies have!
When I was given the opportunity to be known as one of PVM’s ambassador athletes I felt super honoured and still do. PVM, and its team, is an entire support system and not just a company that stocks you up with products when needed. I get to work with their dietitian to ensure my nutritional needs are spot-on during my long endurance Ironman races.
Ironman training and racing requires a lot of attention to the small things and nutrition is one of the most important focus points. It is important to have sustained energy throughout a long period of time. For training it is important to have sufficient energy for efficient training, and proper recovery to make sure you perform your best day after day.
I always use Octane during my training sessions and Reinite afterwards, especially when I have two to three sessions per day. In my pantry at home, you will find Octane, Octane Gels, Energy Bars, Reignite and Protein XTR. My nutrition intake is based on my energy needs for the day, which in turn depends on the duration, and intensity, of the day’s training sessions.
As a professional triathlete since 2017, I have completed three full distance Ironman races and 20 half distance Ironman races. I finished in the Top Six for 17 of these races and stood on the podium for six. When we talk about the Knysna Xtreme Triathlon, it is called extreme for a reason… with a 5km swim, 178km bike and 50km run, it is one of the ultimate endurance races! Put on top of that 1000m and 3000m elevation gains on the run and bike respectively. I finished in first position in the women’s race and second overall. The winning recipe? Mental fitness and perfect nutrition! I could not have done this without PVM.
My favourite Octane and Reignite flavour is Citrus. I train and race with the Real Fruit yoghurt coated Energy Bars as it is soft and easily chewable, flavours include Real Peach, Real Apricot and Real Apple. When it comes to the Octane Gels, it is difficult to choose only one flavour – I like them all. I do however mix my Octane Gels on the run and then tend to choose either the Vanilla or Chocolate flavours.
PVM Nutrition has sustained me during my career, and I am excited to keep working with them.
Thank you for believing in me before I even knew I could achieve what I have thus far achieved
