~ musings and meanderings

  about all things trail ~

Rockhoppin’ Trail

about Linda Doke

Three decades (plus) of ultra-distance running began with a chunk of years on tar (incl 10 Comrades, 16 Two Oceans) and followed with more than 25 years of trail, racing through canyons, on beaches, deserts, islands, glaciers, salt flats, over mountains, escarpments and peaks. Nine years ago I began coaching, passing on the ultra-running lessons I’ve learned to help others seeking to reach beyond their comfort zones discover their full potential.

Interview with Andrew King

Interview with Andrew King

This quiet soul with a big heart for adventure has travelled far and wide across the globe, bringing fascinating stories to life on our screens. He’s tackled a fair share of daring adventures himself (not least of which includes hiking to the top of Kilimajaro barefoot) but his quiet-spoken nature sees him preferring to be out of the limelight.

chocolate hazelnut spread (*vegan)

chocolate hazelnut spread (*vegan)

Who doesn’t love a great tasting chocolate spread! Here’s my version of a recipe that’s been doing the rounds of late, originally posted on Hemsley+Hemsley and dubbed “BBtella” for its similarity to that wicked chocolate-hazelnut spread the whole world loves, the difference being its use of… well, have a look and see!

Interview with Jeff Ayliffe

Interview with Jeff Ayliffe

In this week’s interview in my favourite-photographer series, we meet the multi-talented Jeff Ayliffe, whose ability to put a GoPro through its paces while he dangles 30m above the ocean from the mast of an ocean-going yacht, is astonishing. I’ve always loved Jeff’s photography – not only his trail running stills, but his video work on the ocean and from the air, all of which make my toes curl.

Interview with Peter Kirk

Interview with Peter Kirk

Peter Kirk is best known for the images he captured during David Grier’s Miles for Smiles runs – across Cuba, the length of Thailand, and soon the Great Wall of China. Peter’s shots capture not only the enormity of those challenges, but the essence of the people of those countries.

Interview with Erik Vermeulen

Interview with Erik Vermeulen

“The one thing I’m really passionate about is potential – human potential. When I’m shooting an event, I try to capture the quest that everyone has: to run faster, further, higher and steeper, to find the limits of their potential.”

Interview with Xavier Briel

Interview with Xavier Briel

Sometimes raw talent, creative flair and a whole lot of passion is the combination needed to take the leap into photography. Xavier Briel made that plunge just a couple of years ago, and is fast making his mark in adventure photography.

Interview with Mark Sampson

Interview with Mark Sampson

This is the sixth in the series of interviews I’ve done with trail photographers I’ve met over my years of trail running – lens pros whose work has the magic ability to capture far more than just mandatory sports action, their images really grab our attention, making us feel like we’re there, breathing the dust and feeling the slosh of mud on our cheek.

~ explore a world of trails ~

Testimonials

[divi8_testimonial_carousel_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” divi8_testimonial_rating_color=”#EDF000″ divi8_testimonial_effect_slideshadow=”on” divi8_testimonial_effect_slidestretch=”2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ border_radii_item_border=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” content_font_size=”14px” divi8_testimonial_sliderperview_desktop=”4″ divi8_testimonial_content_position=”layout3″ background_color=”#000000″ content_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” position_text_color=”gcid-secondary-color” position_font_size=”15px” border_color_all_position_border=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22position_text_color%22%93}” divi8_testimonial_autoplay_loop=”off” divi8_testimonial_centered_slides=”off” divi8_testimonial_sliderspeed=”300″ divi8_testimonial_nav_mousewheel=”off” divi8_testimonial_pagi_size=”16″][divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” name=”Jessie Waldman ” position=”ultrarunner and mom” rating=”5″ description=”I have learned so much about the nuts & bolts of good training from Linda. To name a few: the power of consistency; the value of the steady, gradual build; what proper strength training looks like & how to recover from races properly. Linda uses her expert knowledge to tailor your training so it’s right for you. She will help you to navigate all the trials & tribulations in your training journey to get you to the finish line in record time.” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”Jessie” img=”https://rockhoppingtrail.run/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jessie.jpg”][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite][divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” name=”Garth Willis ” position=”ultrarunner” rating=”5″ description=”As a runner in my 50s, running is as much about having fun as it is about being an outlet for my competitive juices. Linda’s program has put fun into my training. I’ve loved the variety and even enjoyed being pushed to my limits. It’s great to have someone to tell you when to toughen up and get the session done, or when to ease off and avoid running yourself into injury. She managed me back from an ACL operation, courtesy of a reckless motorbiker, and I have enjoyed many road and trail adventures thanks to Linda’s guidance. Most importantly, I’ve loved the training in between those adventures. I’ve also enjoyed being part of the Rockhoppin’ Trail community and being inspired by all the adventures that the other trail junkies get up to.” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”Garth” img=”https://rockhoppingtrail.run/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Garth.jpg”][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite][divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” name=”Melanie Swanepoel ” position=”ultrarunner” rating=”5″ description=”Training with Linda is like having someone in your corner who believes in you, inspires you and yes, encourages you to go for those crazy goals. She is a font of knowledge when it comes to all things trail running and she designs my programme specifically for me. She encourages and inspires me to do better, tackle crazy adventures, and supports me in difficult times. It makes such a big difference to have someone to be accountable to, someone who cares, and who knows the “how-to’s”. Linda has taught me to trust in the process and trust my ability.” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”melanie” img=”https://rockhoppingtrail.run/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/melanie.jpg”][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite][divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” name=”Dave Rebe ” position=”ultrarunner” rating=”5″ description=”Linda has helped me achieve far more in my running than I ever imagined. Her deep knowledge, real experience, genuine care, full support and flexible approach make her an incredible coach. I may not be at the front of the field, but thanks to her, I’m definitely much further up for my age than I’d ever be on my own.” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”dave” img=”https://rockhoppingtrail.run/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dave.jpg”][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite][divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” name=”Lucille Bowman ” position=”ultrarunner and mom” rating=”5″ description=”I started as a beginner on the trails. Now I’m an ultra-distance runner. Linda’s personalised coaching, steady advice and her ability to adapt to my needs as a mom of three helped me achieve more than I had ever dreamed possible.” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”Lucille” img=”https://rockhoppingtrail.run/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lucille.jpg”][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite][divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” name=”Max Miller ” position=”ultrarunner” rating=”5″ description=”Training with Linda has been a game-changer for me! Her approach is incredibly flexible and highly personalised; every session is tailored to my goals, abilities, and most importantly my commitments outside of running. If life changes, Linda makes sure my program changes too.
She is extremely intuitive; I feel supported while she challenges me beyond my comfort zone. She has guided me through 4 years’ worth of epic trail running adventures and podiums. She even made sure I bagged a Comrades Silver in my brief lapse of judgement when needed to try the road scene. Linda helps keeps my passion for running fuelled. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to get the most out of their running!
” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”Max” img=”https://rockhoppingtrail.run/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Max.jpg”][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite][divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” name=”Dani Coetzee” position=”multiple 100 miler and 200 miler finisher” rating=”5″ description=”Working with Linda has been an absolute game-changer. She truly cares about you as an individual, builds training that fits your real life, and shows up with consistency you can rely on. The results speak for themselves – I’ve achieved all the goals I dreamed of and more.” title_text=”dani” img=”https://rockhoppingtrail.run/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dani.jpg” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_item_lite][/divi8_testimonial_carousel_lite]