BAC’s Pienaar relishes comeback after hiatus
Although he's not at his peak, he's happy with how he has performed in the CGA cross-country league meetings.
After years away from the competitive scene, seasoned distance runner Michael Pienaar has marked a spirited return to action in this season’s Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) cross-country league meetings.
Pienaar, known for his past road running exploits – including victories at the 2017 Colgate Race 15km in 46:39 and the 2019 Birchwood Half Marathon 10km in 32:33 – has reignited his passion for the sport with a comeback that charts a new chapter in his running journey.
“Turning 30 this year made me realise I don’t have much time left to compete at a high level. I decided to challenge myself to see if I could come back into competitive shape,” he said.
“I chose cross-country as a re-entry point because I feel it’s the purest measure of fitness. There are many talented runners in the CGA leagues, which has helped me gauge my current competitiveness.”
Pienaar opened his account with a season-best 32:53 in the open men’s 10km at the second league at Kagiso Sports Complex in May. He has since maintained consistent form, recording 35:47 at Marivate Park in Daveyton last month and 33:30 at the fifth league in Westonaria on July 12.
He concluded the league phase with 33:25 in the sixth league meeting in Brakpan on July 26.
“Cross-country was a significant part of my growth as a young runner. I always had a deep respect for it as a discipline. It is the truest test of endurance. Racing the 10km has given me a good indicator of my development.”
To get back into shape, the Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) athlete has focused on endurance training, threshold workouts and tempo runs.
“I’m not quite in the shape I want to be yet. Some injuries have held me back, but I’m hoping to get faster as the year progresses.
“An enormous challenge has been training on my own and pushing myself during workouts. After not racing for a few years, I feel that I’m missing the mental edge I had when I was a young athlete,” said Pienaar.
Pienaar had initially planned to use the leagues to gauge his fitness. Though not at his peak, the athlete will do his best to qualify for the ASA cross-country champs in September at the provincial championships in Germiston on August 16.
“Realistically, I know the competition is strong, but I’ll give it my all. From September onwards, I will focus on some road races, starting with 10km and hopefully a half-marathon later in the year.”
“I’ve never raced beyond 15km, so the half-marathon will be a new challenge. After that, I’ll re-evaluate where I am. I may return to the track or start building toward a marathon.”
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