Alson sets pace for greater 2017
The local runner recently received the Runner of the Year award for his achievements this year.
ALSON Nzama’s passion for running was recognised with his award from the Hillcrest Villagers Athletic Club for Club Runner of the Year.
The 44-year-old’s journey into the sport started late last year and the first race he ever took part in was the Forest Hills 10km. A few weeks later, he joined the local running club and soon after competed in the 42km race, Township to Township.
“I’ve competed in many races this year, my first ever Comrades Marathon which I completed in 12 hours, 46 minutes and 21 seconds, the Longest Day where you run for 12 hours straight and I clocked up 90.44km and came fourth and then the 161km Capital Classic in September where I took second place,” said a proud Alson.
“Before last year, I never ran but my employers, Pat Kaltenbrun and Jane Kruijsse, encouraged me to take part and they gave me advice on what to eat, how to train and how much running I should be doing,” said Alson as he reminisced back on his first weeks of running practice. “I am so happy to have received this award from the club. It is just so exciting as I am new to running.”
He wakes up early each morning to train before he heads off to fulfil his role as a gardener in the Highway area. His training regime consists of training twice day, three times a week. Each time he hits the road each morning he clocks up about 20km of mileage and in the evening he runs between 16 to 18km.
“Before I started to run, I was sick all the time and then I started to constantly exercise and I could feel my body getting stronger and now I hardly get sick,” he said.
The father of five said he only sees his family in the South Coast once a week on Fridays, which is his day off. But during his spare time before his weekly visits he writes beautiful Zulu poetry. “I remember during my second year of school, I was asked to enter a poetry competition and I received second prize for my work,” said a beaming Alson.
He has his heart set on achieving greater heights in the running world next year, the first of which is to increase his overall time at the Comrades Marathon.
“Next year I want to do better. I want to improve on my time in the Comrades Marathon, I would love to be in the top 10, but for now I am going to focus on getting a silver medal. I will enter even more races. Winning the cup has encouraged me to do better,” he said.
“I am where I am today because of Pat Kaltenbrun and Jane Kruijsse. They have helped me, encouraged me, picked me up and pushed me to reach for my goals. Thank you as well to the Hillcrest Villagers Running Club for their continued support,” said Alson.
