Passionate runner invites ladies to join her CZONE group

Norkem Park fitness junky Comfort Selebi (50) broke out of her comfort zone by running her first marathon at the age of 45.

“I always enjoyed going to gym and running, but never ran long distances. In June 2014, my husband and I were on holiday in Durban and it so happened that it was the weekend of the Comrades Marathon. After watching it, I got so inspired and my mind was made up – I would run the ‘ultimate human race’.”

In 2015 Selebi ran her first marathon as preparation for the Comrades and later completed it.

“So far, I’ve finished five marathons. I also have podium finishes in 10km, 15kms, 21km and 42km races in my category.”

This year, she encourages other women to partake in long-distance running with a walk and run group for ladies called CZONE.

“Running is a transformative spiritual experience. It’s a metaphor that teaches about strength, discipline, endurance, suffering, patience, faith, encouragement and hope. Running heals the mind, body and soul.

“My main targets are all ladies who want to start, but don’t know how. I would like to encourage women to live an active life.”

With her Athletics South Africa (ASA) level one coaching course for middle-to-long distance and race walking she would like to teach other women to excel in their running ability.

ASA level one is an introduction coaching course that covers talent identification, biomechanics of distance running, running technique, race walking technique, physiological aspects of training, law of coaching, training programmes, muscle endurance, speed endurance, strength training and rules of competition.

“Women look after everyone in the family and tend to neglect themselves,” Selebi said.

“I want to remind ladies that motherhood is not the only thing worthwhile about them. They must still pursue things that interest them. I believe their purpose is the reason for their existence and that they can have fun, look good and still be good mothers, wives, sisters or aunts.”

Her motto is: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” This is a quote by Zig Ziggler.

The first CZONE event will take place on November 1 between 7.30am and 8am at the Scouts Hall at the corner of Mooifontein Road and Van Loggerenberg Avenue in Norkem Park Extension Three.

“We are going to choose safe routes which are not isolated and walk or run when it’s already daylight.

“We endeavour to observe social distancing protocols, but we will still keep together in a group to ensure safety,” Selebi concluded.

For more information, contact Selebi at cselebi04@gmail.com

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