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Phalula eyes Joburg win
Diana-Lebo Phalula is targeting a win in the fifth and final leg of the Spar Women's Grand Prix series in Johannesburg on October 12.
FILE PICTURE: Diana-Lebo Phalula wins the race during the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge. EDITORS NOTE: For free editorial use. Not available for sale. No commercial usage. (Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images)
Phalula, with 94 points on the series log, has an almost unassailable lead over second-placed Rene Kalmer on 66 points. All Phalula requires is a top 20-finish at the final event to secure the honours.
“I don’t need top five, but I still want to win the race,” Phalula said on Tuesday.
“I’m looking forward to doing well at the Wanderers — it’s my favourite course of the series. It’s easy, there’s only one hill and I’m going to do my best on it.”
Phalula won both the Cape Town and Port Elizabeth legs of the series, but a hamstring injury before the Durban race hampered her performance a fortnight ago.
“This year it was my year to win all the Spar races.
“They way I’m training — I’m training with a man — it was always going to be possible for me to do well. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen with my injury.”
With the Johannesburg race over five weeks away, Phalula was hoping to recover her full fitness.
“I’m busy with treatment. I’m seeing doctors and the physio. I’m off now with two weeks of no training.
“Hopefully, when I get better I’ll start with my training programme again.
“I’m not losing much with my fitness, I’m still there. I just need to remain focused.”
Phalula’s long-term goals on the track included breaking her personal best times of four minutes 11 seconds (4:11) in the 1500 metres, and 15:36 in the 5000m.
“I want to run a PB in at least one of my 5000m, 1500m and 10 000m races. I’m also looking forward to qualifying for the Olympic marathon in Rio in 2016.”
– Sapa
