Running through walls of pain

Vossie Vosloo is a Ballito resident who has achieved more than most in the world of ultra-marathons.

Completing 20 Comrades Marathons back-to-back, year-on-year, earning an impressive double green number and winning an incredible four silver medals, Vosloo is a Comrades veteran and is passionate about this historic race.

As the race looms on the near horizon, the 22503 runners who have entered so far will be experiencing a mix of different emotions as they prepare for the start on May 31.

While it is arguably too late for last minute training advice, one of the biggest challenges of the race lies in the mental battle each participant has to face.

According to Vosloo, the last 15-20 km are by far the most taxing in the race – both on the mind and the body and that at this point, it is critical to keep yourself confident.

Setting yourself milestones while running is a great way to get yourself through to the end.

“It is all a mind-game,” said Vosloo.

“Pain is part and parcel of the Comrades, so get more sore.”

This strategy will certainly make you wish the end was nigh, which is why Vosloo stresses the importance of not getting too swept up in the atmosphere of the race.

“Conserve your energy and pace yourself.”

Another great tip for helping you break those physical and psychological barriers is to keep in mind that in the lead up to the ultra-marathon it is not the quantity of training completed, but the quality, that is crucial to your personal success.

“Do not break the pace you have set yourself,” Vosloo said.

“Keep your will as persistent as the road ahead of you.”

If there are two things to keep reminding yourself of as you are running the race, he said, it is that a strong mind is everything when running this gruelling race.

“You must never forget your end-goal – it is pure ecstasy crossing that finish line, incredibly rewarding.”

One word sings out from the heart of this runner’s spirit – ‘persevere’. Perseverance will win you a personal victory you will not soon forget.