Glen Anil Comrades novice ready to run his heart out
The novice has a strong game plan for his first Comrades Marathon this June

A NOVICE Comrades Marathon entrant who says he was never a runner is now pushing for the finish line at the Ultimate Human Race this June.
Daryl Parker (53), a fitness freak and sport lover, said he started with Parkruns in 2019, and from there, his love for running slowly grew.
Also read: Comrades runner – now seconder – shares tips ahead of this year’s marathon
“I was never a fan of running, but after joining Parkrun and then entering a few races (10km and half-marathons), I decided it was time to run the Comrades,” he said.
The Glen Anil resident is a member of DHS Old Boys where most of his training is done, but he also has a coach and trains with the squad and other running groups in and around Durban North, as well.
His eating has become healthier by adding a good balance of proteins and carbs to his diet.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to diet and training for Comrades. You have to do what works best for you and your body. Let me tell you, after a long run, my body craves a burger and chips, so that’s what I have. Everything in moderation,” he said.
Parker added that being trained by a coach was extremely beneficial to him as a novice as he gets all the direction and advice he needs.
“It’s extremely hard work and takes up a lot of time and dedication and would not have been possible without the support of my coaching squad and my fellow runners from all clubs, not just my own. The running community is an extremely supportive one,” added Parker.
He added that qualifying was harder than running the actual Comrades as you are given just under seven minutes to run each kilometre; whereas, at Comrades, you are given a little less than nine minutes.
“Last week, I attempted the route tester from Hillcrest to PMB as part of my training and to get a feel of what the route will be like on race day. It was tough, but it was nice to see what I’m in for on race day. Polly (not so) Shortts was a real eye-opener,” he said.
He is coached by Roger Westbrook of Westpoint Running.
Physical training is not all Parker is busy with at the moment but mental training, too. He explained that towards the end of a run, the body does get tired, so it’s up to the mind to push the body through the final stretch. The mental aspect of long-distance running is key to reaching the finish line.
Also read: uMhlanga resident ready for debut Comrades Marathon
He’s chosen not to have a second but to have family, friends and running colleagues strategically placed along the route to assist with nutrition and mental support to keep going.
“I’ve mapped out a nutrition plan and have asked them to assist at certain points. My family have been super supportive of me along this journey,” he said.
“I am looking forward to the vibe and camaraderie on the day. I grew up in Westville, so growing up, I watched Comrades runners run past my house every year, but not once did I ever think that I would be doing the same one year,” added Parker.
One thing he said he will not be leaving home without is his nipple tape.
“You perspire a lot during a run so the friction against the shirt can cause your nipples to bleed so I will definitely be carrying my nipple tape with me,” he added.
His advice to anyone thinking about running Comrades next year is to ‘Just do it’.
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