50 years young and ready for action

Mfanlo Ndwandwe is 50 years young and will be taking part in his first Comrades Marathon on June 1.

Many hours of training and exercise later, Mfanlo is ready to take on the 90km run the Comrades has to offer. “I am excited and nervous at the same time,” Mfanlo said, “but I’ve trained a lot and I will do my best.”

Mfanlo has taken part in many races, all in preparation for the biggest race yet. “I started with the race between Newcastle and Memel in 2011,” he said. Mfanlo describes this event as the start of his athletic dream. “After the 50km, I didn’t want to stop.”

In 2012 Mfanlo took part in a 32km race in Volksrust and in 2013 he took part in the Mandela Marathon Day in Pietermaritzburg. After 42km of fitness and motivation, Mfanlo is ready for his biggest race yet.

Mfanlo describes Qinisani Magubane as part of the inspiration to pursue this dream. “I started running with him and he motivated me to take part in my first race,” he said.

Thulani Msane and Ndabenhle Ndaba are two of his teammates and have been his inspiration in training. “They have been teaching me how to run and avoid injuries. I do not know how I would be doing wothout them,” he said.

Mfanlo’s training schedule differs everyday, but he knows the importance of fitness and sustainability. “During the week I run for one hour or 10km and on Saturdays I like to push myself to do between three to four hours. On Sundays I enjoy two hours, depending on how I feel,” Mfanlo described.

Mfanlo is often found at the gym on Tuesday mornings to take part in spinning. “I should be able to climb some mountains now,” Mfanlo laughed.

A strong support system leads to great achievements and Mfanlo does not experience a lack thereof. “My wife and children are very supportive and one of my children actually wants to take up running herself,” he said proudly.

The support shown has inspired Mfanlo to inspire others. “Running is just a sport, but you can turn it into a career. Stick to your training programme and work hard,” he advised.

Mfanlo will keep the blood pumping come June 1 and with his passion and dedication, we will see him at Comrades 2014.