Wayne’s World: Don’t pick a fight with Mike Tyson

THE club decided to hold an impromptu 30km run last Sunday so about 40 members gathered outside the clubhouse at 5am in the quest to conquer a demanding route.

Distances like this are not uncommon this time of the year as it forms part of the training for the Comrades Marathon.

In fact, the biggest single qualifier for the Comrades in the world takes place in Pietermaritzburg in less than three weeks’ time.

It also doubles as the South Coast Striders standard marathon (42.2km) club championship.

The route run on Sunday could not have been better preparation, due to the hills involved, although Michelle Wridgway was on the end of plenty of verbal abuse while she was out seconding – one of the runners demanded a rope in order to scale the mountainous terrain.

I know that although the going was hard they all benefited and gained valuable mental toughness. The frontrunners ripped through the course in two hours while, without disrespect to my ‘slower’ running colleagues, a few hobbled in around the three-hour mark.

It is strange how your body works though, because a week prior to Sunday’s run I took part in a 25km run in Pinetown.

In that race I felt as strong as a steam train and devoured that hilly course in a respectful two hours. After completing that race I felt as if I could honestly do another lap.

This week however, was very different and knew I was in trouble from the very first step.

I complained and moaned the whole way and by the next morning I felt as if I had been involved in a fight with Mike Tyson … although I did check and my ears are still attached!

It’s not a new problem that I have developed but in 30 years of running, having an off running day does happen from time to time. So, if you have experienced it don’t panic, it happens. You do recover quite quickly.

This Wednesday evening registration will be taking place at the clubhouse in Edward Avenue in Uvongo from 5pm.

If you looking to re-join or become a new member look out for Michelle Wridgway or Neville Storbeck to help you out with the necessary paper work.

We are having a 4km or 8km time trial that kicks off at 5.30pm on the same evening, followed by a braai and this week

we will be having two lively and outrageous professional barmaids pumping music and looking after your thirst requirements.

Remember to keep striding because they all count.

For walking queries contact Ronel at 082 3318996 and for running captain Lucky is the guy to give a shout to at 083 7791151.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033