Run/Walk for Life re-established in Mondeor
The community is encouraged to prioritise their health.
Re-established in October 2023, Mondeor Run/Walk For Life (RWFL) is a programme based on principles set up by medical practitioners and research institutes that promote improved health through physical activity such as running and walking.
The programme is beneficial to persons afflicted by conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiac conditions, as well as other ailments.
The programme, founded by a medical doctor in 1983, quickly became a leading fitness and weight management programme in South Africa.
While running and walking are at the core of what it offers, RWFL is not a traditional running club. It provides its members with scientifically proven programmes and guidance to help them reach their fitness and health goals.
Club manager Rob Hodgkiss explained, “There used to be a RWFL in the Mondeor area but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, people stopped coming. I chose to revive the programme franchise in this area because we need programmes like this in our communities.”
Importance of fitness for the community
Hodgkiss believes RWFL is important for the community as it helps with community fitness.
A member of the club, Tumi Matlala emphasised, “It provides a safe space to exercise within the community, especially for ladies because it is not easy for us to run by ourselves. The programme also challenges you and it is tons of fun. I enjoy bonding with the other members.”
Overall health and wellness is a focal aspect of the programme for the community.
“I think we have the potential to be one of the best franchises because Mondeor has very few flat areas, so when we train then we really train,” highlighted Hodgkiss.
When a member joins the programme, an initial screening is conducted to ascertain firstly if they require medical clearance to participate, at what level can they be introduced into the programme, but more importantly for the personal trainer to ascertain what their goals are and to help them achieve these.
A personal testimony
Hodgkiss, the club manager and personal trainer started his career in the fire services as a fireman who progressed to officer, where he was sent to the University of Durban-Westville to become a coach to train firemen in fitness.
“Eventually, I left the fire services to venture into my own business. I also took up running, which I got hooked on.”
When Hodgkiss took up running, he had the idea to revive the RWFL club again.
However, tragedy struck when he entered to participate in the Comrades Marathon and was winding down.
“I did all my long runs and qualifier, and then I started tapering down from a 50km run to a 21km run. On a specific weekend in May 2023, I was running very strong in Centurion,” explained the manager.
“I was joking with one of my running partners saying if I happen to croak it, just roll me over the finish line at the Comrades and give me my medal. When 200m from the end, I dropped to the ground. I was gone for about a minute and a half.”
A paramedic was nearby and immediately started CPR. Hodgkiss was rushed to the hospital and had to have a stent insertion. After his recovery, Hodgkiss ran the Cape Town Marathon later that year.
Additionally, after his heart attack, he made a comeback and embarked on a formal course with the Sports Science Institute of South Africa as a personal trainer.
“The doctors confirmed that had I not been fit, I would not have made it,” said Hodgkiss.
Creating awareness and staying fit
Mondeor RWFL hopes to create community awareness about the benefits of regulated exercise to health.
Lorieta Jacobs, in her 70s, is one of the eldest members of the club.
“She was in the ‘at risk’ category in a degenerative bone disease a few years ago. At a recent visit to her doctor, she was informed that her condition had improved drastically and was no longer at risk.
“At her age, she walks at amazing speeds, where even some of my younger runners have to jog to keep up,” expressed Hodgkiss.
Another one of my members experienced pressure on her chest at night shortly after bedtime, but since participating in exercise, that has now stopped.
The club is open to everyone, even if your fitness level is very low or non-existent.
Anyone interested in joining can email mondeor@runwalkforlife.co.za or contact 072 297 4271.
Sessions are at Mondeor High School, 214 Beauval Street Mondeor every Monday and Tuesday from 17:00 onwards.
