Fitness enthusiast ready to take on first Comrades
We chatted to Declynn Julian Johns, about his preparations leading up to the world's oldest ultra-marathon this Sunday.
IN just a few days, thousands of runners will find themselves at the starting line of the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon.
Joining them this year is 36-year-old Declynn Julian Johns of Wentworth, who is geared up to take on his first Comrades Marathon.
The almost 90km race, which will be in its 96th edition and the 48th ‘down run’, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 11.
This year, the race will be starting at the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg and finishing at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
Johns, a fitness trainer and sneaker artist, said growing up, his family would watch the Comrades. However, none of his family members were into athletics.
“But, I always participated sports and being a fitness trainer I would run at times. I recently joined a friend on a few runs and when the entries for the Comrades re-opened in February, I decided to give it a shot. Since then I have taken my training seriously,” he said.
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Johns, who is a member of the Bluff Athletic Club (BAC), said a friend has been helping him prepare for the Comrades.
“My friend, Romondo Thompson, has helped me a lot with my training as running for fitness in comparison to preparing for the Comrades is very different. He has given me a programme to follow every week and I also do some strength training. It has been going well,” he said.
The father of four, said he found running to be a great stress reliever.
“It allows you to have some time alone, with just you and your thoughts, which is also very therapeutic. However, what I enjoy most about running is the accountability that comes with it.
“You only get what you put in and nothing more. So if you want to do well you need to put the work in, there are no shortcuts,” he said.
ALSO READ: Bluff couple amped to take on second Comrades together
Johns advised people to participate in one Comrades.
“Going through the process of preparing for Comrades, you learn so much about yourself and what you are capable of. I encourage people to enter at least one Comrades. I am really looking forward to it and hope this is the start to participating in many more in future,” he said.
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