Striders hold Presidents’ Run as Comrades Marathon final stretch nears
The Comrades Marathon will take place on June 10.
It was a cold Sunday morning when the Striders Athletics Club held their Presidents’ Run at Veritas College.
This 10km run is the final leg before the club’s Comrades Marathon runners compete in the world-famous event.
Upon completing the run, the runners were given words of wisdom by veteran runners who competed in other marathons.
“It is vital for those who will be running the epic marathon for the first time,” said club secretary Kim Westley. After the run, the athletes gathered for breakfast and a motivational talk by experienced marathon athletes.
Graham Handley has completed 26 Comrades Marathons and has 12 silvers (achieved after finishing the run in less than seven hours).
“The Comrades is a stern test of endurance and mental strength. The hard training is behind you, and you should now focus on sleeping hard and eliminating stress.
”All these will impact your performance on the day,” noted Graham.
He added that athletes should not visit training blogs or athlete groups because it would create self-doubt.
“You need to trust your training, your gear and your supplements and remember what works for one runner might not work for another,” he said.
He told them it was crucial to rest their feet because they would use them a lot on the day.
“Keep your feet up as often as possible,” he advised.
He gave one last piece of advice for the day.
ALSO CHECK: Forum adopts strategy to address homelessness in Ekurhuleni
“Knowledge of the route is vital for preparation. Remember to catch your breath and gather your thoughts,” he said.
Jackie Seddon is a seasoned Comrades runner and has completed 12 marathons.
“You need to document your run. If you don’t document your run, you won’t know what to fix for your next Comrades,” she warned.
She gave them practical advice about what to do when a person has completed the race.
“You need to know where you will find your people after the race. It will be cold, and you will be exhausted and hungry.
“About 60 000 people will be there, so it wouldn’t be wise to get lost,” said Seddon.
ALSO CHECK: Susan Andrew elected as the president of Womens Golf South Africa
Some athletes who will do the Comrades had a few words of wisdom for those wanting to start running.
“I got advice and support from those who ran before me. They gave me tips, and I used them. It also helps to have an amazing support structure such as my own,” said Ravi Moodley, who is running his first Comrades.
“You must eat well and not go above your limit. Start slow and work within your boundaries or you won’t finish the race,” said Jan Saaiman, who will be running his 10th marathon.
“Take it one step at a time. Start slow and gradually build on your run. The Comrades is all about mental strength. You need to tell yourself you can do it and that quitting isn’t an option,” advised Annetjie Nel, who is competing in her 20th Comrades.
“If I could talk to my younger self when she started running, I would tell her to enjoy it. Make friends and listen to the motivations of others when you feel tired because it takes your mind off your pain.
“Focus on the positive things and not the pain or the negative.
“Be grateful at that moment to be alive and healthy,” said Karin Smith, this year’s club president competing in her 26th Comrades Marathon.
