Four years ago, I started on a “journey”.
I was not sure what the destination was, but I knew I was on one!
This journey in some way culminated last week, at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, in Durban: I ran Comrades 2016!
Four years ago, after about four months of treatment, I had lost 20kg in 2.5 months.
I was declared medically fit with IBS and needed a lifestyle change, so I started walking around Rynfield in the morning, which soon developed into a run.
With some persuasion from a friend I participated in my first Parkrun and then my first 10km Rowlin National Night Race, in November, 2013, hosted by Benoni Northerns Athletics Club (BNAC).
The bug had bitten and I was hooked.
I joined BNAC and ran my first Johnson Crane 21km within three months.
After a shaky start I started mapping out my “goals” for the next 18 months, two of which were to run a marathon in 12 months and an ultra in 18 months (both of which were achieved at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon respectively).
My journey now had a destination!
Then I made an attempt at Comrades 2015, but only made 63km.
For me that was the lesson learnt!
In hindsight, I was probably overconfident and, as this year’s slogan said: “It Will Humble You” – it did.
So, as soon as registration opened I committed myself and started preparations for the challenge of my life that would see me, at age 65, take on Comrades 2016!
Running with and taking much advice from so many BNAC members, the training started earnestly at the beginning of 2016.
As many will tell you, Comrades for most of the runners is not a race, but a life-changing event.
Why do people do it?
There were 16 000 people and probably 16 000 reasons.
For me, primarily, it was the challenge of being able show that, despite age, there is always life and goals.
My day started well as a club member and I had planned our “run”.
At about 55km my hamstrings started cramping and I got held up a bit, and then, after that, it was such a pleasure to be accompanied by various runners from BNAC (too many to mention) all encouraging and giving advice.
At about 70km I really started struggling and a very special lady from the club almost “carried” me through two cut-off points.
I don’t know where the strength came from to finish the last kilometre, but I managed it with two minutes to spare!
I will be forever grateful to BNAC and that special lady for helping me reach this destination.
At 65 I have accumulated 46 medals and run 6 500km in about 32 months – a lifetime of memories.
Who says you are too old to start something new?
All you have to have is a dream.
Thanks to the wonderful people at BNAC!
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