Community news reporting calls for journalists to step into a community and hear its heartbeat, record the daily struggles and joys of the residents. To take things up a notch, Berea Mail journalist, Danica Hansen has decided to take part in Stella Athletic Club’s Couch to 10km Challenge. Watch her journey unfold in the diary of The Jogging Journalist. Today we bring you the third post in the series.
THE first three sessions are done and dusted and so far I have learnt a few things:
- The ‘5km’ runs I used to do on my own, were not actually 5km!
- 5km is further than I thought
- 10km is double that (send prayers)
- Good shoes are a good idea, but a good bra is essential- boys, you don’t know the pain!
- Meeting new people is pretty fun, even for an introvert like me
This week we continued to walk and build strength with routes that stretch a little longer each time. On Tuesday we took a sunny afternoon power walk into the heart of Glenwood.
Also read: The jogging journalist: Danica takes on fitness challenge
Along the way, our celebrity couple, Tshiya Gaotingwe and Refilwe Chulu spotted a copy of Berea Mail dangling from a post box. The famous fiancés were pretty stoked to see they made the front page and we paused for a quick pic (and welcome excuse to take a breather).
Things got a little more serious on Thursday’s walk. It was the most grueling yet as we powered up and down the hill country that is Glenwood, walking past Pidgeon Valley nature reserve on toward Lamont Road circling the University. This was the first route to test me.
Also read: The jogging journalist – Challenge off to a good start
I made the mistake of wearing my orthopedic inserts and wound up with burning blisters by the end. I also felt the burn in my muscles and a tinge of stiffness in my lower back, which is down to bad core strength says coach Dave Beattie.
Still the most surprising part of the journey for me is finding friends along the way way. There is always someone who falls instep with me and strikes up a conversation that makes the kilometers melt away! Today we start time trials and begin running- tune in next week for more on the Jogging Journalist!
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