FLYING the SAP flag high, Capt Elizabeth Squires (left), communications officer at Westville SAPS, has been chosen among six women to participate in the SAP national championships in the North West province in September.
Only six women and 10 men are entered into the competition following a gruelling trials selection.
Last year, Capt Squires, was named fastest marathon runner in KZN and was, therefore, selected to represent the SAP national team in the Cape Town Marathon in September, two weeks after she competed in the half marathon in Port Elizabeth.
The 46-year-old fitness fanatic recently completed her eight consecutive Comrades Marathon in 09:56 – her personal best time.
She said she completed her first Comrades in 2010 as a challenge and has never stopped competing.
“I have always been a sporty person from my school days. When I finished police college, I began running 21km and 10kms, that’s when I enlisted with the SAP Striders team,” said Squires.
She read a short poem by Kalvin Benally which read: Running clears all my emotions. It clears my mind from a bad day. It builds up my confidence and makes my body feel good, and immediately realised that’s exactly how she feels about running too.
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More than a hobby
She said said she will definitely compete in the Comrades Marathon again next year. Her aim is to always finish without any injuries but mainly just to take in the atmosphere, comradrie and and spirit of Ubuntu the event encompasses. “It’s an amazing experience,” said Squires.
Keeping fit
“I keep fit by running nearly everyday. I also do cycling, loves walking on the beach front and every now and then I pop in at the gym,” said Squires.
She also maintains a nutritious diet by eating lots of fruit and plenty of water.
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Family life
Squires is married to Iain (also a policeman at Durban Central crime prevention). He is a keen cyclist and cycles for the SAP mountain bike team. They have a 14 year old son, Josh and live in Westville.
She said she tries to keep a balance with her police work, family and personal interests but gives thanks to her biggest supporters – her son and husband as well as her station commander, Col Zwelakhe Zondi, who has always encouraged good sportsmanship.
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