Kempton Park runner talks about his 10-year journey

Kempton Park resident Henry Jabulani Skosana never thought he would become a runner, but in 2014, a colleague’s encouragement sparked a journey that changed his life for the better.

Skhosana is a member of Runners of Hope and he spoke to the Kempton Express about his running journey.

“In 2014, just having turned 50, I realised I was growing bigger and bigger; like most men. It didn’t bother me until I realised my clothes weren’t fitting,” said Skosana.

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“So I bought bigger suits but realised the jackets did not fit well. It made me uncomfortable, considering that my work demanded that I wear a jacket.”

Skosana said one afternoon a colleague advised him to start running and to join him in the 15km Arwyp Race.
He said he did not want to join and gave him every reason why he should not.

“My colleague went out of his way to convince me to join him. That first race changed my life,“ said Skosana.

“The number of refreshments and the fellowship during the race was amazing. The week after my first race, I joined the team from Runners of Hope and I realised what real running was.”

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Skosana highlighted a few moments that stand out in his running career, such as his first run of 42km in Pretoria in a time of 4:17m and his qualification for his first Comrades marathon in 2018.

“I have since completed one Comrades up run and one down run. This year, I passed through a water point at the Comrades hosted by my own club,” said Skosana.

“Running is one sport that does not demand a lot. A regular balanced diet is sufficient for training.

“Race week will, of course, demand more protein for muscle durability and three days before, more carbs for energy,” added Skosana.

Skosana said he knows that when his body fails, his mind can carry him forward.

“One has to build new friendships in life to stay sane. Running forces one to make new friends. Lifestyle diseases are kept at bay with an active body.”

Skosana said now he doesn’t run because he feels like it; he runs because he has to.

“Consistency is the name of the game in running. My traditional family time now has to be shared with running. I do a certain number of marathons each season to stay fit,” he said.

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Skosana praised Runners of Hope coaches for their guidance.

“Discipline is key to any success. Do the sport you love while you have time and energy. Achievements and successes are more likely when you are still young. We do not do what we always love but what is necessary at any given point.”

Skosana said competing at the Comrades Marathon and sharing the same route with the greatest runners of the moment, including Tete Dijjana, Gerda Steyn, Edward Mothibi, Bongumusa Mthembu was one of the best moments in his life.

“It would be a great joy to leave a Green Number for my children and grandchildren, and this will be done by collecting ten medals,” he said.