One misses the camaraderie of fellow runners when training alone.
Local marathon runner, Bernard van den Dool, says it has been hard not to train with other long distance athletes during the lockdown. “We influence and encourage each other and share tips on how to improve,” he says.
Bernard started running after joining RunWalkforLife when he was 35-years-old, but never took it seriously. “Nine years ago I decided on doing the Comrades. I thought I had it all under control for my first run, only to fall out at the 56km mark. It broke me, but it also built me in the best way. I am a determined person and when I commit to something, I give it everything.”
He says the Comrades has brought out the worst and best in him. “Three years ago, I was the first person to miss the cut off gun at the finish with 13 seconds. With 20 meters to go, I crashed. The following year I flew and cut off an hour and 25 minutes from my devastating up run two years before. Then last year I conquered the evasive up run and finished under 11 hours, receiving a bronze medal. It was and still is the most gratifying moment ever.”
Bernard says with the Comrades and so many other marathons cancelled or postponed, runners do not have a real goal in sight. It is however important to keep to a set training schedule.s. “Make your runs interesting and now with level 3, you can run at any time of the day. Longer runs are a huge bonus. Route changes offer more of a challenge and keep you moving. Running for me is the best stress reliever and I find that challenges at work are often resolved during this time on the road.”
READ MORE: TZANEEN MARATHON RUNNERS BRAVE THE COMRADES
Mental strength is the greatest gift any runner can have, he says. “To be able to bounce back from adversity such as injuries or disappointing runs is a huge plus. I have faced many, from an injury just before my second Comrades, to running my best time ever after breaking a rib and not training for 5 weeks then tapering for Comrades last year.”
He says to succeed one needs to keep visualising your end goal, see possible obstacles and scenarios and how you are going to overcome them. “Also be open to listen and learn from your running partners, not everything works for everyone and you will quickly learn what works for you and adapt to suit your style of running or your programme.
During lockdown he trained on the farm and was not able to run his usual routes. “I never thought I would ever say I missed running up Agatha, she is a hard taskmaster, but so good for training and building up stamina.”
