Athletes offer advice for Comrades
Review speaks to local runners about how they are preparing for this year's run that will start in Durban and end in Pietermaritzburg.
POLOKWANE – Thousands of athletes from around the world are preparing for the Comrades Marathon that will take place on May 31.
The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon run over a distance of approximately 90 km in KwaZulu-Natal.
The route differentiates between a “down run” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, and an “up run” from Durban to Pietermaritzburg every other year.
Review speaks to local runners about how they are preparing for this year’s run that will start in Durban and end in Pietermaritzburg.
Rufus Photo, who ended fifth in last year’s Comrades, says he is training hard for this year’s race. He wants to improve on last year’s performance and his plan is to win this gruelling race next year. Photo warns fellow athletes not to train on gravel roads to avoid injuries.
He says athletes should also guard against banned substances as it was possible to use these substances by accident and warns runners not to overdo the training in order to be in top shape on May 31.
Phuti Mohale says the importance of good running shoes cannot be overestimated. He says inappropriate running shoes can lead to injuries. “To run the Comrades requires a lot of preparation. It is important to drink enough water and other fluids to avoid dehydration when you run such a long distance. Take things slowly at first; don’t punish your body so much that you cannot finish the race,” he says.
Seasoned Comrades runner, Johan van der Merwe says intense training for the Comrades starts in March, which gives athletes about 12 weeks to focus on this race.
“January and February are more about getting into the rhythm of training and qualifying for the Comrades,” he says.
“Too much focus is put on the number of kilometres that athletes run per week when they train for the Comrades and not enough on training smart. Training smart means that you balance technique, style, endurance and the quality of your running with recovery. It is a holistic approach,” he explains.
Evah Ramashala, a local physiotherapist, says athletes must not push themselves too hard in the last few days before running the Comrades.
They must also consult with their physiotherapists to ensure that they are ready to compete.
“Physical training should also be complemented with logistics, nutrition, mental preparation and perfection of running skills,” is her advice.
