Amanzimtoti couple notch up 150 parkruns on journey to healthier lifestyle

LOCAL couple, Ryno (33) and Madelein Nothnagel (33) completed their 100th and 50th respective Amanzimtoti parkruns on Saturday, 7 October.
The fitness fanatics shared how running the free 5km fun run weekly has improved their lives in countless ways.

The couple now run the Amanzimtoti parkrun religiously every Saturday.

“My husband joined the parkrun in July 2015 to get fit and lose weight. He has since lost 33kgs,” said Madelein. “Since his first parkrun, he has run five marathons, 10 half marathons, one Two Oceans Ultra and even the Comrades Marathon. It all started with the parkrun.”

Madelein explained that she started taking part in June 2016, in the hope of catching her husband. “I haven’t been able to catch him as yet, but I’m getting there and running my first half marathon at the Goss and Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon on Sunday, 29 October.”

Incase you missed this: Toti takes on 100th parkrun

Madelein describes parkrun as ‘food for the soul’ – a refreshing way to start your weekend. “Running alongside the shoreline every Saturday morning is so relaxing but depending on the tide, serves as challenge,” she said.

The couple’s daughter (6) and son (4) tackle the parkrun alongside their inspirational parents. However, being so young, they only run 2.5km of the fun run, where by then, their father is finished and takes care of them.

The couple admitted they weren’t always so health-conscious.

“Ryno was overweight and had medical issues, which are now all gone since he lost weight and began following an active lifestyle. While I’m still overweight, the journey of working on my health has provided much fun and enjoyment. Parkrun is contributing to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. More importantly, we want to set an example for our children, so they don’t have to struggle with their health one day.”

The couple admitted the weekly run has become a huge part of their lives. Weekends and holidays are planned around it.

“If we go away for a weekend, we make sure we are close to a parkrun venue. We have run the Uvongo and Bronberrik parkruns. Our families are inspired by our participation too. My mother (59) recently joined us and has been running religiously every Saturday.

Madelein says those who are interested should ‘just do it’. “I was on the fence for a year and can kick myself for taking so long,” she admitted. “You can do so much more than you give yourself credit for. The parkrun community is welcoming and encouraging to young and old.

Chantelle Webber, who heads the Amanzimtoti parkrun, has become a friend and together with a group of women, we run during the week and Sundays too, not just at parkrun. The running community is so supporting regardless of your speed or experience. Come and join, you will feel self-accomplished and make new friends.”

The Amanzimtoti parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 8am, from the grass patch below Spur on Toti main beach.