Clement Westley (36) is preparing for his very first Comrades Marathon.
“This will be my first attempt and I’m nervous.
“I’m aiming for a finish under 11 hours,” says Westley.
Doing the Comrades Marathon will be a big achievement for the Selection Park resident who is also a father of two and who only started running four years ago.
Also read: Runners gather for President’s Run before Comrades
Westley, whose main sport was cycling, was surprised by how difficult running was in the beginning.
“I thought it would be easy because I was already fit from cycling.
“As I discovered, you have to build your running muscles.
“I started doing parkruns of 5km and thought if I can do them then I can go bigger,” says Westley.
The longest distance Westley has run so far is 50 km and he is relishing the challenge of completing the Comrades.
This year’s race will be a down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban and will be slightly longer because of the new finish line at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Also read: Springs Striders receive awards for completing the Comrades Marathon
Westley describes training for the Comrades as a gradual process.
From March to April is when you should have your highest mileage and then taper down from May.
“It’s a balancing act, as I have a family and a business to run.
“Sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to run as it is not always easy, and that’s when it helps to have a club like Striders.
“Part of my preparation has been to speak to more experienced runners and listening to good advice and the greats,” says Westley.
“Finishing will be a celebration on its own.
“I’ll get some rest afterwards, but if there’s chocolate, I’m going to eat it,” says Westley.
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