‘Poo on your shoe’ and the things no one tells you when you run the Comrades

WHEN the gun is fired signalling the start of what is arguably the world’s greatest ultra-marathon, it is never just about the gruelling physical challenge.

For the almost 90km journey that ensues, the mental race kicks into gear, new friendships are formed instantaneously, camaraderie is fostered among runners and the playing fields are level for all.

This is the draw card that attracts thousands of runners globally to the legendary race including the Zululand Observer’s very own sub-editor Trish Winterboer who has successfully completed the ultimate marathon 12 times.

‘So many people are pushing their body to the limit. It is an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, shapes, sizes and nationalities all with the same goal of completing the race.’

But for Trish, who decided to take a break from the great race for the past two years, the Comrades is an experience that has both enriched and changed her life forever.

Running her first Comrades in 2005 during the 80th anniversary of the race, she was in awe of the magnificent sunrise as she ran down Polly Shortts.

But this picturesque setting also set the scene for her most funniest and embarrassing run – having to complete the Comrades with poo on her shoe after unknowingly standing in someone else’s mess after a quick toilet break.

During the next 11 years, she kept coming back because it became an annual life goal.

From daily 10km runs and longer routes during weekends to marathons, Trish’s hard work and disciplined lifestyle soon transformed her social running into a competitive sport.

One of the highlights of her career was running with her daughter in the 2008 up run and over the decade, she had the privilege of meeting countless international and local runners.

The #ComradesExpo is officially open! The early bird catches the worm, get down to the @DurbanICC to register for #Comrades2018 pic.twitter.com/0ENmMFK3vJ

— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 7, 2018

‘From the spectators who recognise you to countless unknown faces who shout out your name, these encourage you to continue the race.’

Her greatest challenge however was when she had to mentally overcome her own insecurities to complete a down run in her slowest sub 12-hour finish.

‘I remember feeling claustrophobic at the start and I battled along the way. At Hillcrest, I phoned my husband Bruce and asked him to fetch me. He told me he had a good parking at the stadium in Durban and would see me at the end.

For the next 6km I cried because no one loved me.

2 days to go! join us as we count the days left for the Comrades Marathon 2018. @ComradesRace @MMStadium @dbntourism @edtea_kzn @eThekwiniM #TKZNComrades #ExceptionalRoutesOfKZN #Comrades2018 #Countdown pic.twitter.com/UBmfdgw7lq

— Tourism KZN (@TourismKZN) June 7, 2018

‘Friends along the route refused to give me a lift to Durban, they knew I could do it. When I saw the sub 12-hour bus coming through, I fortunately spotted a friend in the group and we both helped each other to the end.’

Her best down-run Comrades was a sub 10-hour finish where with 15km to go, she ran her fastest and felt as ‘strong as a horse’ sprinting into the stadium.

But whether she’s finally ready to hang up her Comrades shoes remains to be seen.

Trish’s Comrades accessories:

Handkerchief

Packet with toilet paper

Rehydrate

R20 for a phone call or ice-cream

Two pain tablets

Comrades habits

‘I talk a lot when I run. The more I talk the faster I run.’

Most memorable running moment

‘Receiving my Green Number after completing my 10th Comrades run and then being able to start with all the other Green Number runners over the next two years.’

We wish Zululanders well in their quest for glory – you are all winners in our eyes!

Do you have a loved one or friend who will be participating this Sunday? Post your messages of support and encouragement on our Facebook page……

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