Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 94, May 2017 | Page 8
Ma letters
Have YOUR
SAY
Got something on your mind that you want to share, a burning question you
want answered, or a good story to tell? Then send it to
[email protected].
(Note that these letters may have been shortened due to space limitations.)
WINNING LETTER
TRULY BITTEN BY THE RUNNING BUG
PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN
Three years ago, I moved city and was looking to join a local gym, just to maintain my
health and fitness. As we all know, gym fees are through the roof these days, but this
particular gym offered lower monthly fees if you happened to be part of a sports club.
A quick Google search revealed a running club close by, and a week later, I was part of
both the local gym and running club.
I had never been a serious runner, merely passed the odd afternoon with a casual jog
through the neighbourhood, hoping my base fitness would increase. That didn’t change
much, until I starting receiving regular e-mails and information about running from the
club, and the broad selection of races in the area. “Why not give it a go?’ I thought. Best.
Life. Decision. EVER!
Who knew how enjoyable running could be? It’s the most simple of sports, yet by far
the most rewarding. It’s you against yourself, and if you’re feeling competitive, against
the clock, too! You can be anywhere in the world, of any age, size, race or creed, in any
environment, at any time of the day, and just slip on your shoes and run, to escape the
busy day with the melodic thud of rubber on tar, heart pumping, sweat dripping. It’s so
unbelievably and incomparably satisfying! Having been an active runner for some 30 years, for once at the Pick
n Pay Marathon in Johannesburg I was a spectator, watching the
runners coming in. What I saw was something I have not realised as
I used to think I was ‘the man’ after my once-a-week 5km jog… Now I don’t feel my
body has even warmed up if I run anything less than 40 minutes! The only problem I
have now is that I go through running shoes a whole lot quicker! colours, races, religions and classes, standing together, cheering and
encouraging each other across the line, from the winners to the last
Lastly, thank you for such an
insightful and informative
magazine – it’s great to see
print media still going strong
in our online-savvy modern
world. Keep it up! – Fabio De
Dominicis, Cape Town
This is one of those letters that
can even motivate a running
magazine editor to down tools
and go for a run! – Ed.
8
ISSUE 94 MAY 2017 / www.modernathlete.co.za
There were runners and supporters from all the different backgrounds,
stragglers. We were all just runners with a common purpose, doing
what we love, together. It made me think what a wonderful country
we would have if everybody (including our political leaders) could
learn from this. I am proud to be able to call myself a South African
runner! – Frankie Hunt, Johannesburg
Some people say that some of the Big City Marathons overseas don’t
have as much vibe and camaraderie as SA races. – Ed.
RUN, ATHLETE, RUN!
I never ran. I just thought it’s too much hard work. I was always more
of a cyclist, but since the roads have become rather unsafe to cycle on,
I took up running. I started around the block, after which I felt I had
exercised really hard, as I would be drenched in sweat and out of breath.
Then the distance started to feel too short, so once a week I would run
2.5km down the road to the garage, drink some water and return. The
amount of times I ran this route gradually increased to three times a
week. Then I started looking out for races to take part in… first a 5km,
then a 10km, and soon after that I completed my first half marathon.
I started setting goals, to run a certain distance per week. Taking part
in races became fun instead of a burden, and I no longer thought to
A quick addition: I love what I call ‘runners’ wavelength,’ the moment you cross paths
with a fellow runner while out on a jog. You know exactly what they’re going through,
their emotions, the sacrifice they have made to get off the couch and give it a go, the
grimace on their face as they push the last kilometre… it may be a simple greeting
or smile, but it holds so
much mutual respect and
understanding. Let’s keep
encouraging each other!
a runner: The vibe right from the start of the event to when the last
runners came in was something to behold.