Marathon Plans
Positivity is Vital
ROAD RUNNING
Coreen before another training run with the Jeppe Quondam crew
My doctor told me I needed to get moving as soon as I could , as I needed to get the blood flowing again properly throughout my body , but I still had to take it easy . As important as rest was , lying in bed the whole day would just cause more muscle deterioration , so I walked every day with the physios , and on the days at home in between the three hospital visits , I would walk every day with my Dad and Mom . The walks were short , initially , as I was still very sore and uncomfortable , but I knew that getting out of bed and taking those steps meant I was that bit closer to a full recovery .
Due to having my liver bile ducts ( PTC ) drain in until March 2022 , exercising and moving around vigorously wasn ’ t on the cards just yet , but in April 2022 , once it was removed , I could start going to the gym again . I was doing a little bit of weight training and then slowly started running again . It was great to be feeling stronger , and able to exercise again , without feeling absolutely shattered afterwards . On the down side , in November 2022 , my bile ducts shrunk again and I had the PTC drain re-inserted until February 2023 , but on the upside , in December 2022 , I met Joshua , the man that now has my heart . I still had my drain in , and he went out of his way to make me feel comfortable and safe around him . He is my biggest supporter , and an amazing man to share my life with .
Marathon Plans
I started running again in November 2023 , after being gently reminded by Prof . Muhamed that we had a date for the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon . I sent him an e-mail in February 2024 and told him that I ’ m ready to do this , and we can set our date for 2025 .
Initially , my training was quite inconsistent , but I kept at it and duly ran the Jeppe 10km race that February , the Edenvale 15km in March , and the MiWay Wally Hayward 21km in May .
I then decided to join the Jeppe Quondam Running Club , as I needed some back-up and motivation to train through winter if I planned to run the Two Oceans Ultra in 2025 . It was the best decision I have made for my running , and for my health . We train four to five times per week , and the people in the club are what keep me coming back . I shared my story with the group ’ s captain , Desiree Gaddie , and she said , “ Coreen , I will get you to Two Oceans .” She has certainly helped me to continue to make it happen .
I entered the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and was prepping for it with the club . I battled with a few injuries along the way , but on Sunday 20 October , I made history for myself as I ran my first ever marathon , with my family waiting for me at the finish line and cheering me home . I ensured that I stayed hydrated and ate enough on route – the liver is the first organ to take a knock with dehydration , so I am very strict with myself about staying hydrated , but overall , it was the most exhilarating experience !
Whilst running the race , I kept thinking about Morgan , and what his gift of life has truly given me . I am now able to do not just short runs , but full-on marathons ! I am beyond proud and excited , but emotional at times , too , about what my body can now do , and how far I have come . The training for Two Oceans next April will kick-start soon , and my focus will shift to that , but right now I am just enjoying the feeling of finishing my first marathon .
Positivity is Vital
I have found that one ’ s outlook on life is everything . Life is going to throw you curveballs , but you have to pick yourself up and keep going . The only person that can hold you back in your life is you . You need to stay strong , and believe with every fibre of your being that there is something amazing waiting on the other side . Also , hold onto those that stick with you through the tough times – that is your tribe , and we need these people in our lives . I believe that every little thing is something that needs to be celebrated , and something you should be grateful for , because despite all the hardships in life , there is always something good around us each day .
Thumbs up for the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra in 2025
Images : Courtesy Coreen Walstra
Selfie with Jeppe clubmates before the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon start
With her two favourite guys , boyfriend Joshua and donor friend Morgan
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