DIVISIONAL HEAD Richard Laskey richard @ modernathlete. co. za CONTENT MANAGER Roxanne Martin roxanne @ modernathlete. co. za

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR Sean Falconer seanf @ modernathlete. co. za DIGITAL EDITOR Keith Kennedy keith @ peaktiming. co. za DESIGNER Caroline Collings caroline. collings @ gmail. com

ADVERTISING SALES Richard Laskey 083 342 8200 / richard @ modernathlete. co. za

Not only did I feel it in my legs when I went running this past January, but I was also reminded of my lack of toning by my dear mother, who oh so diplomatically pointed out that I am wearing my middle-age spread well these days. Thanks, Mom … but that actually just motivated me still more to get my legs moving properly again, because I kicked off this year with a real hunger to get fit again. I don’ t really want to chase PBs or race anybody, but I would like to be able to run without needing quite so many walk breaks!

Therefore, I was pretty chuffed when Strava showed I had posted four sector PBs in a recent trail race. That particular route starts with pretty much solid climbing for the first 5km to 6km, and I was reduced to a fast walk several times, but apparently I went considerably faster than the previous outing there, so I am apparently doing OK with my training.

What made it easier for me was playing a mind game. As usual, I was the last person over the start line, because I like to take my time and start right at the back, then slowly work my way up the field, chatting to people as I go. This time I found myself counting the runners I passed, to motivate myself to keep going when I felt the need to walk, because I didn’ t want to subtract runners after working hard to pass and add them! I also found myself reciting silly little ditties, like one of those guys reading out Bingo or Lotto numbers, so that I would remember the count!

It’ s amazing how a wee bit of competitiveness keeps you going when you think your legs are done, and how doing calculations or thinking up silly rhymes can take your mind off your legs.

IN THE MAG

This edition once again brings you a unique mix of inspirational running people, from all the different running disciplines, including road running’ s Candyce Hall, recently crowned XTERRA Tri World Champ Brad Weiss, Trail’ s motivator extraordinaire Fareed Berhadien, and world class sprinting track star Akani Simbine. When you add all the other features, columns and regular sections, I believe this mag really does have something for everybody, and I trust you will enjoy the read.

Whether you’ re running to get back in shape( like me), training for a shorter distance PB attempt, or gearing up for a Comrades qualifier, these stories offer you a running fix that should whet your running appetite, and hopefully help you to get out there to chase your goals down. If so, I’ ll see you out there. I’ ll be the one counting the people I pass.

Follow me on Twitter: @ sean _ falconer | Follow the mag as well: @ modern _ athlete

SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION info @ modernathlete. co. za

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Regulars: Anel Oosthuizen, Blake Wilkins, Christine Peters, Derick Marcisz, Ernest Hobbs, Jeannie Jordaan, Lauren Smithers, Manfred Seidler, Norrie Williamson, PJ Moses, Ray Orchison, Reggie Hufkie, René Kalmer, Roxanne Martin, Sean Falconer, Tom Cottrell Guest Writers: Ben Samwell, Bobby D, Esmé Maré, Leonie Mollentze, Lizette Du Plessis, Pamela Woest, Steve Jackson, Trad Cruikshank, Zwe Mbuyazi

COVER IMAGE Jetline Action Photo

IMAGES Photo Agencies & Professional photographers: Chris Hitchcock, Fotolia, Greg Beadle, Jesse Peters / XTERRA Planet, Jetline Action Photo, Kevin Sawyer / Gameplan Media, Roger Sedres / ImageSA, Shawn Benjamin / Ark Images, Tobia Ginsberg Non-professional photographers: Fiona Tregenna, Janeane Watt, Sean Falconer, Tony Will Courtesy: AIMS, Anel Oosthuizen, Ben Samwell, Brooks, Cadyce Hall, Carey-Lea Tarboton, Discovery, Encyclopaedia Britannica. Faizel Kitching, Falke, Fareed Berhadien, Itheko Events, Katrina Muller, Lizette Du Plessis, Lucky Selowa, OMTOM, Pamela Woest, PJ Moses, Princess Mark, PUMA, René Kalmer, Rynardt van Rensburg, Shervin Niekerk, Steve Jackson, Sussie Mjwara, Trad Cruikshank, Whalers AC, and various Race Organisers

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Modern Athlete is accredited by the ABC with an average monthly circulation of 68,669( July – September 2017)