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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