Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 118, May 2019 | Page 26

ROAD RUNNING line, she was very emotional. “I had to pinch myself, because it was such a long build-up, with many months of training and hours spent visualising each part of the race. But you could not wipe the smile off my face. I knew the course would be tough, especially as the hills are at a point in the race when you’re pretty exhausted. It was also really hot, which I think contributed to it being harder than usual. Considering that last year at Boston it was freezing, this year I somehow managed to get sunburnt, even after the start was in pouring rain and windy conditions.” “The crowds were like no other I have ever experienced. It was truly special to see. I was in tears at some points in the race due to pure elation from the crowds cheering your name and wanting to give you high fives. The volunteers that stood in the pouring rain in the morning, as well as the ones handing out medals to the finishers were all heroes. It was a day of togetherness and showed a real sense of community in Boston. As soon as I crossed the finish line I knew that I would be back in Boston next year.” side successfully. I told myself that I wanted to do that race one day.” support and encouragement from friends in the Cape Town running community, Ayesha knew it was time. Having fallen in love with running, Ayesha put everything into her training. She says her dad is as big a supporter of her running as the rest of the family, and he used to slash out a cross country course for her with his tractor on the farm, so that she could train on school holidays. “My siblings and parents have been fantastic in their support of my running dreams, and I love them all for it,” she says. She managed to get an entry for Boston on her first attempt, but knew that she had to make sacrifices in order to qualify and get race ready. “It was hard, but I was prepared. I ate well and had no alcohol. I hardly went out or saw any of my friends in evening settings during the months of training, because I would always have to get up early the next day, or wanted to get eight hours of sleep. I was tired a lot, and always hungry. Some of my friends understood, but some didn’t. They even told me that I was boring, but I didn’t care. I had one thing on my mind and that was Boston. I knew what it would take to achieve what I wanted out of the race. No short-cuts.” “The idea of doing Boston stayed at the back of my mind for years, but it wasn’t until I made Cape Town my home and started doing marathons, that I seriously considered entering it. The running scene here is something special. You’ll always find a pal when you need someone to boost your mood, encourage you not to quit or just tell you to keep going – and to follow your dreams.” Last year, with Emotional Day With butterflies in her stomach, Ayesha set off on her date with destiny, and walking to the Boston start With her sub-3:30 finish time, Ayesha has re-qualified for a spot at next year’s race, and she says she can’t wait to do it all again. “Maybe I can bring along some of my running buddies next year. It is so worth it. And after experiencing this race, I would love to do the Big 6 Marathons. I also have a few other bucket list races and adventures I would love to do, including a few ultra trail races.” In for the Long Run Ayesha loves everything about running, and this Aussie with an African heart is happiest on a long run, with nothing but the empty road ahead of her. “I like to hear my breathing and feel my feet on the road – no music for me, just the sounds around me. I usually have a few positive affirmations that I repeat to myself when the going gets tough. I tell myself to keep going, don’t give up, that you’ve got this. Meb Keflezighi has a great quote which I have connected to: ‘Celebrate every personal best and see each of them as a link to an even better future.’ I certainly intend to do that with every step I take, because you really can do anything that you put your mind to.” Ayesha in action at the 2018 Two Oceans Marathon with clubmates Mark Wagenheim and Rianda Gilliland 26 ISSUE 118 MAY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za