Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 118, May 2019

PACESETTERS Mindlo Mdhluli Buks van Heerden KwaZulu-Natal Pace Setters Gauteng Pace Setters Mindlo’s passion for pacesetting started early in his running career out of his own reliance on buses to finish races. It was only a matter of time before he had the courage to start driving his own buses. In addition, to being pacesetting co-ordinator in Gauteng and overseeing several other regions, Buks helps to co-ordinate the official Comrades Marathon Pacesetters in conjunction with Modern Athlete magazine. 1. How did you get into running? After a Health scare back in 2014 where I was hospitalised a few times, I was advised by my doctor to get active and lose weight. Realising that I had no other choice, I signed up for my local parkrun. I really enjoyed it, and before I knew it, I was running my first half marathon. I have never looked back from then. 1. How did you get into running? After a shooting incident in 1991, when I was shot five times at close range, my doctors told me that I could not continue with contact sport. I had been an amateur wrestler since I was 11 years old, and I had used cross country and long distance track to keep fit for wrestling, so running became the obvious choice for me. I had always wanted to run the Comrades, so in 1996 I set my New Year’s Resolution to run it. 2. What led you to pacesetting? I’m a people’s person, you will always find me chatting to people on the road, because it keeps things interesting. So when I started running, I always ran in buses. After running with Buks at the Birchwood Half Marathon, it was such a great experience, and the thought occurred to me, maybe I can also lead people. 2. What led you to pacesetting? I started pacing early in my running career, although I didn’t carry the traditional flag back then, I just ran a certain pace to help fellow runners. I officially started pacing at the Jackie Gibson Marathon, when I heard that Johan van Tonder needed runners to help pace. The only slot left was the 4:30 bus, which I took, and after that I was hooked! 3. What does it take to be a good pacesetter? You need to have the heart for it and be a people’s person. Of course, you need to keep fit for the distances you are running, and be capable of comfortably running the times that you want to lead people to. 3. What does it take to be a good pacesetter You must always consider the needs of others before yourself, because it is all about running to help others. It obviously helps if the pacesetter is a good communicator, who can entertain the group and keep everyone focused on the game-plan without them realising the amount of work it takes to get the job done. Also, a good pacesetter always remains humble, and follows all rules set by the organisers or ASA. 4. What has been your most challenging run as a pacesetter? My first ever Comrades qualifier back in 2017 at the Kaapsehoop Marathon, when I paced the sub-5:00 bus. I had never paced that distance and time before, but I did it because I love bringing runners home. I was nervous during the race, but I had to keep a straight face and motivate the runners following me, and I got them in safely with five minutes to spare. 4. What has been your most challenging run as a pacesetter? Having paced around 300 buses, there are many days when things did not go to plan, but if I had to choose one event that has challenged me the most, it would be the Om die Dam Ultra. On the other hand, the most rewarding bus to lead has always been Comrades, with many friendships built over the day. The 12-hour bus starts in the dark and finishes in the dark, but it is such a “wow moment” when you enter that stadium! 5. What motivates you to keep pacesetting? The joy of seeing people achieve their running goals, some of these experiences are life-changing for the runners, and for me, so I’m happy to have been part of their journey. 6. Advice for those who want to become pacesetters? Summon up the courage to take that flag and lead your fellow runners, because we all learn on the job (on the road) and things get better after every run. Most importantly, it’s all about the runners that you are leading, do your best to make their race a memorable one. Pacing changes lives. 5. What motivates you to keep pacesetting? When you run in a bus, there are no titles, no status, only a group of people with one goal. It is so rewarding and motivating to help others reach their dreams, goals and ambitions, building one nation through sport! If you would like to know more about becoming a pacesetter, you can contact your nearest pacesetting organisation via one of these Facebook groups: • • • Western Province Pace Setters https://www.facebook.com/groups/314436651950192 Gauteng Pace Setters (GPS) https://www.facebook.com/Gauteng-Pace-Setters-GPS-1205368806168863 Kwazulu Natal Pace Setters (KZNPS) https://www.facebook.com/Kwazulu-Natal-Pace-Setters- KZNPS-225009847902692/ #FromStartToFinish 47

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 118, May 2019 | Page 47