TRACK & FIELD
48 Hours for Autism
Niel Thiart loves a challenge , especially if it entails running and pushing the boundaries , but even he was way out of his comfort zone when he tackled a 48-hour track run in Pretoria at the end of August . Running to create awareness for autism , he had to dig deep to make it to the finish line . – BY WILHELM DE SWARDT & SEAN FALCONER
Blistered and bruised , but happy . That is how
Niel Thiart of the Bestmed Athletics Club described his physical and mental state when he finally stopped circling the TuksAthletics track in Pretoria on the morning of Sunday 23 August . After 48 hours of near non-stop running , he had just reason to feel it was mission accomplished ... After all , he had lapped the track 598 times to cover 239km , and raised awareness for a good cause .
Niel ’ s main aim with the run was to create awareness of autism and raise funds for the Els for Autism SA Foundation , started by golfer Ernie Els . He had already raised a few thousand Rands for the foundation earlier this year , when he ran the Race the Comrades Legends virtual run in June . Of course , it could be argued that there are easier ways to make a difference in people ’ s lives , but Niel is not one to go for the soft options , and he had to overcome a number of challenges during this run . track . “ I last ran on a track when I was 16 , which is 33 years ago . What makes track running challenging is that there is never any respite . When on the road , you get a slight breather when going downhill . On the track , the same muscles get to work for every step of the way .”
Running In the Zone
Niel is the first to admit that he is no superathlete , but he can ’ t resist a good challenge , and enjoys getting to know what the human body is capable of . “ My best quality as a runner is having the mindset of a donkey , being able to slog it out kilometre after kilometre , never giving in to the temptation to quit .” He has also proven himself to be a tough runner , one who is able to run through the pain . For example , earlier this year , after 90km of a 100-miler race , he sustained an ankle injury , but he kept on running .
It boils down to mind over matter , says Niel . “ One of the most fantastic experiences of running is when you get to a stage when you are zoned out . You are only aware of your heartbeat , your breathing , and the sound of your feet on the tar . It is as if you can go on forever . There have been times when I have been ‘ in the zone ’ for hours , but it felt like mere minutes .” Going into the 48-hour challenge , Niel knew that he would have to be ‘ in the zone ,’ as there is no getting away from the fact that going around and around the track is monotonous . To combat this , he decided to change direction every few hours .
Inspired to Continue
In spite of the swollen foot slowing him down , Niel persevered to keep going for the full 48 hours , bar a short rest here and there . He says what really helped him to stay motivated and focussed was the friends who braved the cold nights to run along with him , while entertaining him with their jokes , stories and philosophical wisdom .
Another who took some time off to run with Niel was former middle-distance star Henning Gericke , one of South Africa ’ s foremost sports psychologists and the man who played an instrumental role in helping the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup in 2007 . He admitted afterwards to being inspired by Niel ’ s courage and determination . “ I don ’ t think many realise what an achievement it is to run 48 hours nonstop .”
Looking ahead , Niel says this will not be the last time that he tackles a running challenge and pushes his own boundaries . He is already contemplating a run from Pretoria to Durban , or from Pretoria to Cape Town , and he says he may even slog it out on the track again for another 48 hours . “ I am prepared to do anything if it means I can create awareness for autism . All of us have particular talents , and I believe it is essential to use one ’ s skills for the betterment of society . I can only hope that my effort has inspired a few people .”
He started at 9am on the Friday morning , and during his 48-hour run , he only slept for a total of 90 minutes . On the Saturday , after running about 150km , his left foot was so badly swollen that he needed a massage to reduce the swelling , and then still had to hobble along shoeless for some time . Also , the weather did not make things any easier . During the day , he says the sun sapped his energy , while at night , it felt as if he “ was slowly being frozen out on the track .”
Still like the bunny in the Duracell advertisements , he kept going and going . According to Niel , what he found the most challenging was running hour after hour on the
Thanks to the University of Pretoria ( TuksSport ) for the basis of this article .
Images : Reg Caldecott
36 ISSUE 133 SEPTEMBER 2020 / www . modernathlete . co . za