TRAIL RUNNING
Raring to Go Again
Alf the Bull Terrier started going to parkrun as a small puppy , and his home parkrun is Roodepoort , but he has completed many other parkruns . Saturday is always his favourite day , seeing his people in their running shoes , and he does a dance of joy waiting to get into the car to leave .
The Barkrunners
With many parkrun venues across South Africa being dog-friendly , it isn ’ t just people who get out and enjoy the trail each week . There are also many ‘ barkrunners ’ who look forward to their weekly exercise , as these proud owners can tell us .
Keeping Up with My Bestie
34
We needed a friend for our young St Bernard , Ben , and I was looking for a new running partner , so I started researching dogs that love running . I found Dobby , a year-old German Shorthaired Pointer , and when I pulled out the money they had advertised her for , they said , “ No , just take her .” I should have known … because she is crazy . For running ! My husband says most of the time her expression looks comatose , except when she is running . Then her smile is from ear to ear .
And when I take her to parkrun , she cannot contain herself at the briefing – she clearly doesn ’ t understand why we all just stand around waiting for the start , when we could already be running . I have to walk her away from everyone , as it becomes a noisy affair . Then about 30 seconds before 8am , I rejoin the crowd and we set off . She barks as if she is on a hunt for the first couple of hundred metres , but once the initial excitement has settled , she ’ s on a mission to win – and I really have to run to keep up ! - Carmen Walker Campbell , Johannesburg
Staying Motivated Together
My dog Heidi and I really love running the ( not ) parkruns during lockdown . It really keeps you motivated every week to go run a few times a week to feel great and improve your time . Thank you ! - Riana Verster , via Facebook
ISSUE 134 OCTOBER 2020 / www . modernathlete . co . za
He has now completed over 100 parkruns , but it ’ s been a long time since Alf was able to go to a parkrun , and the effect has been huge . Alf has always loved the wind in his hair and the sun on his back , but ever since lockdown , he has been unable to experience his one true joy of parkrun ( other than napping on the beds and roast chicken ). The lockdown runs up and down the driveway with his Dad , Michael , could never measure up to the freedom of the wideopen space and endless possibility of a parkrun .
Although he ’ s coming out of lockdown a bit chunkier than he went in , Alf is ready and raring to go , and can ’ t wait for parkrun to start up again . – Charlotte Megannon , Johannesburg
Enjoying the Fresh Air
What a wonderful initiative ( not ) parkrun is . I have three routes that I use from my home , which I can do clockwise or anti-clockwise . When I run on my own , I strive for the elusive PB , but other times I walk the route with my wife , or take either my Jack Russell , Frank , or rescue dog , Bella , for a jog . They absolutely love it , while the ( not ) parkruns keep me out there enjoying the fresh air and keeping fit . I long for the ( real ) parkruns to return , but will no doubt continue doing ( not ) parkruns during the week ! Thanks for keeping us interested and running ! - Brian Alcock , Cape Town
New Friends with Guide Dogs
As I arrived at the Delta Park parkrun and walked through the parking lot , I was approached by an anxious Uber driver , who asked for my assistance . I followed him to his car , only to find a cheery lady getting out and unfolding a white cane . Yes , she was up for the parkrun today . We walked hand-in-hand to the start as Anel , my new parkrun friend , showed me how to assist by letting her hold my elbow for guidance . The awkwardness was soon gone , and we were up for a great walk .
But that was not my first parkrun friend . Prior to meeting Anel , I was standing at the start when another lady and her daughter joined our conversation , and I assumed she must be a friend of one of our growing group of friends . However , on questioning the group , no-one knew their names . It turned out that our new friends were Karen and her very courageous 10-year-old daughter Peyton , who also assist and walk with Gavin and his guide dog – and they were introduced to each other by Anel !
We now all have an active WhatsApp group , get together for coffee or breakfasts , have Christmas decorating days , and plan to have a braai soon . But most of all , it ’ s the giggles , laughs and jokes that we love to share . Going to parkrun is fun in the sun with some exercise for the dogs and us alike . Thank you , Delta parkrun , for getting us all together . – Pam Winstanley , Johannesburg
This article was originally published in the bi-weekly parkrun South Africa e-newsletter and is republished here with their permission . For more info on their weekly 5km runs all over the country , go to www . parkrun . co . za / events .
Images : Courtesy parkrun South Africa