THE ED ’ S DESK by SEAN FALCONER
Looking for a Good View the ed ’ s desk
In the past few weeks , I have to admit that I just haven ’ t felt much like running . This is mainly due to the pinched nerve I have between my C5 and C6 vertebrae ( I ’ m getting older , apparently ), which is causing a bit of pain and discomfort in my shoulders and arms . and This makes running a wee bit uncomfortable , but I ’ ve also been finding the start of the year rather busy . |
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if I succeeded . You must understand , it ’ s going to take a huge effort to change a lifetime habit of being a ‘ nightowl ,’ who doesn ’ t particularly like early morning starts , but I will keep in mind that when the races do eventually come back , I will be halfway there already , having gotten used to getting up early . At least , that ’ s what I am going to keep telling myself when I want to hit that snooze button . Again .
We hiked up the two peaks with informal groups led by Randall April ( www . capershikes . com or Facebook ), and it was the breath of fresh air I really needed . Randall is also a runner , and it was great to share the trails and a chat with him , plus we met several really great people as we just took in the grandeur of the Cape mountains and oceans . Truly a privilege , and I look forward to more great hikes this year .
Many days I have found myself too busy , or too tired , to fit in an evening run , to the extent that I have actually been playing with the idea of swapping to morning runs . But that is no small decision for somebody that has been a confirmed evening runner for 27 years . Making that change would be like a confirmed bachelor moving in with his partner after many years of living alone …
Oh wait , I did exactly that just over a year ago , with Nicole , plus the two dogs , and the cat that later joined the family , and I have absolutely loved this new life . In spite of COVID , lockdown and the running industry going into long-term hibernation , this past year has been brilliant . So change has been good for me . As good as a holiday !
Getting Out and About
OK , I have convinced myself … it ’ s time to try something new in my running career , too . Next week I am going to try a few morning runs , and I will report back next month
On a related note , Nicole did manage to pry me away from my laptop a few times in recent weeks for some much-needed fresh air and exercise . Running was not high on my priority list yet , due to the aforementioned arm issue ( the meds are helping ), but I was up for a hike , so she signed us up to climb Perdekop near Franschhoek , followed two weeks later by Noordhoek Peak , overlooking Hout Bay . Talk about stunning views !
Time for a Good Read
And so on to this month ’ s edition . Two stories that stand out are those of elite ultramarathoner Ntombesintu Mfunzi , who has used running to help her overcome the trauma of being raped , and Nicholas Quenet , who saw his blossoming career as an elite triathlete put on hold while he tried to sort out a heart condition ! Also look out for part 2 of our series on Green Runners , the eco-warriors doing so much to help protect and conserve the natural environment , as well inspirational features on race walker / wine fundi Denzel Swarts and the Skyrun experience of Ed Jardim and Riaan Barnard .
As always , hope you enjoy the read , and then feel inspired to lace up those running shoes and head out for a run !
Sean Falconer
Images : Nicole Hayes & courtesy Sean Falconer
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4 ISSUE 138 FEBRUARY 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za