TIME TO PLAY CATCH …
Twice this month I realised my competitive edge is still alive and kicking . Earlier this month , while out on my morning training run , I see another runner approximately 100m ahead on the opposite side of the double road I ’ m running down . Aaaaaah , he ’ s heading in the same direction , my mind goes into ‘ I can beat him ’ mode . So I up the pace , manage to overtake him while trying to look like I ’ m out on a morning stroll , and I managed to maintain the pace , not wanting to be retaken .
This morning ’ s run , while I planned an easy training run , approximately halfway through , another runner appears about 150m ahead of me heading in the same direction ... I shift gears and the race is on ! I managed to overtake , but he wasn ’ t giving up , so I shift gears again . Now I need to maintain this thigh-burning pace for the second half , not willing to be beaten . End result , the best pace run in over a year , and two runners that lost a race without them knowing they were in one ! – Renee Landman , Ellisras
I think we all do this at least once in our running careers . My favourite ‘ incentive ’ was always to try catch my clubmates in races – our distinctive red and white colours made it easy to spot a clubmate ahead , and that motivated me to keep pushing . – Ed .
MISSING THOSE UNFORGETTABLE RACES …
So what have I missed during this Covid period ... The cold start at the Eerste River 15km , the sound of Chariots of Fire at Comrades , the heavy breathing going up Red Hill at John Korasie , the sandy section at the Mitchells Plain Titans Half Marathon , the afternoon drive to the Dan Luyt 15km , the never-ending hills at Hohenhort , the reading of the Roll of Honour at Runner ’ s Memorial on New Year ’ s Eve , and most importantly , I miss the energy , smiles and good vibes from all the runners at races around Cape Town .
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy ! – AJ Spieringshoek , Cape Town
As I read your list of memorable races , most brought back memories for me as well – especially that cold start at the Eerste River 15km . Don ’ t think I have ever had such cold fingers as at that race ! Looking forward to making more race memories in the near future . – Ed .
MEDALS AND MEMORIES …
While looking for something else today , I found something awesome : My medal from my first ever marathon , the Winelands 2006 . And next to it , the last time I ever ran that race in 2010 – emigrated four months after that . I have run many marathons since then , but the Winelands Marathon will always be special . It ’ s a race I will never forget , a memory I relive every time I cross the finish line . And yes , the medals are still safe in their little packets , even if a little sun-faded . I mean , 2006 was a looonnng time ago ! – Angela Ross-Innes , Dublin , Ireland
That first marathon always stays with you , because it is such a momentous achievement for any runner . I still remember mine clearly , on the old Cape Town Marathon course that went over De Waal Drive . Now that was some climb ! – Ed .
TIME TO SLOW DOWN AND LOOK UP …
This is a pic of me taken on Helderberg West Peak , near Somerset West , where I am a proud monitor of our mountain in the Helderberg Nature Reserve . I ’ m trying to express something that has been on my mind for a while .
I love my sport . I loved my time as boxer , seriously testing my grit , strength , skill and fitness in ways only a boxer will understand . I love CrossFit for the excellent training , for the community , and for how strong it makes you , and how good you can look . I love running , particularly trail running . I love my crew @ runhelderberg , but also all the others . Trail runners are cool people .
But I don ’ t love the pressure . I put it on myself , but I also feel it from those around me . I don ’ t love that if you don ’ t run 50km-plus races , you ’ re just not so cool . I don ’ t love that if you don ’ t run in snow and rain and extreme weather , you can ’ t think of yourself as a ‘ real ’ trail runner , because trail runners chase adventures . I don ’ t love that you ‘ race ’ through a race without looking up , too scared to stop and enjoy the view , because you might lose a minute of your time .
Going forward , I am making myself a promise to enjoy myself more , to stop giving a shit about being last , about being slow , about not enjoying the cold . I am a trail runner . Passionately . – Frances Fuchs , Somerset West
I made the decision to become a back-of-pack social runner after just six months of running ( and a string of PBs ), when I realised how much I enjoyed a good chat while running . That was when I was 19 . I ’ m now 45 , so I ’ ve had a hell of a lot of great chats out on the road and trails . I can barely remember my PBs , but I remember the chats , stunning views , friendships , hugs , laughter , fun and enjoyment . Each to their own , but I am glad I don ’ t have that competitive streak you are referring to . And welcome to the stop and enjoy the view crowd ! – Ed .
Images : Courtesy AJ Spieringshoek , Angela Ross-Innes , Frances Fuchs & Renee Landman
10 ISSUE 141 MAY 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za