ROAD RUNNING
Henry ’ s Highlights
We selected a few extracts from the first 45 days of Henry Cock ’ s 133-day challenge to earn himself a Guinness World Record for most consecutive days completing a half marathon , while raising funds for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group ( SADAG ).
15 July – Run # 8
Sometimes you just need to enjoy the small victories and a dance at the top of every hill . Today we didn ’ t receive a donation until about 5pm . It ’ s weird how when I went to check before this post , I was a bit tired and flat , but seeing a donation had rolled in was enough to lift my spirits . Thanks to everyone out there who believes in this cause . It ’ s you guys who will help me get through this !
26 July – Run # 19
The last run in the teens was a tough one . We headed out toward Durban , and at about 6k ’ s I just hit a wall . But that ’ s what ’ s been great about these runs , people just chatting and hanging around and slowing down to help me through it got me back on my feet and to another day ticked off . My body is feeling super strong , though ! No major niggles at all , but a few jiggles from all the brownies I ’ ve been eating – but that is good for this kind of endurance , so I ’ ve been told .
8 July – Run # 1
Today I had the privilege of doing my first run with 6 x comrades runner Phumz . This man was an inspiration to run with - he was an entrepreneur that has been hit hard by COVID , and his business folded , but he ’ s a man with the warmest smile and the warmest heart and unbridled optimism . His talks about the area and how proud he is of his home were what got me through today ! An epic day out , and if the remainder of the trip is anything like this , it will only get better with each day !
20 July – Run # 13
All good things must come to an end ! Ballito , it ’ s been awesome , from watching you guys come together as a community during the looting and riots , to watching you guys rebuild . What an amazing part of the world that deceptively hides the equivalent elevation of Kilimanjaro . It ’ s been amazing to have met everyone and connected with old friends and have everyone welcome me to this part of the world !
28 July – Run # 21
I think it ’ s important that in every journey , the people who really help you get there are recognized . One of these is Rebecca Henderson , who today ran her 10th run with me . It ’ s a bit cheesy , I know , but to give her a ‘ green number ’ certificate ( sorry , Comrades Marathon , don ’ t sue me ) for running her 10th with me was the least I could give her for everything she ’ s done for me .
11 July – Run # 4
The run this afternoon was tough – changing the daily schedule and throwing in a dive didn ’ t help with freshness , so we got out late for a run , but it actually turned out to be the most rewarding run . The highlight of the day had to be the sunset - If it ’ s one thing I can say - South Africa has some of the most beautiful sunsets I ’ ve ever seen .
22 July – Run # 15
Down in Umhlanga - 316km in ( just over 10 %). It ’ s so inspiring when people come and run , and tell us their personal stories . It takes a lot of courage to come and tell people how you ’ re struggling – and it really touches me when people feel that they can tell me their stuff . Was really an inspiring run .
30 July – Run # 23
Today was a tough day out . We moved down to Amanzimtoti and spent the day running around the beachfront . My calf unfortunately blew and we ended up walking the last few km back . I ’ m hoping to be back up and running properly tomorrow . No fear though , I will be completing this if I have to walk it on crutches !
Images : Courtesy Henry Cock
20 ISSUE 144 AUGUST 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za