MULTISPORT
Mindlo tackled the Two Oceans Marathon in 2016 , coming home in 6:55 , and in 2018 he stepped up to the Comrades Marathon , crossing the line in 11:52 . Then in April 2019 , he decided to add some travelling to his racing programme . “ I went overseas and ran the Vienna and Paris Marathons on consecutive weekends . I wanted to do something different and see a bit of the world , and I ’ ve now done more than 50 marathons and ultras , as well as more than 150 half marathons . I have also earned my permanent number in the 1000km Challenge . Running marathons and ultras has taught me that great things take time , that there are no shortcuts , and most importantly , that only the disciplined ones will make it . I have also learnt that every session takes you a step closer to your ultimate goal .”
READY TO SET THE PACE
Mindlo co-founded the KZN Pacesetters group with fellow pacesetter Joe Faber a few years ago . “ At that time , I lived in Joburg , but then moved to Pietermaritzburg to start a new job . I still did a lot of races up-country , often running with the Gauteng Pacesetters , and that ’ s how I met Joe at a race in Gauteng . We spoke about a plan to roll out pacesetting in KZN , and then start recruiting more pacesetters as we go . Joe is less vocal than me , and not as active online , but we were very much co-founders , and bring a balance to the mix . It started small and gradually built up as we both brought in our friends and running contacts , and eventually we had a core group of 13 pacers ,” says Mindlo .
Enjoying himself at the Tinman Duathlon
“ Of course , all our Pacesetting activities have been on hold due to COVID , as there have been no races , but the group has still been active and motivated , thanks to our WhatsApp group . I also spoke to Paul Murphy of the Western Province Pace Setters , and the guys in Gauteng , and we all agreed to stay in touch , because it took years to build up our various pacesetting groups , so we don ’ t want to start from scratch again when races start again . In the meantime , I am linked to my group of pacesetters on Strava , so I can see their running , and I know that most are currently pacing fit , despite there having been no races for so long . So , we ’ ll be ready to set the pace when the races do come back .”
“ I believe it is important not to step up too quickly , and to work through the levels from the Olympic distance , then half Ironman , to a full Ironman . “
Always a popular and inspirational pacesetter
Having finished the 5150 swim , Mindlo says he felt he had it in the bag
STILL ON THE BUCKET LIST
With his first half Ironman event now successfully ticked off , Mindlo is already thinking about stepping up another level , and thus he intends tackling a full Ironman in the near future , which would see him taking on a 3.8km swim , 180km ride and 42.2km run . “ The next Ironman SA is in November , which is too soon for me , so the earliest I will do a full Ironman will be in 2022 . I believe it is important not to step up too quickly , and to work through the levels from the Olympic distance , then half Ironman , to a full Ironman . Also , for me , multisport is not a once-off just to get a medal , I have committed to the sport in terms of buying all the equipment and investing in the training . You can ’ t go through that whole process and then just do one race . It requires a long-term commitment .”
Finisherpix , Instapix , Action Photo SA & courtesy Mindlo Mdhluli
58 ISSUE 145 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za