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EDITOR ’ S PICK
NO RACING ON SUNDAYS , PLEASE
In 2008 I migrated with a number of runners from the Comrades Marathon , following their decision to have the run on a Sunday , and now Two Oceans has followed the same route . Can we please be assured that we will revert back to the ‘ normal ’ calendar of a Saturday ultra once things are back to normal ? I have done nine Two Oceans ultras and my Blue Number is waiting . I am judging nobody who participates on the Sunday , as it is a highly personal decision , but a large silent minority ( including myself ) will not run next year . In the meantime , best wishes to all the 2022 runners . – Kobus Mentz , Potchefstroom
Chapman ’ s Peak Drive in the Two Oceans Marathon
I know that when the Comrades organisers were pressured to no longer hold their race on the 16 June public holiday , they faced a lot of opposition to closing down entire business areas on a Saturday , hence the decision to run on a Sunday instead . With this latest decision , the Two Oceans organisers have chosen a two-day race programme to get around COVID safety restrictions that limit overall numbers . I reckon that the Sunday race date for the Ultra will be widely welcomed by the city , especially business sectors
ESSENTIAL TRAIL ETIQUETTE …
I came across an individual smoking a cigarette on Table Mountain . I passed him , and when looking back , I saw that he threw it down on the trail . I later wanted to pass someone , but they didn ’ t hear me because they had earphones in . I also picked up some naartjie peels and a plastic bottle . All the above during a onehour run , and the latter was not an isolated incident , either .
They might seem insignificant , but they are perfect examples of uneducated trail users . This inspired the need to have a discussion around the fundamentals when heading out onto our beloved mountain trails . Thus , the birth of the Outdoor Education Hub initiative ( www . facebook . com / outdooreducationhub ). – Shafeeqah Gordon , Cape Town
It ’ s hard to believe that there are still people on this planet who throw lit cigarettes into the bushes on a
Shafeeqah and friends in the mountains mountain slope , but then , I also find it hard to believe that so many people still smoke , given what we now know about the dangers and side-effects of tobacco and smoking . – Ed .
THINGS WERE DIFFERENT BACK THEN …
Pre-2010 athletics was much simpler . Pre-2000 , and especially the 1980 ’ s , SA had its golden years , with magnificent performances and fields of depth on the road and on the track . Even worldwide , times were fast and fields of running had amazing depths . There were no gadgets like GPS watches , plates in shoes or aerodynamic clothing , and the closest average runners came to supplements was corn syrup ( which I tried once in a 10km race and never again ).
A written logbook was scientific enough . Running was simplicity personified , and either zen-like in its
affected by the road closures . We ’ ll have to see if the Sunday is retained after the COVID pandemic , but in the meantime , as you say , it is a personal decision whether to race on a Sunday or not , but – Ed .
loneliness , or joyful in its sharing with others . Pacing was almost never allowed and racing was pure and mental . It was uncomplicated , and you had runners and you had people that just wanted fitness , two different groups . One was found in races on the track and road , the other in gyms . Now they intermingle . – William Douglas , via Facebook
As part of my Journalism degree in 1997 , I researched and wrote a series of articles about the Running Boom years of the 1970s and 1980s . I poured through old mags and spoke to runners from that era , and still marvel at the incredible spirit of running back then … and I still find it mind-blowing that anything over three hours for a marathon was considered on the slow side . – Ed .
FEELING GRATEFUL …
What an experience walking about the revamped Nike football training centre in Soweto . The ever-evolving , innovative Nike brand has transformed the centre into a world class multi-sports centre . It has also created a safe space for female athletes to train in . Also , overwhelmed seeing a portrait of me in my youth , displayed within the centre , next to the legendary Josiah Thugwana ’ s portrait . Nike loyalty indeed … 37 years with this amazing brand . Thank you , Nike SA ! – Blanche Moila , Durban
Having known Blanche for many years , I know how humble and unassuming she truly is , but she really does deserve the recognition she receives , not just
Images : Tobias Ginsberg & courtesy Blanche Moila , Damian Will , Errol Yudelman , Kara Goucher , Newsport Media , Rhino Peak Challenge & Shafeeqah Gordon
6 ISSUE 146 NOVEMBER 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za