| COUCH POTATO TO 5KM
NEVER TOO LATE TO START !
I was never a fan of running , and I am still not a big fan of hills , but over time I have come to accept the challenge of both . – BY LISA MICHELLI MACKENZIE
It ’ s been a while since high school , but I can still remember my school ’ s motto : Perseverance Conquers . And that springs to mind when I think about my running career . Never in a million years did I think that I would ever become a runner , or even exercise for the enjoyment of it .
In Primary School , I remember athletics season , which was at the beginning of each year . We were told that it was compulsory to try all the various events out at least once . I was so bad at athletics that when we had to try out for high jump , I could not even get onto the mat , never mind over the pole ! I especially dreaded the running races , as I was the ‘ fat kid ’ that would come stone last , by a country mile . I absolutely hated and dreaded running . It would make me feel so tearful , humiliated and embarrassed . I would run around the hurdles instead of over … not a good picture .
I remember my friend , Tracy was a very fast runner . She would come first in all the sprints . I was so envious of her and wished that I could also be fast like her . One morning , we were on our way to run and she sensed my unhappiness about the situation . Her advice to me was to hold my fingers out straight and keep them together and to move my hands as fast as I could next to my side . That was her big secret to her speed . I was determined to try it out and , in my mind , I was going to win the race . Unfortunately for me , it did not work . I still came stone last … and probably looked ridiculous , too .
AN ACQUIRED TASTE
To this day , when I smell cut grass , I get butterflies in my stomach and feel anxious . It all reminds me of running and athletics season . But fast forward a few years into my 40 ’ s and I decided to take up running ! Was I crazy ? However , the nice thing about running as an adult is that it is more social , and no longer a race . You can go at any speed and still get a sense of enjoyment out of it . This is where parkruns have helped me so much , and others like me . No matter your age , you can complete a 5km parkrun , as a walk or jog , or aim for your own record time in a fast run . Parkruns are for everyone , and if you come in last there is no humiliation . You are only there for enjoyment , and competing with yourself .
Fortunately , there are parkruns all over South Africa to choose from , and an absolute favourite of mine is the Drumblade parkrun . It is run on an equestrian farm , and the scenery in the area is spectacular , especially in summer when all the aloes are flowering . This parkrun is small and intimate and feels like an outing with family . The volunteers are always friendly and make it a pleasant experience for all .
Most people that have run this parkrun will agree that “ Mount N ’ verest ” is their nemesis . Every week I contemplate how I am going to get over that darn thing – that hill is going to either make me or break me – and it has very much become a conversation starter for many runners on how best to tackle that hill . But it ’ s also a good excuse to stop and catch your breath while taking in the scenery , which is really worth your while .
So , all these years after school , I now love running , and I even begrudgingly enjoy the challenge of a hill . As I said , never in a million years did I think that I would ever become a runner , let alone enjoy it , but as I have learnt , it ’ s never too late to start !
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