ROAD RUNNING
the age of 45 , I decided that I wanted to run the Comrades in 2021 , COVID-permitting , so I started working a lot more on my running , with some strength training . I researched more training techniques and invested in better running shoes and a smart watch . By November 2020 , it was apparent that Comrades 2021 wasn ’ t going to happen , but I carried on . I took part in more and more trail runs and hiking , and my road running pace and distance improved .
In February 2021 , I hit the wall mentally and emotionally . I hardly trained and lost a bit of my love for running . My chance at Comrades had moved to 2022 , but even then I wasn ’ t sure I wanted to run it . Then along came Akanani and the opportunity to be part of something truly amazing . I was very excited during the build-up to the run , but in October 2021 disaster struck … I picked up an ankle injury and barely trained , only doing two runs in a month . Definitely not ideal preparation , but I was committed and wanted to do it for the charities .
When the week arrived for our departure , I packed , and repacked , my luggage multiple times , as I had no idea what to take along for an event such as this ! Then meeting the entire team on 23 November was a nervous affair , as there were serious athletes in the group , but I soon learnt these are just ordinary folks , like myself . Still , I took so much inspiration from meeting someone like Hazel Moller , an absolute running legend !
Logistically , we had to endure quite a bit … early mornings , some serious KZN hills , terrible weather , and no hot water on occasion , but we were well looked after by the Akanani team , and the support vehicles on the routes were nothing short of amazing .
I had no real goals , as this was all a first for me – I just thought that if I could complete 20 to 25km each day and possibly get close to 100km , I would be happy . Prior to all of this , my longest ever run was a 26km trail . What did I eventually accomplish in four days of running ?
• Number of half marathons : 3
• Number of full marathons : 1
• Total run : 116.24km
My ankle flared up quite badly from all the running , and I also developed groin and hip flexor strains , but this experience has taught me that with the right mindset , training and preparation , you can achieve your goals . As I prepare to move back to KZN at the end of December 2021 , I now know that at the age of 47 , Comrades 2022 is a real possibility . And I ’ ll see you in 2022 , Akanani , when the # RunnersForChange take to the roads once again .
Akanani group pic at the finish
Well-earned medals !
Mzamo Caiphas
I am completely honoured to be given this opportunity to be part of the amazing group of Akanani . This run was for those that are not in a position to assist themselves .
Mzamo Caiphas
This is what I did in four days : Day 1 – 60km Day 2 – 44km Day 3 – 10km Day 4 – 50km Total run : 164km
Chantel , Mzamo , Hazel , Keshnie , Mluleki and Linda
Giving a big thank you to my teammates , I couldn ’ t have done it without them !
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