Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 154 November 2022 | Page 6

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EDITOR ’ S PICK

BRILLIANT BEDFORDVIEW
On Sunday I ran the Boroughs of Bedfordview 15km race , put on by Bedfordview Athletics . It was a fabulous run , and I wanted to share just a few of the thoughts I had on the run :
1 . The Bedfordview Athletics marshals were absolutely fabulous and the friendliest marshals ever ! It makes the world of difference when you ’ re running and there are genuinely friendly and encouraging people along the route . Thanks guys , I ’ m not sure you know the impact you have . We all need cheerleaders in life who make the road just a little bit easier . Be a cheerleader !
2 . You cannot run in Bedfordview without having to overcome many ( MANY !) hills , but I learnt that in running , as in life , every uphill eventually leads to a downhill . When you put in the work to get up the hills in life , whether physical , spiritual or emotional , you will ultimately be rewarded .
3 . It was magnificent how little rubbish there was running through the suburban streets . It was hugely noticeable ! There are so many rubbish bins along the pavements , making it easier to dispose of stuff and keep the streets clean . However , the ultimate responsibility lies with the people actually using those bins . It doesn ’ t help having the bins if people are not going to use them - and clearly in Bedfordview , they use them .
It ’ s the same in life … it takes effort to get rid of and deal with the negative stuff in our lives . There are people around us wanting to help , but they can ’ t force you to “ use ” them
CAPTAIN ’ S RUN SELFIE …
Great excitement on our run the other morning when Siya is reversing out his driveway as we run past , stops and takes a selfie with the group . What a legend ! – Lee-ann Harris , Cape Town
The Springbok captain always comes across as a humble , down-to-earth and fun-loving guy , so this doesn ’ t surprise me in the least . Did you invite him to join the next training run ? – Ed .
The Pinelands crew and the Bok captain
Nicky van der Westhuizen
and accept their support . We are the ones who actually have to take that step , to reach out to people , to ask for help .
Running can be compared to life in so many different ways , and these were just a few I experienced during this race . – Nicky van der Westhuizen , Johannesburg
Firstly , kudos to the organisers for running a clean race ! Secondly , well said about life lessons through running ... I ’ ve said it myself many times that we learn more about ourselves every time we run . – Ed .
GOOD SHOES TAKE YOU GOOD PLACES …
I ’ m not entirely sure everyone would understand the affection one might hold for an old pair of running shoes , or the frizzle of excitement when slipping on a new pair . This is not like buying a new pair of slops or a cute pair of heels – worthy though these are of enjoyment in and of themselves .
Because a pair of running shoes are only changed after a longish period of time , the tread is marked with kilometres passed , the bond between owner and shoe patiently ( and sometimes painfully ) forged in the kilometres between start and finish , as well as in the training between goals .
Looking at my new shoes nestled in their box , the future is bright and beautiful , the possibilities endless . Yet I cradle my old pair and put them in a not-too-far-away spot , in the just-in-case-I-need-them corner . They are like slippers … a bit rank , but so precious . They carried me over finish lines I only dreamed of . They are hard to let go of .
Images : Courtesy Nicky van der Westhuizen , Lee-ann Harris , Taralyn Mclean , Aisha Abdulla , Eugene Lekay , Marelize Wilké , Hans Hugo
But these new shoes ... they are so gorgeous ! So shiny and new , the cushioning in the heel so luxurious it feels disloyal to compare to my old faithfuls . Where will these shoes take me ? What will I see , who will I
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